Go Back
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized chunks - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter - 1 large onion, finely diced - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, finely grated - 1 can (15 oz) full-fat coconut milk - 1 cup crushed tomatoes (canned or freshly pureed) - 2 tablespoons garam masala - 1 tablespoon ground cumin - 1 teaspoon ground coriander - 1 teaspoon turmeric powder - 1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust based on your heat preference) - 1 teaspoon sea salt - ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper - ½ cup plain yogurt (for serving) - Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish Gathering ingredients is an essential step for making slow cooker butter chicken. You will need boneless, skinless chicken thighs. This cut stays juicy and tender during cooking. Use unsalted butter to create a rich base for flavor. Chop one large onion finely to add sweetness. Mince four cloves of garlic for a nice aroma. Grate one tablespoon of fresh ginger to bring warmth to the dish. For the sauce, grab one can of full-fat coconut milk and one cup of crushed tomatoes. These two ingredients make the dish creamy and tangy. Next, you will need spices for a burst of flavor. Use two tablespoons of garam masala for depth. Add one tablespoon of ground cumin, one teaspoon of ground coriander, one teaspoon of turmeric powder, and one teaspoon of chili powder. Adjust the chili powder to your heat preference. Season with one teaspoon of sea salt and half a teaspoon of freshly cracked black pepper. Finally, have half a cup of plain yogurt ready for serving. Fresh cilantro adds a pop of color and flavor as a garnish. Now that you have all your ingredients, you are ready to create a delicious and easy meal! Start by melting the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. As the butter melts, it releases a rich aroma. Add the finely diced onion and sauté it for 5-7 minutes. You want the onion to turn soft and translucent. This step builds a great flavor base for your butter chicken. Next, add the minced garlic and freshly grated ginger to the skillet. Stir this mixture for 1-2 minutes. You will notice the kitchen filling with a wonderful scent. This is the heart of your dish, full of flavor. Now, transfer the onion, garlic, and ginger mixture into your slow cooker. This is where the magic happens. Add the bite-sized pieces of chicken, crushed tomatoes, and coconut milk next. Then, sprinkle in the garam masala, ground cumin, ground coriander, turmeric, chili powder, sea salt, and black pepper. Gently stir all these ingredients together. Make sure the chicken pieces are well-coated with the sauces and spices. This helps every bite burst with flavor. Set your slow cooker to low and cook for 6-8 hours. If you're in a hurry, you can use the high setting for 3-4 hours. The dish is ready when the chicken is tender and fully cooked. Once the cooking time is up, use two forks to shred the chicken right in the slow cooker. Mix the shredded chicken with the sauce for a creamy consistency. This step makes the dish truly comforting and delicious. For extra creaminess, stir in the plain yogurt just before serving. - Adjusting spice levels: Start with one teaspoon of chili powder. You can add more if you like heat. Taste the sauce as it cooks. This way, you can find the right balance for your family. - Achieving creamy consistency with yogurt: Stir in half a cup of yogurt at the end. This makes the sauce rich and smooth. Mix well to blend it into the dish. It adds a nice tang that complements the spices. - Best side dishes for butter chicken: Serve butter chicken over steamed basmati rice. You can also pair it with warm naan bread. Both options soak up the sauce well. - Presentation tips for an appealing dish: Use deep bowls to serve butter chicken. Top it with fresh cilantro for color. Add a dollop of yogurt on the side. A lime wedge can give a nice touch of zest. This makes the dish look inviting and fresh. {{image_4}} You can switch up the protein in butter chicken to fit your taste. - Using chicken breasts or other meats: Chicken thighs work well, but chicken breasts are a leaner choice. You can also use turkey or even lamb for a different flavor. Just adjust the cooking time based on the meat's thickness. - Vegetarian/vegan alternatives: For a plant-based option, try chickpeas or tofu. Both soak up flavors well. You can replace chicken with these proteins and keep the same spices for a tasty dish. Adding new ingredients can change butter chicken's taste. - Adding extra vegetables: You can mix in veggies like bell peppers, peas, or spinach. These add color and nutrition. Just stir them in during the last hour of cooking for a perfect blend. - Regional spice variations: Try different spices to give your dish a unique twist. For example, adding cardamom can bring warmth. You can also use curry powder for a different spice profile. Feel free to get creative with your seasonings! To keep your slow cooker butter chicken fresh, follow these tips: - Refrigeration guidelines: Place leftovers in an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. This helps keep the flavors intact. - Freezing instructions: If you want to save it longer, freeze portions in freezer-safe bags. Remove excess air before sealing. It can last up to 2-3 months in the freezer. To enjoy your butter chicken again, reheating is key: - Best methods to reheat butter chicken: The microwave works well. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. You can also use a saucepan over low heat, stirring often. This warms it evenly. - Ensuring flavor retention: Add a splash of coconut milk or a bit of water if it seems dry. This keeps the dish creamy and delicious. Yes, but adjust the cooking time accordingly. If you use frozen thighs, they may need more time to cook. If your slow cooker is set on low, aim for 8-10 hours. On high, 4-5 hours should work well. Typically, it lasts up to 3-4 days. Make sure to store it in an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh and tasty for your next meal. Yes, it can be prepared and stored beforehand. You can make it a day or two earlier and reheat it when you are ready to serve. Just be sure to cool it down before storing. Options include heavy cream or non-dairy milks. If you want a creamy texture, heavy cream is a great choice. For a lighter option, try almond or oat milk. Reduce chili powder and spice amounts. You can start by cutting the chili powder in half. Taste as you go, and adjust to your heat preference. This blog post guides you through making delicious butter chicken. We covered ingredients, cooking steps, tips, and variations to customize your dish. Remember to adjust spices and use yogurt for creaminess. Try different proteins or veggies for a new spin. Proper storage is key for flavor retention. Overall, butter chicken can be made to fit your taste. Enjoy serving this dish and impressing your friends with your cooking skills!

