ULTIMATE SLOW COOKER BUTTER CHICKEN

I’ll never forget the first time I tasted authentic Indian Butter Chicken at a small family-owned restaurant. The rich, creamy sauce, the tender chicken, and the fragrant spices… it was pure culinary magic! I knew right then that I had to learn how to make it at home. And after years of tweaking and perfecting, I’ve created a version that’s not only incredibly delicious but also surprisingly easy, thanks to my trusty slow cooker. Today, I’m sharing all my secrets for the most amazing Best Slow Cooker Indian Butter Chicken you’ll ever make! This recipe is destined to become a new family favorite.

The Magic of Slow Cooker Butter Chicken

Let’s be honest, life gets busy. Between work, family, and everything else, sometimes the thought of spending hours in the kitchen is just…exhausting. That’s where the slow cooker comes to the rescue! It’s like having a personal chef who works all day while you’re out, delivering a restaurant-quality meal right to your table. And when that meal is Indian Butter Chicken, well, you’ve just won dinner.

This recipe for Best Slow Cooker Indian Butter Chicken is designed to be both incredibly flavorful and incredibly convenient. The slow cooker allows the chicken to become unbelievably tender and infuses it with the rich, complex flavors of the sauce. It’s the perfect hands-off meal for a weeknight or a relaxed weekend gathering. Forget takeout – this is better!

Why This Recipe Works

You might be wondering, “Can a slow cooker really replicate the authentic taste of Indian Butter Chicken?” The answer is a resounding YES! Here’s why this recipe is a winner:

• Low and Slow: Cooking the chicken on low heat for an extended period ensures that it’s incredibly tender and absorbs all the delicious flavors of the sauce.
• Layered Flavors: We build the flavor in stages, starting with aromatics and spices that bloom in the slow cooker, then adding richness and creaminess at the end.
• Simple Ingredients: You don’t need a pantry full of obscure ingredients to make this recipe. Most of the spices are readily available in your local grocery store.
• Customizable Spice Level: You control the heat! Adjust the amount of chili powder or cayenne pepper to suit your taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s gather our ingredients. Don’t be intimidated by the list – it’s mostly spices, and they all work together to create that authentic Butter Chicken flavor we all crave.

• Chicken: I prefer boneless, skinless chicken thighs for their rich flavor and tenderness, but chicken breasts will also work. About 2 pounds.
• Onion & Garlic: The foundation of any good sauce.
• Ginger & Garlic Paste: Fresh ginger and garlic paste is ideal, but you can use pre-made paste for convenience.
• Tomato Paste: Adds depth and richness to the sauce.
• Diced Tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes provide the base for the sauce.
• Heavy Cream: The key to that signature creamy texture.
• Butter: Because, well, it’s Butter Chicken!
• Spices: Garam masala, turmeric powder, chili powder (or cayenne pepper), cumin powder, coriander powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
• Sugar: Just a touch to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
• Fresh Cilantro: For garnish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Okay, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be enjoying the Best Slow Cooker Indian Butter Chicken in no time.

1. Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken thighs into 1-inch pieces. This helps them cook evenly and absorb the flavors of the sauce.
2. Sauté the Aromatics: In a skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and ginger paste and cook for another minute, until fragrant. The aroma should be intoxicating!
3. Bloom the Spices: Stir in the tomato paste, garam masala, turmeric powder, chili powder (or cayenne pepper), cumin powder, coriander powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the spices are fragrant. This “blooming” process releases the essential oils in the spices, enhancing their flavor.
4. Combine in the Slow Cooker: Transfer the sautéed mixture to your slow cooker. Add the diced tomatoes, sugar, and the chicken pieces. Stir to combine, ensuring the chicken is coated in the sauce.
5. Cook on Low: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be very tender and easily shredded with a fork.
6. Shred the Chicken: Use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker.
7. Add the Cream and Butter: Stir in the heavy cream and the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Cook for another 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce is heated through and slightly thickened. The sauce should be velvety smooth and incredibly rich.
8. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot over basmati rice or with naan bread.

