Butter Chicken Slow Cooker

Butter Chicken, or Murgh Makhani, is a beloved Indian dish known for its tender pieces of chicken cooked in a rich, creamy tomato sauce that’s infused with aromatic spices. Traditionally, it involves marinating chicken in yogurt and spices, cooking it in a tandoor or on the stovetop, and then simmering it in a buttery, spiced tomato sauce. This Slow Cooker Butter Chicken recipe brings the flavors of this classic dish to your home with minimal effort, allowing you to achieve the same tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture and deep flavors with a hands-off cooking approach.

Using a slow cooker makes Butter Chicken more accessible to busy home cooks. You’ll still enjoy the layers of flavor that make this dish so special, but with a simplified method that doesn’t require constant attention. Simply prepare the ingredients, set your slow cooker, and let it work its magic. With a few hours of slow simmering, the spices infuse beautifully into the sauce, and the chicken becomes irresistibly tender. Paired with naan bread or basmati rice, this Butter Chicken is sure to become a favorite at your dinner table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Slow Cooker Butter Chicken recipe offers all the depth of flavor of traditional Butter Chicken with the convenience of slow cooking. The long, gentle cooking time allows the spices to fully infuse into the chicken and sauce, creating an incredibly rich and aromatic dish. You’ll love the simplicity of the recipe: it requires only basic preparation, making it ideal for busy days. It’s also highly customizable—you can adjust the spice level, add vegetables, or even make it dairy-free if needed. With tender chicken in every bite, this recipe is perfect for a weeknight meal, but impressive enough for a special occasion.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours on high or 6-8 hours on low
• Total Time: 4-8 hours (depending on cooking setting)
• Yield: 6 servings
• Serving Size: 1 bowl

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 380 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Protein: 30g
• Fat: 22g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 6g

Ingredients

For the Butter Chicken

• 1 ½ pounds (700g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
• 1 can (14 oz) tomato puree or crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup heavy cream or coconut milk (for a dairy-free option)
• ½ cup plain yogurt (optional, for marinating)
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or ghee

Spices

• 2 teaspoons garam masala
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste for heat)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Garnishes

• Fresh cilantro, chopped
• Lemon wedges
• Extra heavy cream or yogurt drizzle (optional)

Optional Side Dishes

• Basmati rice
• Naan or garlic naan
• Steamed vegetables

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken (Optional, but Recommended)

1. Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, combine ½ cup yogurt, 1 teaspoon garam masala, ½ teaspoon ground cumin, ½ teaspoon paprika, and a pinch of salt.
2. Add the Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, coating them thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for maximum flavor. This step helps tenderize the chicken and adds depth to the flavor.

Step 2: Prepare the Slow Cooker Base

1. Sauté Onion, Garlic, and Ginger: In a skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter with the vegetable oil or ghee. Add the chopped onion, and sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened. Add garlic and ginger, and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
2. Toast the Spices: Add garam masala, ground cumin, ground coriander, turmeric, paprika, and cayenne pepper to the skillet. Stir continuously for about 1 minute until the spices are fragrant. This helps release the full flavor of the spices.
3. Add Tomato Puree: Pour the tomato puree or crushed tomatoes into the skillet, stirring well to combine with the onion and spices. Allow the mixture to simmer for 5-7 minutes to develop a rich base.

Step 3: Assemble the Slow Cooker

1. Transfer to Slow Cooker: Pour the tomato-spice mixture into the slow cooker. Add the marinated (or plain) chicken pieces, coating them thoroughly in the sauce.
2. Add Remaining Butter and Cream: Add 3 tablespoons of butter, cut into pieces, and pour in the heavy cream (or coconut milk for a dairy-free option). Stir well to incorporate.
3. Season with Salt and Pepper: Add salt and black pepper to taste, then stir everything together one final time.

Step 4: Cook the Butter Chicken

1. Set the Slow Cooker: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4 hours. The chicken should be tender, and the sauce thickened and creamy.
2. Adjust Consistency if Needed: If the sauce is too thick, you can add a bit more cream or water. If it’s too thin, let the slow cooker cook uncovered for the last 30 minutes.

Step 5: Final Seasoning and Serve

1. Taste and Adjust: Taste the butter chicken and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or garam masala if desired.
2. Garnish: Serve the butter chicken over basmati rice or with naan. Garnish with chopped cilantro, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, and an optional drizzle of cream or yogurt for extra richness.

Ingredient Background

Butter Chicken is known for its aromatic spices, creamy sauce, and slightly smoky flavor. Each ingredient in this slow cooker version is chosen to recreate those traditional flavors. Chicken thighs are ideal for slow cooking because they stay moist and tender, but chicken breasts can also be used for a leaner option. Tomato puree provides the base for the sauce, and heavy cream or coconut milk adds the signature richness. A blend of garam masala, cumin, coriander, turmeric, and cayenne creates the warm, complex flavor profile, while butter enhances the creamy texture and adds a luscious richness to the sauce.

