Velvety Indian Delight: Slow Cooker Butter Chicken Recipe

Comfort meets culinary magic in this mouthwatering butter chicken slow cooker recipe that promises pure deliciousness.

Tender chicken pieces swim in a velvety, richly spiced sauce that melts effortlessly in your mouth.

Fragrant Indian-inspired spices create layers of complex flavor without demanding hours of kitchen work.

Each bite promises a perfect balance of warmth and creaminess that transports you straight to a cozy restaurant in Delhi.

The slow cooker transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary meal with minimal effort.

Packed with aromatic herbs and creamy tomato base, this dish delivers restaurant-quality flavor right to your dining table.

Prepare to savor every single spoonful of this irresistible comfort food.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 4-6 hours

Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes

Calories: 640 kcal

Servings: 4

Slow Cooker Butter Chicken Ingredient Essentials

• Chicken: Choose boneless, skinless thighs for maximum tenderness and rich flavor.
• Onion: Provides a sweet, aromatic foundation that enhances the overall depth of the dish.
• Garlic: Delivers a robust, pungent kick that complements the creamy sauce perfectly.
• Ginger: Adds a bright, zesty undertone and helps tenderize the meat.

• Tomato Sauce: Creates a silky, smooth base that carries the complex spice profile.
• Tomato Paste: Concentrates the tomato flavor and helps thicken the sauce naturally.
• Lemon Juice: Brightens the entire dish with a subtle tangy accent.

• Garam Masala: Delivers a warm, complex spice mixture typical of North Indian cuisine.
• Cumin: Introduces an earthy, nutty undertone that's quintessential in Indian cooking.
• Turmeric: Provides a golden color and subtle, slightly bitter warmth.
• Paprika: Adds a mild sweetness and rich red color to the sauce.
• Salt: Amplifies and balances all the other flavors in the dish.
• Black Pepper: Offers a gentle heat and sharp, aromatic notes.

Crockpot Tools for Creamy Butter Chicken

• Slow Cooker: Essential for hands-off, tender cooking of the butter chicken.
• Cutting Board: Perfect for chopping onions, garlic, and ginger safely.
• Sharp Knife: Helps in precise ingredient preparation.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient quantities.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring and coating chicken with sauce.
• Can Opener: Needed if using canned tomato sauce or paste.

Slow Cooking Butter Chicken Step-by-Step

• Prep the Slow Cooker

Toss chicken pieces into your trusty slow cooker with finely chopped onions, minced garlic, and grated ginger. This aromatic base will create a flavor explosion that’ll make your taste buds dance.

• Create the Magical Sauce

Pour in a rich blend of tangy tomato sauce and paste, squeeze in some bright lemon juice, and sprinkle a symphony of warm spices. Gently mix everything so each chicken piece gets completely hugged by the delicious sauce.

• Set and Forget

Cover the slow cooker and let it work its magic. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the chicken becomes so tender it practically melts in your mouth.

• Final Touch of Luxury

In the last 30 minutes of cooking, stir in some creamy heavy cream to transform the sauce into a velvety dream. This will give your butter chicken that signature richness that’ll make everyone swoon.

• Serve and Enjoy

Dish out the bubbling, fragrant butter chicken over fluffy rice or with warm naan bread. Watch as your family and friends dive into this incredible meal that tastes like it came straight from an Indian restaurant’s kitchen.

Pro Tips for Ultra Creamy Butter Chicken

• Flavor-Boosting Marinades: Marinate chicken in yogurt and spices for 2-3 hours before slow cooking to enhance tenderness and depth of flavor.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Swap butter with coconut cream or cashew cream to create a delicious vegan version that maintains the rich, creamy texture.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust the heat by reducing or increasing red chili powder and garam masala to suit personal heat preferences without compromising the authentic taste.
• Freezer-Friendly Meal Prep: Prepare the entire dish in advance, cool completely, and store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months, making weeknight dinners a breeze.
• Low-Carb Serving Suggestion: Replace traditional rice with cauliflower rice or serve over zucchini noodles for a lighter, lower-carbohydrate alternative that keeps all the original recipe's delicious flavors.