Success Tips for Best Slow Cooker Indian Butter Chicken

Want to guarantee a perfect result every time? Here are my top tips for making the Best Slow Cooker Indian Butter Chicken:

• Don’t Skip the Sautéing Step: Sautéing the onions, garlic, and spices before adding them to the slow cooker is crucial for developing the flavor of the sauce. It’s a little extra effort, but it makes a huge difference.
• Adjust the Spice Level to Your Taste: If you’re sensitive to spice, start with a small amount of chili powder or cayenne pepper and add more to taste. Remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take it away!
• Use High-Quality Spices: Fresh, high-quality spices will make a world of difference in the flavor of your Butter Chicken. If your spices are old and stale, they won’t have the same potency.
• Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Overcooked chicken can become dry and tough. Check the chicken for doneness after 6 hours on low or 3 hours on high. It should be easily shredded with a fork.
• Finish with Fresh Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds a bright, refreshing note that perfectly complements the rich, creamy sauce. Don’t skip it!

Serving Suggestions

The Best Slow Cooker Indian Butter Chicken is delicious on its own, but it’s even better when served with the right accompaniments. Here are some of my favorite serving suggestions:

• Basmati Rice: Fluffy basmati rice is the perfect base for soaking up all that delicious sauce.
• Naan Bread: Warm, soft naan bread is essential for scooping up the chicken and sauce.
• Raita: A cooling yogurt-based sauce that helps balance the heat of the spices.
• Mango Chutney: Adds a sweet and tangy element to the meal.
• A Simple Salad: A fresh green salad provides a welcome contrast to the rich flavors of the Butter Chicken.

Variations and Substitutions

Want to customize your Best Slow Cooker Indian Butter Chicken? Here are a few variations and substitutions you can try:

• Vegetarian Butter Chicken: Substitute the chicken with paneer (Indian cheese) or chickpeas for a vegetarian version.
• Coconut Milk: Replace the heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free option. This will also add a subtle coconut flavor to the dish.
• Add Vegetables: Stir in some chopped vegetables, such as bell peppers, peas, or spinach, during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
• Smoked Paprika: Use smoked paprika instead of regular paprika for a smoky flavor.
• Lemon Juice: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end for a bright, zesty flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage Instructions

The Best Slow Cooker Indian Butter Chicken is a great make-ahead meal. You can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to cook, simply add the chicken to the slow cooker and follow the recipe instructions.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

You can also freeze the Best Slow Cooker Indian Butter Chicken for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Other Delicious Slow Cooker Recipes

If you love the convenience and flavor of slow cooker meals, you’ll definitely want to check out some of my other favorite recipes. For another comforting chicken dish, try my SMOTHERED CHICKEN. It’s pure comfort food! If you are looking for something with a sweet and savory flavor profile, you’ll adore my Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken. It’s a dump-and-go recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights. And for a quick weeknight meal be sure to check out my Slow Cooker Butter Chicken. If you love potatoes with chicken, I highly recommend my Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Potatoes – it’s a complete meal in one pot! Another fantastic chicken option is Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs. It’s another recipe where you just set it and forget it!

Recipe: Best Slow Cooker Indian Butter Chicken

Yields: 6-8 servings
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 6-8 hours on low, 3-4 hours on high

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 inch ginger, grated or 2 tbsp ginger garlic paste
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 4 tbsp butter, divided
• 2 tsp garam masala
• 1 tsp turmeric powder
• ½ tsp chili powder (or cayenne pepper), or to taste
• 1 tsp cumin powder
• 1 tsp coriander powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp salt, or to taste
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp sugar
• Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish

Equipment:

• Slow cooker
• Large skillet

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken thighs into 1-inch pieces.
2. Sauté the Aromatics: In a skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and ginger paste and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
3. Bloom the Spices: Stir in the tomato paste, garam masala, turmeric powder, chili powder (or cayenne pepper), cumin powder, coriander powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the spices are fragrant.
4. Combine in the Slow Cooker: Transfer the sautéed mixture to your slow cooker. Add the diced tomatoes, sugar, and the chicken pieces. Stir to combine, ensuring the chicken is coated in the sauce.
5. Cook on Low: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be very tender and easily shredded with a fork.
6. Shred the Chicken: Use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker.
7. Add the Cream and Butter: Stir in the heavy cream and the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Cook for another 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce is heated through and slightly thickened.
8. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot over basmati rice or with naan bread.

Enjoy Your Best Slow Cooker Indian Butter Chicken!

There you have it – the Best Slow Cooker Indian Butter Chicken recipe you’ll ever need! I truly believe this will become a staple in your kitchen. The ease, the incredible flavor, and the sheer comfort of this dish make it a winner every time. Don’t be surprised if your family starts requesting it every week! Happy cooking!