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- 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 Chicken thighs work best for this dish. They stay juicy and tender after cooking. Ghee or unsalted butter gives the dish a rich flavor. The onion, garlic, and ginger create a tasty base for your butter chicken. - 1 tablespoon garam masala - 2 teaspoons ground cumin - 1 teaspoon turmeric - 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for spice preference) - 2 tablespoons brown sugar - Salt to taste Garam masala is the star of this recipe. It adds warmth and depth. Cumin, turmeric, and cayenne bring extra flavor and warmth. Brown sugar balances the spices and adds a hint of sweetness. Adjust salt to your taste for the perfect finish. - 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce - 1 cup coconut milk (full fat for creaminess) - Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish Tomato sauce adds richness and color to the dish. Coconut milk makes it creamy and smooth. Fresh cilantro adds a pop of color and freshness to the final plate. This combination creates a comforting, flavorful meal that your family will love. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, heat ghee or unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the onion is soft and clear. This step brings out the sweet flavor of the onion. Next, add minced garlic and grated ginger to the skillet. Cook for 1-2 minutes until you smell their strong, warm aroma. This mix gives your butter chicken a great base. Now, it's time to bloom the spices. Add garam masala, ground cumin, turmeric, and cayenne pepper to the skillet. Stir constantly for about a minute. This step helps release the spices' full flavor. Once your spices bloom, transfer the mixture to the slow cooker. Add the bite-sized chicken thighs into the cooker. Make sure to coat the chicken well with the spice mix. This helps the flavors soak into the meat. Pour in the can of tomato sauce, coconut milk, and brown sugar. Stir gently to mix everything well. Season with salt to taste. Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook. If you choose low, cook for 6-8 hours. If you go high, cook for 3-4 hours. Your chicken will become tender and full of flavor. When your cooking time is up, stir the butter chicken well. Taste it and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can add more salt or spices to your liking. For serving, ladle the butter chicken over fluffy basmati rice or alongside warm naan. Don't forget to garnish with fresh chopped cilantro. It adds a lovely touch to your meal! To make your butter chicken creamier, use full-fat coconut milk. The rich fat gives it a silky feel. You can also add a bit of heavy cream at the end. It will elevate the dish even more. For spice adjustments, always taste as you go. If you want more heat, add more cayenne. If you prefer it milder, skip the cayenne or use less. Balancing flavors is key. For the best chicken, use boneless, skinless thighs. They stay juicy and tender during cooking. Cut them into bite-sized pieces for even cooking. Slow cooking is crucial here. It allows flavors to meld and the chicken to become tender. Cooking on low for 6-8 hours works best, but 3-4 hours on high is fine if you're short on time. Garnish your dish with fresh cilantro. It adds color and freshness. You can also drizzle a bit of cream on top for a nice touch. Serve your butter chicken over fluffy basmati rice or with warm naan. These sides soak up the sauce and make each bite delightful. Pro Tips Marinate for More Flavor: Allow the chicken to marinate in the spice mixture for at least an hour before cooking. This helps the flavors penetrate the meat, resulting in a more flavorful dish. Use Full-Fat Coconut Milk: For a creamier texture, always opt for full-fat coconut milk. It enhances the richness of the sauce and makes the dish more decadent. Adjust the Spice Level: Feel free to modify the amount of cayenne pepper based on your heat preference. Start with less if you're unsure, as you can always add more later. Garnish for Freshness: Don’t skip the fresh cilantro garnish! It adds a burst of freshness that balances the richness of the butter chicken beautifully. {{image_2}} You can easily adjust this recipe to fit dietary needs. To make it gluten-free, ensure your spices and sauces are gluten-free. Most spices are safe, but check labels for additives. For a dairy-free option, swap ghee or butter with coconut oil. This keeps the flavor rich and creamy without dairy. You can control the spice level in your butter chicken. If you like mild flavors, simply reduce the cayenne pepper. For a spicier dish, add more cayenne or even some chili flakes. You can also add vegetables to boost nutrition. Peas, carrots, or bell peppers work well. Just add them to the slow cooker with the chicken. This recipe is flexible with proteins. You can use chicken breast instead of thighs for a leaner option. If you prefer a plant-based meal, try tofu. Just press it first to remove excess water. For sauce variations, consider a yogurt-based sauce. Mix plain yogurt with spices for a tangy twist. These swaps keep the dish exciting and cater to your taste. To store your leftover slow cooker butter chicken, first let it cool. Place it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and tasty. You can store it in the fridge for up to four days. Always label it with the date. This helps you track how long it’s been there. To freeze butter chicken, use a freezer-safe container. Make sure it’s sealed tightly. You can freeze it for up to three months. To thaw, move it to the fridge the night before you want to eat it. This keeps the chicken safe and tasty. When you’re ready to eat, you can reheat butter chicken in a microwave. Use a microwave-safe dish and cover it. Heat for about two to three minutes. Stir halfway through to warm it evenly. You can also reheat it on the stovetop. Just add a splash of water to keep it moist. Enjoy the rich flavors just as it was! I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Thighs have more fat than breasts, which keeps them juicy. They also soak up the flavors better. If you prefer chicken breasts, you can use them. Just keep an eye on cooking time, as they cook faster and can dry out. Yes, you can prepare Slow Cooker Butter Chicken ahead of time. Chop your chicken and veggies the night before. Store them in the fridge. You can also mix the spices and store them separately. On cooking day, just combine everything in the slow cooker. This saves you time during busy weeknights. You have many great options. Serve it over basmati rice for a classic touch. Naan bread also pairs well; it’s perfect for scooping up the sauce. For a fresh side, try a cucumber salad or roasted veggies. These options add color and crunch to your meal. This blog post covered everything you need for a great Slow Cooker Butter Chicken. We explored key ingredients like chicken thighs, aromatic spices, and creamy coconut milk. You learned step-by-step instructions to prepare, slow cook, and enhance the dish's flavor. I shared tips for variations based on your dietary needs and cooking techniques to elevate the meal. To wrap up, making this dish is easy and rewarding. You can create a delicious dinner that satisfies all tastes. Happy cooking!

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 7 hours
Course Main Course
Cuisine Indian
Servings 4

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 coconut milk (full fat for creaminess)
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • to taste salt
  • to garnish fresh cilantro, chopped

Instructions
 

  • In a large skillet, heat the ghee (or butter) over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
  • Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  • Add the garam masala, cumin, turmeric, and cayenne pepper to the skillet. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly to allow the spices to bloom.
  • Transfer the spice and onion mixture to the slow cooker and add the chicken pieces, ensuring they are coated well.
  • Pour in the tomato sauce, coconut milk, and brown sugar. Stir gently to combine, season with salt to taste.
  • Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
  • Before serving, give the curry a good stir and adjust seasoning if necessary.
  • Serve over basmati rice or with naan, garnished with fresh cilantro.

Notes

Serve with basmati rice or naan for a complete meal.
Keyword butter chicken, chicken, curry, Indian cuisine, slow cooker