Slow Cooker Butter Chicken

Slow Cooker Butter Chicken is a delightful dish that brings the rich flavors of Indian cuisine right to your kitchen with minimal effort. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, this recipe combines tender chicken in a creamy, mildly spiced tomato sauce. The slow cooker does the work for you, allowing you to enjoy a delicious meal without spending all day in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Cooking: Just add ingredients to your slow cooker and let it do the magic.
• Flavorful Experience: A blend of spices creates a mouthwatering sauce that tantalizes your taste buds.
• Versatile Meal: Serve it with rice, naan, or even as a filling for wraps.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a large batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.
• Family-Friendly: The mild spices make it suitable for both kids and adults.

Tools and Preparation

To make Slow Cooker Butter Chicken, you’ll need some essential tools to ensure everything goes smoothly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Blender
• Saute pan
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker: This appliance allows you to cook meals slowly, enhancing flavor while saving time.
• Blender: It helps create a smooth sauce by thoroughly mixing your cooked onions and spices with tomatoes and cream.
• Saute pan: Essential for building flavor by sautéing onions and spices before adding them to the slow cooker.

Ingredients

Slow Cooker Butter Chicken is a rich and creamy authentic Indian dish made easy in the crock pot. Tender chicken is coated in a mildly spicy tomato-tinged sauce and cooks itself in one pot.

For the Chicken

• 3 pounds (5-6 large) boneless-skinless chicken breasts

For the Sauce

• 1 cup (1 small) onion (diced)
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 1¼ cups heavy cream (room temperature & divided)
• 6 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tbsp minced garlic
• 1 tbsp grated ginger

For the Spices

• 2½ tsp curry powder
• 2 tsp chili powder
• 2 tsp garam masala
• ½ tsp cumin
• ½ tsp salt

For Thickening and Serving

• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 4 cups cooked jasmine rice (according to package directions)
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

How to Make Slow Cooker Butter Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Spice Mixture

In a saute pan over medium-high heat, melt the butter. Add diced onions, minced garlic, grated ginger, curry powder, chili powder, garam masala, cumin, and salt. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until onions are tender and spices are aromatic.

Step 2: Blend the Sauce

Transfer the sautéed mixture into a blender. Add tomato sauce, tomato paste, and ¾ cup of heavy cream. Blend until smooth.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Place the chicken breasts in your slow cooker. Pour the blended sauce over the chicken. Cover and cook on high for 2 ½ – 3 hours.

Step 4: Shred the Chicken

Once fully cooked, remove chicken pieces from the slow cooker. Cut them into bite-sized pieces.

Step 5: Thicken the Sauce

In a small bowl, combine remaining ½ cup heavy cream with cornstarch to create a slurry. Stir this into your slow cooker sauce to thicken it up.

Step 6: Combine Everything

Add the chopped chicken back into the slow cooker. Stir gently to coat all pieces with sauce without breaking them apart. Turn off your slow cooker when ready to serve.

Step 7: Serve

In each bowl, place about ¾ cup of cooked rice on one side. Spoon Slow Cooker Butter Chicken next to it. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Enjoy your homemade Slow Cooker Butter Chicken!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Butter Chicken

Serving Slow Cooker Butter Chicken is an enjoyable experience that can be tailored to your preferences. This dish is versatile and pairs beautifully with various accompaniments. Here are some delightful ways to serve it.

Pair with Jasmine Rice

• Jasmine Rice: The fluffy texture of jasmine rice complements the creamy sauce of butter chicken perfectly, helping to soak up all the flavors.

Add Naan Bread

• Naan: Soft, warm naan bread is perfect for scooping up the butter chicken. It adds a lovely chewy texture that enhances each bite.

Include Fresh Salad

• Cucumber Salad: A simple cucumber salad adds a refreshing crunch that balances the richness of the dish. Toss sliced cucumbers with lemon juice and salt for a quick side.

