Go Back
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs - 1 large onion, finely chopped - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated - 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce - 1 cup coconut milk - 4 tablespoons butter - 2 tablespoons garam masala - 1 tablespoon ground cumin - 1 tablespoon ground coriander - 1 teaspoon turmeric powder - 1 teaspoon chili powder - Salt and pepper - Fresh cilantro for garnish - Cooked basmati rice or warm naan bread for serving To make slow cooker butter chicken, gather these ingredients first. The chicken thighs provide a rich and tender base. The onion, garlic, and ginger add deep flavor. Tomato sauce and coconut milk create a creamy, savory sauce. The blend of spices, including garam masala and turmeric, brings warmth to each bite. Use fresh cilantro as a garnish. It adds a bright touch. Serve the dish over fluffy basmati rice or with warm naan bread. This makes every meal feel special. Whether for family or friends, slow cooker butter chicken is sure to impress. Start by adding the finely chopped onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger into your slow cooker. Mix them gently to combine. This blend gives the dish its base flavor. Next, layer the bite-sized chicken thigh pieces over the aromatics. Spread them out evenly to help them cook well. In a separate bowl, whisk together the tomato sauce, coconut milk, and butter pieces. Add the spices: garam masala, ground cumin, ground coriander, turmeric powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth. This sauce is rich and creamy, perfect for coating the chicken. Carefully pour the sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker. Make sure all the chicken pieces are coated in the sauce. Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Set it to cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be tender and fully cooked when done. After cooking, use a wooden spoon to gently shred the chicken inside the slow cooker. Mix it into the sauce for a unified dish. Before serving, taste the curry. Adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or chili powder if needed. Enjoy your delicious butter chicken over basmati rice or with warm naan bread! To boost the flavor of your butter chicken, consider adjusting the spices. If you want more heat, add extra chili powder. For a milder taste, cut back on it. Fresh herbs can also brighten the dish. Try adding chopped cilantro or a squeeze of lime juice just before serving. This adds a fresh twist and enhances the overall taste. When you're ready to serve, shredding the chicken is easy. Use a wooden spoon to break it apart in the slow cooker. It should fall apart nicely after cooking. For the sauce, you may want it thicker. If so, let it cook a bit longer with the lid off. This helps the sauce reduce and become richer. For a complete meal, serve butter chicken with basmati rice or warm naan bread. Both options soak up the delicious sauce well. For presentation, add a sprinkle of chopped cilantro on top. This not only looks nice but adds a pop of color. A well-plated dish makes the meal even more inviting. {{image_4}} You can switch chicken thighs for chicken breasts. Breasts are leaner and cook faster. This swap works well but may change the dish's richness. For a dairy-free option, use almond milk or cashew cream instead of coconut milk. These alternatives keep the dish creamy. They also add a different flavor twist. Try adding vegetables like spinach or peas to the dish. Spinach adds color and nutrients. Peas bring a sweet pop and a nice texture. You can toss them in during the last hour of cooking. You can also experiment with spices. Add a pinch of cinnamon for warmth. Try cardamom for a floral note. Each spice brings new life to the dish. Adjust the ingredients based on how many people you serve. For larger groups, double the chicken and sauce. If you cook more, you may need extra time. If you need fewer servings, cut the recipe in half. Cooking time stays the same, but check the chicken for doneness sooner. Always ensure it reaches a safe temperature. To keep your leftover slow cooker butter chicken fresh, follow these tips: - Let it cool to room temperature. - Transfer it to an airtight container. - Store it in the fridge. When stored this way, it lasts for about 3 to 4 days. Always check for any off smells or changes in texture before eating. Freezing butter chicken is simple and keeps it tasty. Here’s how: - Allow the dish to cool completely. - Place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. - Label it with the date for easy tracking. It can last in the freezer for about 2 to 3 months. For reheating, move it to the fridge overnight to thaw. To reheat, warm it in a pot on the stove over low heat. Stir often until heated through. You can also use a microwave, but stir halfway for even heating. Enjoy your delicious butter chicken anytime! Butter chicken, or murgh makhani, comes from India. It has a rich, creamy sauce. The dish features tender chicken in a blend of spices. This dish combines flavors of garlic, ginger, and spices like garam masala. It is mildly sweet and slightly tangy from tomatoes. Butter chicken pairs well with rice or naan. It has become popular worldwide for its taste and comfort. Yes, you can make butter chicken in a regular pot or instant pot. For the stovetop method, cook the onion, garlic, and ginger first. Add the chicken and brown it slightly. Then, pour in the sauce and simmer until cooked. In an instant pot, use the sauté function first, then cook on high pressure for about 10 minutes. This way, you still get that great flavor. To spice up your butter chicken, add more chili powder. You can also include fresh green chilies or cayenne pepper. Start with a small amount and taste as you go. This lets you control the heat. Another option is to add a pinch of black pepper for extra kick. Remember, balancing spice is key to keeping it tasty. Yes, you can use pork or lamb instead of chicken. Cut the meat into bite-sized pieces. Adjust the cooking time based on the meat choice. Pork generally cooks in the same time as chicken, while lamb may need a bit longer. Ensure that all meat is tender and fully cooked before serving. This way, you can enjoy the rich sauce with different flavors. In this post, we covered how to make delicious butter chicken with easy steps and ingredients. You learned about preparing aromatics, making the sauce, and cooking the chicken. I shared tips for flavor, consistency, and serving. You can even switch up ingredients or try different cooking methods. Remember, storing your leftovers properly helps keep the dish fresh. Enjoy exploring this recipe, and don’t be afraid to experiment! Butter chicken is not just a meal; it's a celebration of flavor.

Slow Cooker Butter Chicken

Indulge in the rich flavors of Slow Cooker Butter Chicken, a dish that combines tender chicken thighs with a creamy, spiced sauce. This easy recipe requires minimal prep time and is perfect for busy days! With ingredients like coconut milk, garam masala, and fresh ginger, your taste buds will thank you. Discover the full recipe now and bring this delicious meal to your dining table—click to explore and enjoy!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

1 large onion, finely chopped

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated

1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce

1 cup coconut milk

4 tablespoons butter, cut into small pieces

2 tablespoons garam masala

1 tablespoon ground cumin

1 tablespoon ground coriander

1 teaspoon turmeric powder

1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste for heat preference)

Salt and pepper, to taste

Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish

Cooked basmati rice or warm naan bread, for serving

Instructions
 

Begin by adding the finely chopped onion, minced garlic, and freshly grated ginger to the bottom of your slow cooker. Stir these aromatics together to combine.

    Evenly layer the bite-sized chicken thigh pieces over the onion mixture, spreading them out to ensure they cook uniformly.

      In a separate bowl, whisk together the tomato sauce, coconut milk, butter pieces, garam masala, ground cumin, ground coriander, turmeric powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until the ingredients are well blended and the sauce is smooth.

        Carefully pour the sauce mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker, ensuring that all pieces are thoroughly coated in the rich sauce.

          Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.

            After cooking, use a wooden spoon to gently shred the chicken inside the slow cooker, mixing it into the sauce for a cohesive dish.

              Before serving, taste the curry and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or chili powder if desired.

                Prep Time: 15 min | Total Time: 7 hrs (including cook time) | Servings: 6

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the butter chicken over a bed of fluffy basmati rice or alongside warm naan bread. For an eye-catching finish, garnish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro, adding vibrancy to the dish.