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For a rich and tasty dish, you need these main ingredients: - 2 lbs boneless chicken thighs, cut into chunks - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 inch fresh ginger, grated - 1 can (15 oz) tomato puree - 1 cup coconut milk - 4 tablespoons butter These ingredients build the base for your butter chicken. The chicken thighs add great flavor and stay juicy after cooking. The onion, garlic, and ginger blend well to give a strong taste and aroma. To make your butter chicken truly special, include these spices: - 2 tablespoons garam masala - 1 tablespoon ground cumin - 1 tablespoon ground coriander - 1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste) - Salt, to taste These spices create the authentic Indian flavor. Garam masala brings warmth and depth. Cumin and coriander add earthy notes. Adjust the chili powder to match your heat preference for a personal touch. When serving, you can make your dish more appealing with these garnishes: - Fresh cilantro, for garnish - Cooked basmati rice, for serving The fresh cilantro adds color and freshness. Serve the butter chicken hot over fluffy basmati rice. This pairing makes for a hearty and satisfying meal that everyone will love. Consider drizzling some extra coconut milk for a creamy finish! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by gathering your ingredients. Chop one medium onion, mince four cloves of garlic, and grate one inch of fresh ginger. Place the onion, garlic, and ginger into your slow cooker. This mix will give a strong base for your dish. Next, add the chicken. Use two pounds of boneless chicken thighs. Cut them into chunks for even cooking. After the chicken, pour in one can of tomato puree and a cup of coconut milk. Then, add four tablespoons of butter. This will make your sauce creamy and rich. Sprinkle in two tablespoons of garam masala, one tablespoon of cumin, and one tablespoon of coriander. For heat, add one teaspoon of chili powder, adjusting to your taste. Don't forget to sprinkle salt to enhance all the flavors. Stir everything well to coat the chicken in the spices and liquids. Cover the slow cooker and set it on low for six to eight hours or high for three to four hours. When the chicken is tender, use two forks to shred it right in the pot. Stir to mix the chicken with the sauce. Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning if needed. If you want a thicker sauce, cook it uncovered on high for the last 30 minutes. Serve your butter chicken hot over cooked basmati rice. Garnish with fresh cilantro for a bright touch. To get the best flavor, timing is key. I recommend cooking on low for 6-8 hours. This slow cook helps the spices blend perfectly. If you’re short on time, cook on high for 3-4 hours. Check the chicken for tenderness at both times. You want it to fall apart easily. For a thick and creamy sauce, follow these steps. After cooking, if the sauce seems thin, leave the lid off. Cook on high for the last 30 minutes. This helps some liquid evaporate. Stir the sauce well after shredding the chicken. This mixes the flavors and makes it extra tasty. Serve your butter chicken over warm basmati rice. The rice soaks up the sauce well. Adding fresh cilantro on top brightens the dish. For extra flair, drizzle some coconut milk around the bowl. This looks nice and adds creaminess. Enjoy every bite! Pro Tips Marinate for More Flavor: For an even richer flavor, marinate the chicken in yogurt and spices for a few hours or overnight before cooking. Adjust Spice Levels: Feel free to adjust the chili powder to your taste; for a milder dish, reduce the amount or use a sweet paprika instead. Use Ghee for Authenticity: Substitute butter with ghee for a more authentic butter chicken flavor, as it has a higher smoke point and adds depth. Serve with Sides: Enhance your meal by serving with naan or a fresh salad to balance the richness of the dish. {{image_2}} You can easily make a vegetarian version of butter chicken. Swap the chicken for firm tofu or chickpeas. Both options soak up flavor well. For a vegan twist, use coconut cream instead of butter. This keeps the dish creamy and rich. You can also add vegetables like cauliflower or spinach. They add texture and nutrients. Garam masala is key for flavor, but feel free to mix it up. Try adding curry powder for a different taste. You can also use smoked paprika for a smoky hint. If you want more heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper. Each spice blend gives a unique flavor. Don't be afraid to experiment until you find your favorite. While chicken is popular, you can use other proteins too. Try lamb for a richer flavor. Shrimp cooks quickly, making it a fun choice. For a lighter option, use turkey. You can even make a mixed protein dish. Just adjust the cooking time based on the protein you choose. Each option brings its own twist to the classic dish. To keep your butter chicken fresh, store it in an airtight container. Make sure it cools first. Place it in the fridge for up to four days. Avoid leaving it out too long. When you are ready to eat, reheat the butter chicken on the stove. Use medium heat and stir often. You can also use the microwave. Heat it in short bursts and stir in between. This keeps it from getting too hot. To freeze, place cooled butter chicken in a freezer-safe container. It can last up to three months. When you want to eat it, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat it gently as mentioned above. Enjoy it fresh again! You can serve Slow Cooker Butter Chicken with several tasty sides. I love pairing it with cooked basmati rice. The fluffy rice soaks up the creamy sauce. You can also serve naan bread for a fun twist. It’s great for dipping into the sauce. Fresh cilantro adds color and flavor as a garnish. For a crunchy touch, add a simple green salad. Yes, you can use chicken breasts if you prefer. Chicken breasts are leaner than thighs. They will cook well in the slow cooker. However, they may not be as juicy. If you choose breasts, watch the cooking time. They may cook faster than thighs. To make it spicier, add more chili powder or fresh chili peppers. You can also add some cayenne pepper for extra heat. For a milder version, reduce the chili powder. You can also skip the fresh chili peppers. Adding more coconut milk can also help tone down the heat. Yes, you can cook this dish on the stove. Start by cooking the onion, garlic, and ginger in a pot. Then add the chicken and spices. Pour in the tomato puree and coconut milk. Let it simmer on low heat for about 30-40 minutes. Stir often until the chicken is fully cooked. Adjust the sauce as needed for thickness. This blog post covered how to make Slow Cooker Butter Chicken. We explored key ingredients, spices, and garnishes. I provided step-by-step instructions to prepare and cook it. Tips helped you adjust cooking time and sauce thickness. You learned variations for vegetarian options and other proteins. Lastly, I shared how to store leftovers and common FAQs. With this knowledge, you can create a delicious meal that everyone will enjoy. Now, it’s time to cook and savor your own butter chicken delight!

Creamy Slow Cooker Butter Chicken

A rich and flavorful 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 6
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lbs boneless chicken thighs, cut into chunks
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 inch fresh ginger, grated
  • 15 oz can tomato puree
  • 1 cup coconut milk
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons garam masala
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 tablespoon ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
  • to taste salt
  • for garnish fresh cilantro
  • for serving cooked basmati rice

Instructions
 

  • In a large slow cooker, combine the chopped onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger.
  • Add the chicken chunks to the slow cooker, followed by the tomato puree, coconut milk, butter, garam masala, cumin, coriander, chili powder, and salt. Stir well to coat the chicken in the spices and liquids.
  • Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
  • Once the chicken is done, shred it gently in the slow cooker using two forks. Stir the mixture to ensure the shredded chicken is well incorporated into the sauce.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. If you'd like a thicker sauce, you can let it cook uncovered on high for the last 30 minutes.
  • Serve hot over cooked basmati rice, garnished with fresh cilantro.

Notes

Use a shallow bowl for serving and add a sprig of cilantro on top for garnish. Drizzle some extra coconut milk around for an eye-catching touch!
Keyword butter chicken, Indian cuisine, slow cooker