Go Back
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces - 1 tablespoon ghee (or unsalted butter) - 1 large onion, finely chopped - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated - 1 tablespoon garam masala - 2 teaspoons ground cumin - 1 teaspoon turmeric - 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust based on your spice preference) - 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce - 1 cup full-fat coconut milk (for an extra creamy texture) - 2 tablespoons brown sugar - Salt to taste - Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish The heart of butter chicken lies in its simple yet rich ingredients. The chicken thighs are tender and soak up all the flavors. Ghee gives a lovely buttery taste, making each bite divine. Aromatics like onion, garlic, and ginger form a fragrant base. Spices play a big role. Garam masala brings warmth, while cumin adds depth. Turmeric brightens the dish, and cayenne gives a kick. The tomato sauce and coconut milk create a creamy sauce that is hard to resist. Brown sugar balances the spices, rounding out the flavor. - Slow cooker - Large skillet - Cutting board and knife - Measuring cups and spoons Using the right tools makes cooking easier. A slow cooker perfectly blends flavors over time. A large skillet helps sauté the aromatics well. A cutting board and knife are essential for prepping chicken and veggies. Measuring cups and spoons ensure you get the right amounts of each ingredient. With these tools and ingredients, you can create a delicious slow cooker butter chicken that warms the heart and fills the belly. {{ingredient_image_2}} First, I heat 1 tablespoon of ghee in a large skillet over medium heat. Once it melts, I add 1 large finely chopped onion. I sauté the onion for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes soft. Next, I add 4 cloves of minced garlic and 1 tablespoon of grated ginger. I continue to cook this mix for 1-2 minutes until I smell that lovely aroma. After that, I sprinkle in the spices: 1 tablespoon of garam masala, 2 teaspoons of ground cumin, 1 teaspoon of turmeric, and 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper. I let these spices toast for about 1 minute while stirring constantly. Toasting brings out their full flavors, making the dish taste amazing. Next, I transfer the fragrant onion and spice mix into the slow cooker. I then add 1.5 lbs of boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces. It’s important to coat all the chicken with the spice mix for the best flavor. I pour in 1 (15 oz) can of tomato sauce and 1 cup of full-fat coconut milk. The coconut milk adds creaminess to the dish. Finally, I mix in 2 tablespoons of brown sugar and season with salt to taste. Gently stirring all the ingredients together ensures they blend well. I cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook. If I choose the low setting, I let it cook for 6-8 hours. On high, it takes about 3-4 hours. The key is to make sure the chicken becomes tender and fully cooked. Tender chicken makes each bite melt in your mouth. After cooking, I give the curry a good stir to mix everything. If needed, I adjust the seasoning for the perfect taste. To make your butter chicken shine, adjust the spice levels. If you want it milder, reduce the cayenne pepper. If you love heat, add more! Taste as you go. Using fresh ingredients makes a big difference. Fresh ginger and garlic add a bright flavor. Choose ripe tomatoes for the best sauce. You can also add fresh green chilies for a kick. For a creamy texture, use full-fat coconut milk. It makes the dish rich and smooth. If it seems too thin, cook it longer to thicken. To achieve your desired thickness, check the sauce before serving. If it’s too watery, let it cook with the lid off for a bit. This helps evaporate extra liquid and intensifies the flavors. Serving suggestions can elevate your dish. Pair the butter chicken with fluffy basmati rice or warm naan. This makes for a filling meal. For a beautiful finish, garnish with chopped cilantro. A lime wedge adds a pop of color and fresh flavor. Place everything in a shallow bowl for an inviting look. Enjoy! Pro Tips Marinate for Flavor: For an even richer flavor, marinate the chicken in yogurt and spices for a few hours or overnight before cooking. Adjust the Spice Level: Customize the heat by adjusting the amount of cayenne pepper. Start with less if you're unsure, and add more to taste. Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, use fresh ginger and garlic instead of powdered for a more vibrant and aromatic dish. Leftover Magic: This butter chicken tastes even better the next day! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. {{image_4}} You can switch up the chicken in butter chicken. Chicken thighs add flavor and tenderness. They soak up spices well. Chicken breast works too, but may be drier. For a vegetarian option, try paneer or chickpeas. Paneer gives a creamy texture, while chickpeas add protein and fiber. Both options make the dish rich and satisfying. Add some veggies for more flavor and color. Bell peppers or peas work great in the slow cooker. They add sweetness and a pop of green. You can even use a pressure cooker for a quicker version. This method will keep flavors strong and tenderize the meat fast. The butter chicken tastes just as good, but in less time. Want to make this dish low-carb? Skip the sugar and serve with cauliflower rice instead. This keeps the meal light and still tasty. For dairy-free, use coconut cream instead of dairy products. It gives a rich flavor without any milk. Gluten-free? You’re already set! Just ensure your spices are gluten-free, and you’re good to go. After you enjoy your slow cooker butter chicken, store the leftovers properly. First, let the dish cool to room temperature. Then, place the butter chicken in the fridge. Use airtight containers to keep it fresh. Glass or plastic containers work well. Make sure to eat the leftovers within 3 to 4 days to ensure quality. When it's time to reheat your butter chicken, you have two good options: the microwave or the stovetop. The microwave is quick and easy. Just heat it on medium power in a microwave-safe dish. Stir it halfway to warm it evenly. The stovetop method is great for keeping the flavor. Use a saucepan over low heat, stirring as it warms. This helps keep the sauce creamy and tasty. If you want to freeze butter chicken, it’s simple. First, let it cool completely. Then, scoop it into freezer-safe bags or containers. Leave some space at the top for expansion. You can freeze it for up to 3 months. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it on the stovetop for the best flavor and texture. Enjoy your meal! The best chicken for butter chicken is boneless, skinless chicken thighs. They stay juicy and tender during cooking. Thighs have more flavor than chicken breast, which can dry out. If you prefer chicken breast, you can use it, but watch the cooking time. Aim for moist and tasty chicken in your dish. Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time. This dish is great for meal prep. You can cook it a day in advance and store it in the fridge. The flavors deepen as it sits. Just reheat it before serving. You can also freeze it for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Butter chicken pairs well with several side dishes. Here are some popular options: - Fluffy basmati rice - Warm naan bread - Steamed vegetables - Cucumber salad - Raita (yogurt sauce) These sides help balance the rich flavors of the butter chicken. Enjoy a complete and satisfying meal! We explored how to make slow cooker butter chicken, from ingredients to cooking tips. You learned the importance of boneless chicken thighs, spices, and creamy sauces. Don’t forget the recommended tools that make your cooking easier. Experiment with flavors and textures to suit your taste. Store leftovers properly to enjoy later, or even freeze them for future meals. By following these steps, you’ll create a delicious dish that impresses family and friends. Enjoy every bite of your homemade butter chicken!