Top with Fresh Herbs

• Cilantro Garnish: Sprinkling fresh cilantro over your butter chicken not only adds color but also enhances the dish’s aroma and flavor profile.

Serve with Raita

• Raita: This yogurt-based side offers a cool contrast to the spices in butter chicken. Mix plain yogurt with diced cucumber, mint, and salt for a delightful dip.

How to Perfect Slow Cooker Butter Chicken

To achieve the best results with your Slow Cooker Butter Chicken, keep these tips in mind. They will help enhance flavor and texture for a truly authentic experience.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh garlic and ginger will elevate the flavor of your dish, making it more aromatic and vibrant.
• Adjust spice levels: If you prefer a milder version, reduce the chili powder or add more cream to balance out the heat.
• Brown chicken first: Searing the chicken in a pan before adding it to the slow cooker can deepen the overall flavor profile.
• Check seasoning towards end: Taste your sauce before serving; feel free to adjust salt or spices as needed for optimal flavor.
• Let it rest: Allowing your dish to sit for 10 minutes after cooking helps meld all flavors together beautifully.
• Serve hot: Enjoy this dish immediately after cooking for the best taste experience; reheat gently if needed.

Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Butter Chicken

Pairing side dishes with your Slow Cooker Butter Chicken can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some excellent options:

1. Steamed Broccoli: Bright green broccoli adds color and nutrition while complementing the rich sauce.
2. Basmati Rice Pilaf: Flavored basmati rice pilaf offers a fragrant alternative that pairs nicely with Indian spices.
3. Vegetable Samosas: These crispy pastries filled with spiced potatoes and peas make for an exciting starter before diving into your main course.
4. Mango Chutney: A sweet and tangy mango chutney provides a fruity contrast that enhances each bite of butter chicken.
5. Roasted Cauliflower: Seasoned roasted cauliflower brings out natural sweetness while adding depth to your meal.
6. Chickpea Salad: A protein-rich chickpea salad mixed with tomatoes, onion, and herbs adds freshness alongside your buttery dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Slow Cooker Butter Chicken, it’s easy to overlook a few crucial steps that can affect the final dish. Here are some common mistakes to avoid for a perfect outcome.

• Skipping the sauté step: Failing to sauté the onions and spices can lead to a bland sauce. Always take the time to cook these ingredients first for maximum flavor.
• Using cold cream: Adding cold heavy cream straight from the fridge can cause the sauce to curdle. Let it reach room temperature before mixing it into your dish.
• Not cutting chicken evenly: Cutting chicken into uneven pieces can result in inconsistent cooking times. Aim for uniform, bite-sized pieces for even doneness.
• Overcooking the chicken: Leaving chicken in the slow cooker for too long can make it dry. Follow the recommended cooking time closely for tender, juicy chicken.
• Neglecting seasoning adjustments: Everyone’s taste is different. Don’t be afraid to adjust seasoning levels according to your preference for a more personalized dish.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Consume within 3-4 days for best quality.

Freezing Slow Cooker Butter Chicken

• Place in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
• Can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Slow Cooker Butter Chicken

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil, heating until warmed through.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on medium power until hot, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Heat in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed throughout.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about making Slow Cooker Butter Chicken.

How can I make Slow Cooker Butter Chicken healthier?

You can use less heavy cream and substitute with coconut milk or Greek yogurt. Adding vegetables like spinach or bell peppers can also boost nutrition.

Can I use different meats in this recipe?

Yes! You can substitute chicken with turkey or lamb, adjusting cooking times as necessary depending on the type of meat used.

What should I serve with Slow Cooker Butter Chicken?

This dish pairs well with jasmine rice, naan bread, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal experience.

How do I thicken the sauce without cornstarch?

You can use plant-based gelling agents like agar-agar or simply reduce the sauce by cooking it longer without the lid on.

Final Thoughts

Slow Cooker Butter Chicken is not only rich and creamy but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting spice levels according to your taste. Whether for a weeknight dinner or special occasion, give this dish a try—you won’t be disappointed!