Slow Cooker Butter Chicken

Indulge in the rich flavors of Creamy Slow Cooker Butter Chicken with this easy recipe! Perfect for busy nights, this dish combines tender chicken thighs simmered in a luscious coconut milk and spice sauce. With just a few simple steps, you’ll create a comforting meal that's ideal over rice or with naan. Ready in 6-8 hours, it’s a set-and-forget delight. Click to explore the recipe and bring a taste of India to your dinner table!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized chunks

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

1 large onion, finely diced

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon fresh ginger, finely grated

1 can (15 oz) full-fat coconut milk

1 cup crushed tomatoes (canned or freshly pureed)

2 tablespoons garam masala

1 tablespoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon ground coriander

1 teaspoon turmeric powder

1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust based on your heat preference)

1 teaspoon sea salt

½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper

½ cup plain yogurt (for serving)

Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish

Instructions
 

Begin by melting the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once melted, add the finely diced onion, sautéing for about 5-7 minutes or until the onions are translucent and tender.

    Next, add the minced garlic and freshly grated ginger to the skillet. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently until the mixture becomes aromatic.

      Transfer this flavorful onion, garlic, and ginger mixture into your slow cooker. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces, crushed tomatoes, coconut milk, garam masala, ground cumin, ground coriander, turmeric, chili powder, sea salt, and black pepper to the slow cooker.

        Gently stir all the ingredients together until the chicken pieces are thoroughly coated with the sauces and spices.

          Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on the low setting for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The dish is ready when the chicken is tender and cooked through.

            After the cooking time is complete, use two forks to carefully shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker, mixing it into the sauce for a comforting, creamy consistency.

              For an extra layer of creaminess, stir in the plain yogurt just before serving, blending it well into the sauce.

                Serve the butter chicken over fluffy steamed basmati rice or alongside warm naan bread. Don’t forget to garnish with freshly chopped cilantro for a pop of color and a burst of fresh flavor.

                  Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 6-8 hours (slow cooking) | Servings: 4-6

                    - Presentation Tips: Serve the butter chicken in deep bowls, accentuating the dish with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro on top. Add a generous dollop of yogurt on the side for creaminess, and consider placing a lime wedge on the plate to offer a refreshing zest that guests can squeeze over their meal.