Serving Butter Chicken That’s Restaurant-Ready

• Culinary Companion Pairings: Serve this rich butter chicken over fluffy basmati rice, letting the creamy sauce soak into each grain for maximum flavor absorption.
• Garnish Glow-Up: Sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro and a dollop of cool yogurt on top to add brightness and cut through the dish's luxurious richness.
• Sidekick Sensations: Warm naan bread makes the perfect companion for scooping up every last drop of the velvety sauce, creating a complete and satisfying meal experience.
• Veggie Boost: Roasted cauliflower or steamed green vegetables provide a light, nutritious counterpoint to the hearty chicken, balancing the meal's overall texture and nutrition.

Storage That Keeps Butter Chicken Lush

• Refrigerator Magic: Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 4 days, keeping the rich flavors intact and ready for quick reheating.
• Freezer-Friendly Feast: Portion the butter chicken into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months, perfect for busy weeknight meals that save time and satisfy cravings.
• Reheating Pro Tips: Gently warm the dish in a microwave or stovetop, adding a splash of water or cream to maintain the creamy texture and prevent drying out.
• Meal Prep Champion: Prepare the butter chicken in advance and store in the fridge, allowing the flavors to develop and intensify, making your next meal even more delicious and convenient.

Creamy Slow Cooker Butter Chicken Recipe

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4.7 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Mild Indian butter chicken simmers to perfection in a slow cooker, blending aromatic spices with creamy tomato sauce. Tender chicken pieces melt in your mouth, delivering rich flavors that transport you to the streets of Delhi.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 ½ lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into chunks
• 3 tbsps butter (or ghee)
• 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut milk for dairy-free option)
• 1 can (14 oz/400g) tomato sauce (or pureed tomatoes)
• 2 tbsps tomato paste
• 1 tbsp garam masala
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
• ½ tsp turmeric
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp chili powder (optional, for heat)
• ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• Cooked basmati rice or naan bread
• Fresh cilantro, chopped
• Extra butter or ghee for drizzling (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Layer trimmed chicken pieces in the slow cooker’s base, interspersing with finely diced onions, minced garlic, and freshly grated ginger to establish a robust aromatic foundation.
2. Sauce Building: Generously coat chicken with tomato sauce and paste, then splash lemon juice to introduce a bright, tenderizing acidity. Sprinkle a complex spice blend of garam masala, cumin, and turmeric, massaging thoroughly to ensure deep flavor penetration.
3. Slow Cooking: Secure the lid and set slow cooker to low heat, allowing ingredients to harmonize and transform over 4-6 hours into a rich, deeply seasoned sauce that permeates every chicken fiber.
4. Finishing Touches: Thirty minutes before serving, integrate heavy cream to create a luxurious, velvety consistency. Gently shred or slice chicken, ensuring each piece is lavishly enrobed in the spice-infused sauce.
5. Presentation: Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and serve alongside fluffy basmati rice or warm naan bread, presenting a dish that celebrates complex indian culinary traditions.

Notes

• Optimize Spice Intensity: Adjust spice quantities based on personal heat tolerance, gradually increasing garam masala and cumin for bolder flavors without overwhelming the delicate chicken texture.
• Prevent Sauce Separation: Temper heavy cream by slowly incorporating it into the hot mixture, stirring continuously to maintain a smooth, consistent sauce without curdling.
• Enhance Meat Tenderness: Select bone-in chicken thighs for superior moisture retention, ensuring succulent meat that easily pulls apart and absorbs the rich, aromatic sauce.
• Customize Dietary Needs: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free version, or replace chicken with firm tofu for a vegetarian alternative that maintains the recipe’s complex spice profile.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 4-6 hours
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Indian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 590
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 700mg
• Fat: 46g
• Saturated Fat: 26g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14g
• Trans Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 21g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 170mg