Technique Tips

• Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Marinating the chicken in yogurt and spices adds flavor and helps tenderize the meat, making it even more flavorful and juicy.
• Sauté the Aromatics: Sautéing the onion, garlic, ginger, and spices enhances their flavors, creating a more robust sauce. This step is optional, but highly recommended for the best results.
• Use Bone-In Chicken for Extra Flavor: For a deeper flavor, try using bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks. The bones add richness to the sauce as it slow cooks.
• Adjust Creaminess: For a richer sauce, add extra cream or butter at the end. If you prefer a lighter dish, you can reduce the amount of cream.

Alternative Presentation Ideas

• Butter Chicken Bowl: Serve the butter chicken over a bed of rice, with steamed vegetables on the side. Garnish with cilantro and a lemon wedge for a beautiful presentation.
• Butter Chicken Tacos: Use naan or tortillas to make butter chicken tacos. Top with fresh herbs, sliced onions, and a dollop of yogurt.
• Butter Chicken Pizza: Spread butter chicken over a naan or pizza base, add mozzarella cheese, and bake until the cheese is bubbly. Top with fresh cilantro for an Indian-inspired pizza.
• Butter Chicken Wrap: Use the butter chicken as a filling for a wrap with fresh lettuce, tomatoes, and a drizzle of yogurt.

Additional Tips for Success

• Layer the Ingredients in the Slow Cooker: Place the sauce mixture at the bottom and chicken on top for even cooking.
• Finish with Fresh Cilantro: Adding fresh cilantro at the end enhances the flavor and adds a fresh, herbaceous note.
• Don’t Add Cream Too Early: If using cream, add it towards the end of cooking to prevent it from curdling.
• Adjust Spice Level: Add more or less cayenne pepper depending on your spice preference. For a milder dish, omit the cayenne altogether.

Recipe Variations

• Spicy Butter Chicken: Add extra cayenne or a few chopped green chilies for a spicier version.
• Dairy-Free Butter Chicken: Use coconut milk in place of heavy cream, and omit the yogurt or use a dairy-free yogurt for marinating.
• Butter Chicken with Vegetables: Add cauliflower, bell peppers, or peas in the last hour of cooking for added nutrients and color.
• Paneer Butter Masala: Substitute the chicken with cubed paneer (Indian cottage cheese) for a vegetarian version.

Freezing and Storage

• Storing Leftovers: Store leftover butter chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: This dish freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Reheating: Reheat in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a splash of water or cream if needed to restore the sauce’s consistency.

Healthier Twist Ideas

• Use Greek Yogurt: Substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter option. Stir it in at the end to prevent curdling.
• Use Skinless Chicken Breasts: Chicken breasts are lower in fat than thighs and make a leaner dish.
• Skip the Butter: Use a smaller amount of butter or replace it with olive oil for a lighter version.
• Add Extra Veggies: Add bell peppers, spinach, or broccoli towards the end of cooking for added fiber and nutrients.

Serving Suggestions for Events

• Dinner Party: Serve Slow Cooker Butter Chicken as the main course with a side of naan, basmati rice, and a simple cucumber salad for a complete Indian-inspired meal.
• Meal Prep: This recipe is great for meal prepping. Portion out servings into containers with rice and vegetables for easy grab-and-go lunches.
• Family Gathering: This dish is perfect for family gatherings. Prepare it in advance and keep it warm in the slow cooker for a serve-yourself buffet.
• Potluck: Butter Chicken is an excellent dish for potlucks, as it stays warm in the slow cooker and is easy to serve with a ladle.

Special Equipment

• Slow Cooker: A standard slow cooker (3-4 quarts) is perfect for this recipe.
• Sauté Pan: Useful for sautéing the aromatics before adding them to the slow cooker.
• Immersion Blender (Optional): For a smoother sauce, blend the tomato mixture before adding the chicken.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this recipe without a slow cooker?
Yes! You can make this on the stovetop by following the same steps, then simmering the dish on low for 30-40 minutes until the chicken is tender.

2. Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, but chicken thighs stay juicier and are preferred for slow cooking. If using breasts, cook for less time to prevent drying.

3. How do I prevent the cream from curdling?
Add the cream at the end of cooking, and use full-fat cream, as it’s less likely to curdle.

4. Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker?
Yes, add hearty vegetables like bell peppers, peas, or potatoes in the last hour of cooking.

5. Can I make this dish spicy?
Yes, add extra cayenne, fresh chilies, or hot sauce to increase the heat.

6. How long can I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.

7. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can double the recipe if your slow cooker is large enough. Cooking time may increase slightly.

8. Can I skip the yogurt marinade?
Yes, but marinating adds flavor and helps tenderize the chicken. If you skip it, season the chicken well with spices before adding it to the slow cooker.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Butter Chicken is a fantastic way to enjoy all the flavor and richness of traditional Butter Chicken with the ease of slow cooking. This dish brings together tender chicken, aromatic spices, and a creamy tomato-based sauce for a meal that’s both comforting and indulgent. Whether you’re new to Indian cuisine or a longtime fan, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your home. Serve it with basmati rice, naan, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, and enjoy the beautiful layers of flavor that make Butter Chicken a beloved dish worldwide.

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