Discover the rich, creamy flavors of slow cooker butter chicken with this easy-to-follow recipe. Learn the history, essential ingredients, and step-by-step preparation for a delicious Indian meal made easy. Perfect for busy weeknights.

Butter Chicken, also known as Murgh Makhani, is a famous Indian dish known for its rich, creamy tomato sauce and tender, juicy chicken pieces. Traditionally prepared in a tandoor, this popular recipe can be easily adapted to a slow cooker, allowing you to enjoy its delicious flavors with minimal effort. In this article, we will explore the history, ingredients, and step-by-step preparation of slow cooker butter chicken, along with some helpful tips to enhance your culinary experience.

History of Butter Chicken

Butter chicken originated in the 1950s and was created by Kundan Lal Gujral, founder of the iconic Moti Mahal restaurant in Delhi, India. The dish was born out of a need to repurpose leftover tandoori chicken cooked in a rich, creamy tomato sauce. The result was a harmonious blend of flavors that quickly became a favorite in India and around the world.

Slow Cooker Butter Chicken: A Delicious Indian Delicacy Made Easy

Recipe by abdinhalaCourse: UncategorizedCuisine: IndianDifficulty: Medium

Servings

4-6

servings

Prep time

minutes

Cooking time

hours

Calories

450

kcal

Discover the rich, creamy flavors of slow-cooked butter chicken with this easy-to-follow recipe. Learn the history, essential ingredients, and step-by-step preparation for a delicious Indian meal made easy. Perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

1.5 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 large onion, finely chopped
3 cloves of garlic, minced
1-inch piece of ginger, grated
1 can (14 ounces) of crushed tomatoes
1 cup of heavy cream or coconut milk
1/4 cup of unsalted butter
2 tablespoons of tomato paste
2 tablespoons of garam masala
1 teaspoon of ground cumin
1 teaspoon of ground turmeric
1 teaspoon of paprika
1 teaspoon of chili powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh cilantro for garnish
Cooked basmati rice or naan for serving

Directions

Marinate the Chicken:
In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces with 1 tablespoon of garam masala, 1 teaspoon of ground cumin, 1 teaspoon of ground turmeric, 1 teaspoon of paprika, 1 teaspoon of chili powder, and a pinch of salt.
Make sure the chicken is fully coated with the spices.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight for the best flavor.
Prepare the Sauce:
In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
Add the chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
Transfer to Slow Cooker:
Transfer the onion mixture to the slow cooker.
Add the crushed tomatoes, heavy cream or coconut milk, and the remaining 1 tablespoon of garam masala.
Mix well to combine all the ingredients.
Cook the Chicken:
Gently place the marinated chicken pieces into the slow cooker, ensuring they are submerged in the sauce.
The chicken should be cooked until tender after 6–8 hours on low heat or 3–4 hours on high heat.
Finish with Butter:
About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter.
This will enhance the richness and smoothness of the sauce.
Garnish and Serve:
Once the butter has melted into the sauce, taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper.
Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve the butter chicken over cooked basmati rice or with warm naan bread.

Tips for Perfect Slow Cooker Butter Chicken recipe

Choose the Right Chicken: For best results, use boneless, skinless chicken thighs, as they stay tender and juicy during slow cooking. Chicken breasts can also be used, but be careful not to overcook them.

Marination Time: Allow the chicken to marinate overnight to enhance the depth of flavor. At least, a 30-minute marination will yield delicious results.

Balancing Heat: Adjust the amount of chili powder to match your heat tolerance. If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount or omit altogether.

Richness and Creaminess: Coconut milk can be used as a dairy-free alternative to heavy cream, providing a rich and creamy texture while adding a subtle hint of coconut flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Butter chicken works well with a number of sides and accompaniments:

Basmati rice: The fragrant, long-grain basmati rice is a perfect match for butter chicken, soaking up the delicious sauce.

Naan Bread: Soft and fluffy naan bread is ideal for scooping up the creamy sauce and tender chicken bites.

Vegetable sides: For a balanced dinner, serve with a side of sautéed or roasted vegetables, such as green beans, carrots, or bell peppers.

Raita: cooling cucumber and yogurt raita complements the spices in the butter chicken, providing a refreshing contrast.

Slow Cooker Butter Chicken – Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Calories: 430 kcal

Protein: 28g

Carbohydrates: 12g

Dietary Fiber: 2g

Sugars: 7g

Fat: 30g

Saturated Fat: 15g

Trans Fat: 0g

Cholesterol: 120mg

Sodium: 600mg

Note: these values may vary depending on the specific ingredients and quantities used in the recipe. Adjusting the amount of butter or using a lighter alternative, such as Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream, can reduce the fat content.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Slow Cooker Butter Chicken

Can I make Butter Chicken dairy-free?

Absolutely! You can replace the heavy cream with coconut milk to make this dish dairy-free. The coconut milk adds a rich and creamy texture while providing a subtle hint of coconut flavor. You can also substitute plant-based butter for traditional butter.

Can I prepare the Butter Chicken in advance?

Yes, you can make the Butter Chicken ahead and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat on low heat, stirring periodically, until well cooked.The flavors may even deepen and become more pronounced after sitting for a day or two.

Can I freeze Butter Chicken?

Yes, Butter Chicken freezes well. Allow the dish to cool completely before storing in an airtight container. It can freeze for up to three months.. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop over low heat.

Can I use store-bought garam masala?

Yes, store-bought garam masala is fine for this recipe. If you prefer, you can make your own garam masala blend at home using a mixture of ground spices such as coriander, cumin, cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, and black pepper

Can I make butter chicken in a pressure cooker or Instant Pot?

Yes, you can make Butter Chicken in a pressure cooker or Instant Pot. Use the saute function to cook the onions, garlic and ginger, then add the remaining ingredients. Cook on high for 10-15 minutes, then turn off. Finish with butter and season to taste.

Is Butter Chicken spicy?

Butter Chicken is mildly spiced and typically has a creamy and slightly sweet flavor profile. The heat level can be adjusted to your liking by varying the amount of chili powder and other spices.

Can I make this dish with leftover cooked chicken?

Yes, you can use leftover cooked chicken to make Butter Chicken. Add the cooked chicken to the slow cooker during the last hour of cooking to ensure it absorbs the flavors of the sauce without being overcooked.

Slow Cooker Butter Chicken is a delicious and convenient way to enjoy a classic Indian dish without spending hours in the kitchen. With its rich, creamy tomato sauce and tender chicken, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. By following the step-by-step preparation and incorporating the tips provided, you can create a delicious and satisfying meal that will impress family and friends alike. So gather your ingredients, set up your slow cooker, and get ready to enjoy the flavors of India right in your own home. Happy Cooking

Slow Cooker Butter Chicken: A Delicious Indian Delicacy Made Easy

History of Butter Chicken