Butter Chicken

Butter Chicken, or Murgh Makhani, is one of those dishes that warms your heart and fills your belly. Imagine tender chicken simmering in a creamy tomato sauce, rich with spices, and infused with a touch of butter. It’s perfect for those bustling weeknights when you want something comforting but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. The beauty of this Slow Cooker Butter Chicken is that you can prep everything in just a few minutes, then let your slow cooker do all the heavy lifting while you kick back and relax. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting friends, this dish is sure to impress. So, grab your apron, and let’s make something delicious together!

What is Slow Cooker Butter Chicken

Butter Chicken, also known as Murgh Makhani, is a creamy, spiced dish that originated in India. It’s made by simmering chicken in a luscious tomato-based sauce enriched with butter and cream, resulting in a comforting and flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something hearty yet hassle-free.

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Butter Chicken

This Slow Cooker Butter Chicken recipe is not only simple but also delivers unparalleled tenderness in every bite. With its aromatic spices and velvety sauce, it’s a family favorite that pleases both kids and adults. Plus, the slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, allowing you to enjoy a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Butter Chicken

• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh ginger, grated
• 16 oz (450g) tomato sauce or passata
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons garam masala
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• ½ teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon granulated sugar or honey
• 2 lb (900g) chicken thighs
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
• ½ cup (120ml) heavy whipping cream
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, mint, or cilantro for garnish

Preparing Slow Cooker Butter Chicken

Mix the Base Ingredients

In your slow cooker, combine the minced garlic, grated ginger, tomato sauce, ground cumin, garam masala, smoked paprika, ground turmeric, chili powder, salt, and sugar. Stir well to combine the ingredients thoroughly.

Coat the Chicken Thighs

Add the chicken thighs to the slow cooker and ensure they are well coated in the sauce. Scatter the small cubes of butter on top to enhance the creamy texture. The scent will already start to fill your kitchen and get everyone excited!

Cook the Chicken

Next, cover and cook on HIGH for 1.5-2 hours or on LOW for 4-6 hours. The chicken is perfectly cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. A meat thermometer will really be your best friend here to avoid any guesswork.

Shred the Chicken and Make the Sauce Creamy

Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken and place it on a cutting board to cool slightly. Now, stir the heavy cream into the sauce in the slow cooker, whisking until it’s smooth and creamy. This is where the magic happens, turning your savory sauce into something truly special.

Serve the Dish

Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and return it to the sauce. Serve with steamed basmati rice and warm naan bread, and don’t forget to garnish with fresh parsley, mint, or cilantro for a lovely pop of color and flavor. Enjoy watching the smiles as everyone digs into this delicious meal!

Serving Suggestions

Pair your Slow Cooker Butter Chicken with fluffy basmati rice or warm naan bread. You could also serve it with a side of roasted vegetables or a refreshing cucumber salad for balanced nutrition. The balance of spices and creaminess combines perfectly with these sides.

Tips for Success

• For extra flavor, marinate the chicken thighs in the spices for a few hours or overnight before cooking. This step adds a wonderful depth of flavor.
• Adjust the spices according to your preference. If you enjoy a spicier dish, feel free to increase the chili powder.
• Ensure that the chicken is well-coated in the sauce throughout the cooking process to keep it moist.

Variations

• Substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts for a leaner option, though those thighs offer juiciness that’s hard to beat.
• Add diced potatoes or chickpeas for added texture or nutrition; they soak up the flavors beautifully.
• Make it vegetarian by replacing the chicken with paneer or tofu. That way, everyone can enjoy the delicious flavor profile!

Storage Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave to enjoy all those wonderful flavors again. You can also freeze the butter chicken in portions for up to 3 months, so you’re never too far from a great meal.

Pairing Ideas

Enhance your meal by serving Slow Cooker Butter Chicken with a side of garlic naan, a crisp green salad, or even a spicy mango chutney for an explosion of flavors. Each bite will be more delightful than the last.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, chicken breasts can be used, but they may become drier than thighs, so watch the cooking time carefully.

2. How can I make Slow Cooker Butter Chicken spicier?
Increase the amount of chili powder and consider adding chopped green chilies for an extra kick.

3. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Definitely! You can prepare the sauce a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just add the chicken and cook it when you’re ready.

4. What should I serve with Butter Chicken?
Basmati rice, naan bread, or a refreshing salad work wonderfully alongside Butter Chicken. They complement each other beautifully.

5. Is Slow Cooker Butter Chicken suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it’s perfect for meal prep! Store portions in the refrigerator or freezer for easy meals throughout the week.

This Slow Cooker Butter Chicken is more than just a recipe; it’s a warm hug on a plate. With its rich flavors and comforting spices, it will become a beloved staple in your home. Enjoy the ease of the slow cooker and the joy of sharing a delicious meal with loved ones.

More Easy Lunch & Dinner Recipes:

• Salisbury Steak
• Swiss Steak
• Michael Symon Roast Chicken
• Chicken Divan

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Butter Chicken

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This Butter Chicken recipe offers a delightful blend of spices and a creamy sauce, making it an easy and favorite choice for family dinners or gatherings.

• Total Time: 36 minute
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh ginger, grated
• 16 oz (450g) tomato sauce or passata
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons garam masala
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• ½ teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon granulated sugar or honey
• 2 lb (900g) chicken thighs
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
• ½ cup (120ml) heavy whipping cream
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, mint, or cilantro for garnish

Instructions

• Combine garlic, ginger, tomato sauce, and spices in the slow cooker.
• Add chicken thighs, ensuring they are coated in the sauce, and top with butter.
• Cook on HIGH for 1.5-2 hours or LOW for 4-6 hours until chicken reaches 165°F.
• Remove chicken, shred it, and stir in heavy cream for a creamy sauce.
• Return chicken to sauce, serve with basmati rice and naan, garnished with fresh herbs.

Notes

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in spices prior to cooking.
Adjust spices to taste; increase chili powder for more heat.
Ensure chicken stays well-coated in sauce during cooking.

• Author: Rachael
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 1.5-6 hours
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Slow Cooker
• Cuisine: Indian

Nutrition

• Calories: 460
• Sugar: 5
• Sodium: 800
• Fat: 32
• Saturated Fat: 15
• Unsaturated Fat: 12
• Trans Fat: 0
• Carbohydrates: 15
• Fiber: 1
• Protein: 35
• Cholesterol: 130