Slow Cooker Butter Chicken

Let’s get cooking! Have you ever craved a dish so comforting, so flavorful, it makes you want to spontaneously break into a Bollywood dance number? That’s the magic of Slow Cooker Butter Chicken. This recipe is your ticket to a taste of India, without the hours of frantic kitchen choreography. Prepare for a flavor explosion! Get ready to enjoy the creamy, rich, and utterly addictive experience.

This recipe is a lifesaver for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. It’s so simple, even I can do it (and my culinary skills are best described as “enthusiastically amateur”). The vibrant colors and incredible aroma will transport you straight to a bustling Indian market, even if you’re stuck in your pajamas.

This Slow Cooker Butter Chicken boasts several incredible advantages:

It’s unbelievably easy to prepare.

The flavor is unbelievably rich and complex.

It looks absolutely stunning on a plate.

It’s incredibly versatile, perfect with rice, naan, or even cauliflower rice.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Butter Chicken

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Chicken Breast Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for ease of cooking. Cut them into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.

Onion One large yellow onion, finely chopped. This provides a sweet base for the sauce.

Garlic and Ginger Fresh garlic and ginger, minced. These aromatics add depth and warmth.

Tomatoes Use canned crushed tomatoes for a smooth, rich sauce. Fresh tomatoes can be used as well but may require some extra time for cooking.

Coconut Milk Full-fat coconut milk adds creaminess and richness. You can’t go wrong with this one!

Spices A blend of Indian spices, including turmeric, cumin, coriander, garam masala, and chili powder. Adjust the chili powder to control the heat level.

Butter (vegan) Use your favourite vegan butter for the richness. It adds a lovely flavor to the sauce.

Vegetable Broth Use low sodium vegetable broth to build the flavour base of the sauce.

Lemon Juice Fresh lemon juice brightens the flavor and balances the richness.

Agar-Agar A plant-based gelling agent used to thicken the sauce; follow instructions on the packaging for accurate use.

Fresh Cilantro Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish. A touch of freshness brightens up the dish.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Slow Cooker Butter Chicken

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Preparing the Chicken

Season the chicken pieces generously with salt and pepper. This simple step enhances the flavour.

Step 2: Sautéing Aromatics

In a large skillet, heat some vegan butter and sauté the chopped onions until softened. Add the minced garlic and ginger, sautéing briefly until fragrant. This will provide the foundation for the flavour.

Step 3: Building the Sauce

Add the crushed tomatoes, coconut milk, vegetable broth, and all the spices to the skillet. Stir well to combine and bring to a simmer. Make sure everything is properly mixed in!

Step 4: Slow Cooking Magic

Transfer the chicken and the sauce mixture into your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened. The longer it cooks, the more delicious it gets.

Step 5: Thicken and Finish

Stir in the lemon juice and agar-agar. If you want a thicker sauce, let it cook for another 15-20 minutes in the slow cooker. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot with rice, naan bread, or your favorite side dish. Enjoy every bite of this easy and incredible Slow Cooker Butter Chicken.

Recipe Card: Slow Cooker Butter Chicken

This section would typically contain a printable recipe card with detailed measurements and instructions. Since I can’t create a printable card here, I’ll list out the measurements:

Ingredients:

1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces

1 large yellow onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 inch ginger, minced

28 oz can crushed tomatoes

1 can (13.5 oz) full-fat coconut milk

1 cup low-sodium vegetable broth

1 tbsp turmeric powder

1 tbsp cumin powder

1 tbsp coriander powder

1 tsp garam masala

1/2 tsp chili powder (or more, to taste)

2 tbsp vegan butter

2 tbsp lemon juice

1 tsp agar-agar powder

Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions (same as above, but with detailed timing and cooking instructions)

Tips and Variations for Slow Cooker Butter Chicken

For a richer flavor, marinate the chicken in a mixture of yogurt and some of the spices for at least 30 minutes before cooking.

If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of chili powder. Alternatively, use a milder chili powder or omit it altogether.

Add vegetables such as peas, carrots, or potatoes to the slow cooker for a heartier meal. You can add them along with the chicken.

Serve with a dollop of vegan yogurt or a squeeze of extra lemon juice for an extra touch of tanginess.

Conclusion: Your New Favorite Slow Cooker Butter Chicken

This Slow Cooker Butter Chicken recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Its simplicity, flavor, and versatility make it a perfect dish for any occasion, from a cozy weeknight dinner to a weekend gathering. So ditch the takeout menus and unleash your inner chef with this delicious and easy recipe!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

First, brown the chicken pieces in a little oil for deeper flavor. Then, sauté the onions and garlic before adding the chicken to your slow cooker. Combine all remaining ingredients, ensuring everything is well mixed before cooking on low for 6-8 hours. This slow cooking process ensures incredibly tender chicken and a rich sauce.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to experiment! Swap the chicken for beef or lamb. Add a pinch of smoked paprika for a deeper flavor profile, or include some chopped bell peppers for extra sweetness. A squeeze of fresh lime juice at the end brightens everything up nicely. Get creative and make it your own!

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed to maintain the sauce’s consistency. Enjoy your delicious slow cooker butter chicken again!