Creamy Dreamy Slow Cooker Butter Chicken

A rich and creamy butter chicken made effortlessly in a slow cooker.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 15 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Indian
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 tablespoon ghee (or unsalted butter)
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 tablespoon garam masala
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 can tomato sauce (15 oz)
  • 1 cup full-fat coconut milk
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • None to taste salt
  • None for garnish fresh cilantro, chopped

Instructions
 

  • Heat the ghee (or unsalted butter) in a large skillet over medium heat. Once melted, add the finely chopped onion, sautéing for about 5-7 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent.
  • Incorporate the minced garlic and grated ginger into the skillet, continuing to cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until the mixture becomes fragrant and aromatic.
  • Sprinkle in the garam masala, ground cumin, turmeric, and cayenne pepper into the skillet. Allow the spices to toast for about 1 minute, stirring constantly to fully release their flavors.
  • Transfer the fragrant spice and onion mixture into the slow cooker, then add the chicken pieces. Make sure to coat all the chicken thoroughly with the spice mix.
  • Pour the tomato sauce and full-fat coconut milk into the slow cooker, followed by the brown sugar. Gently stir all the ingredients together until they are combined, and season with salt to your taste.
  • Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should become tender and fully cooked.
  • Before serving, give the curry a thorough stir to combine any ingredients that may have settled, and adjust the seasoning if needed.
  • Serve this luscious butter chicken over a bed of fluffy basmati rice or alongside warm naan. Garnish generously with freshly chopped cilantro for an aromatic touch.

Notes

Serve with basmati rice or naan, and garnish with cilantro.
Keyword butter chicken, curry, Indian cuisine, slow cooker