• Don’t overcrowd your slow cooker. It’ll steam the chicken instead of browning it nicely.
• Taste and adjust the seasonings! A little extra salt or a dash of lemon juice can transform the dish.
• To prevent a watery sauce, make sure you drain any excess liquid from the chicken before adding it to the slow cooker.

I once served this Slow Cooker Butter Chicken at a potluck. People kept coming back for seconds, and one guy even asked for the recipe to make it for his wife’s birthday. It was a total hit.

Slow Cooker Butter Chicken

: A Recipe for Success

This recipe is a triumph of convenience and flavor. Forget complicated techniques and long prep times, because this Slow Cooker Butter Chicken is designed for the busy weeknight warrior (that’s you!). It’s a delicious and satisfying meal that’s surprisingly simple to pull off, and I guarantee you’ll be amazed at how much flavor this slow-cooked goodness packs. This Slow Cooker Butter Chicken recipe requires only minimal effort. Trust me, this isn’t your grandma’s chicken.

Ingredients You’ll Need for this Delicious Slow Cooker Butter Chicken

Gathering the ingredients is half the fun, and this recipe uses readily available items you probably already have in your pantry! Let’s get started:

1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

1 large onion, chopped

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes

1 cup chicken broth

1/2 cup heavy cream (or full-fat coconut milk for a vegan option)

1/4 cup tomato paste

2 tablespoons lemon juice

1 tablespoon garam masala

1 tablespoon ginger, grated

1 teaspoon turmeric

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a touch of heat)

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Cooked rice or naan bread, for serving

Step-by-Step Instructions for the Best Slow Cooker Butter Chicken

This recipe is practically foolproof. Even if you’ve got kitchen skills comparable to a particularly clumsy badger, you can nail this.

First, you want to give your chicken a nice sear. Grab a skillet, heat a little oil, and brown the chicken pieces all over before transferring them to your slow cooker. This step adds a layer of depth to the flavor that you won’t believe. Trust me on this one.

Next, add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the same skillet, and sauté them until they’re softened and fragrant. This creates a fantastic base for your sauce. This step isn’t strictly necessary, but it does make a difference in the overall flavor of the dish. You’ll see.

Now, toss everything into your slow cooker. That’s right, everything. The browned chicken, the sautéed onions and garlic, the crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, heavy cream (or coconut milk), tomato paste, lemon juice, and all the spices. Make sure it’s all mixed well, then cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. This low and slow approach guarantees a fantastically tender chicken.

Once your Slow Cooker Butter Chicken is ready, garnish generously with fresh cilantro. Serve it over fluffy white rice or alongside warm naan bread.

Pro Tips and Troubleshooting

You are now ready to embrace the magic of slow cooking. However, some minor adjustments can take your Slow Cooker Butter Chicken from “good” to “I-need-to-marry-this-dish” level.

If your sauce is a little too thin after cooking, simmer it uncovered for 15-20 minutes to reduce it down. To thicken your sauce even further, you can stir in 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch mixed with a little cold water towards the end of the cooking time.

Want more kick? Add a chopped chili pepper or increase the cayenne. Feel free to experiment with different spice combinations. Go crazy!

If you’re short on time, you can skip the searing step. It adds flavor but isn’t essential for a delicious result.

This Slow Cooker Butter Chicken recipe is a game-changer. Its simplicity and incredible flavor profile make it a go-to meal. Prepare to be amazed!

Conclusion for Slow Cooker Butter Chicken

This Slow Cooker Butter Chicken recipe simplifies a classic dish, making it perfect for busy weeknights. The slow cooker does all the work, leaving you with tender, flavorful chicken in a rich and creamy sauce. Remember to adjust cooking times depending on your slow cooker and desired level of tenderness. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different spices and sides to create your own perfect version. Enjoy this easy and delicious meal!

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FAQs

Can I make Slow Cooker Butter Chicken ahead of time?

Absolutely! Slow cooker recipes are perfect for meal prepping. You can assemble the Slow Cooker Butter Chicken the night before, pop it in the fridge, and cook it the next day. Just be sure to allow extra cooking time as it will start from a colder temperature. The flavors will actually deepen overnight, resulting in an even more delicious outcome. You can even freeze it before cooking, just thaw completely before cooking.

What if my slow cooker doesn’t have a “low” setting?

Don’t panic! If your slow cooker only has a high setting, simply reduce the cooking time. Start checking for doneness after about half the usual low-setting time. The chicken should be cooked through and tender. Remember, you’re aiming for tender chicken, not mushy chicken. It’s always better to err on the side of caution and check frequently to avoid overcooking.

Is this Slow Cooker Butter Chicken recipe healthy?

It depends on your definition of healthy! We’ve focused on flavorful ingredients and a simple, relatively healthy cooking method. However, it’s a creamy dish and contains some fat. You could easily make it healthier by using lower-fat chicken, reducing the amount of cream or coconut milk and increasing the amount of vegetables. Consider adding extra vegetables like cauliflower or broccoli for a more substantial and nutrient-rich meal.

What can I serve with my Slow Cooker Butter Chicken?

The possibilities are endless! This Slow Cooker Butter Chicken is fantastic with fluffy basmati rice, naan bread, or even some simple roasted vegetables. For a complete meal, consider serving it with a side of cucumber raita for a refreshing contrast to the richness of the sauce. You could also add a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for a pop of color and flavor. Get creative and enjoy experimenting with different sides to find your perfect combination.