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- 2 pounds boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated - 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce - 1 cup coconut milk - 1/4 cup plain yogurt (preferably unsweetened) - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter - 2 tablespoons garam masala - 1 teaspoon ground turmeric - 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust according to spice preference) - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - Salt, to taste - Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish) - Cooked basmati rice or warm naan (for serving) Each ingredient plays a key role in the dish. Chicken thighs give a juicy, tender bite. Aromatics like onion, garlic, and ginger add depth and flavor. The sauce combines tomato sauce, coconut milk, yogurt, and butter for creaminess. Spices like garam masala and turmeric bring warmth and a bit of heat. I love the ease of using the slow cooker. It lets the flavors meld together beautifully. As you cook, your home fills with an amazing aroma. It's hard to wait! Don't forget to adjust the cayenne pepper for your spice level. If you're new to this dish, start with less. You can always add more later. Enjoy cooking, and get ready for a cozy meal that warms your heart. {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by placing 2 pounds of boneless chicken thighs into your slow cooker. Cut the thighs into bite-sized pieces for even cooking. Next, add 1 medium onion, finely chopped, and 4 cloves of minced garlic. Don't forget to add 1 tablespoon of freshly grated ginger. These aromatics will give your dish a rich flavor. In a mixing bowl, combine the sauce ingredients. Add 1 can of tomato sauce, 1 cup of coconut milk, 1/4 cup of plain yogurt, and 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Sprinkle in 2 tablespoons of garam masala, 1 teaspoon of ground turmeric, 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, and 1 teaspoon of ground cumin. Add salt to taste. Whisk this mixture until it is smooth and well-blended. Carefully pour the sauce over the chicken and aromatics in the slow cooker. Use a spatula to stir gently, ensuring the chicken is well coated. Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Set it to cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. The chicken will be tender and fully cooked when done. After cooking, stir the butter chicken gently to combine the flavors. Taste and adjust salt or spice if needed. Serve hot with basmati rice or warm naan, and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro. Marinating your chicken can boost flavor. You can mix yogurt, spices, and garlic. Let it sit for a few hours or overnight. This extra step adds depth to your dish. Adjust spice levels to suit your taste. If you like it hot, add more cayenne pepper. Timing is key when cooking chicken. Smaller pieces cook faster than larger ones. Check for doneness to ensure they are tender. Before serving, stir the butter chicken to mix flavors well. This simple step makes a big difference in taste. Plating matters for a great meal. Serve butter chicken over fluffy basmati rice or alongside warm naan. This pairing enhances the overall dining experience. For a lovely finish, garnish with fresh cilantro. It adds color and a fresh taste that brightens your dish. Pro Tips Use Bone-In Chicken: For an even richer flavor, consider using bone-in chicken thighs, which will impart more depth to the sauce as they cook. Adjust Spice Levels: Taste the sauce before serving. You can always add more cayenne or a pinch of chili powder if you prefer extra heat. Thicken the Sauce: If you want a thicker sauce, remove the lid during the last hour of cooking to let some of the liquid evaporate. Garnish Creatively: Enhance presentation by adding a drizzle of cream or a sprinkle of crushed nuts along with the cilantro for added texture and flavor. {{image_4}} You can make a few changes to make butter chicken lighter. Start with skinless chicken or turkey. This reduces fat while keeping the dish tasty. You can also swap plain yogurt for a dairy-free option. Use coconut yogurt for a creamy texture. Want to add more flavor? Toss in some fresh veggies. Spinach and peas work well and add color. You can also try different spices. Cinnamon and cardamom can bring a warm twist. Experimenting adds depth to your dish. This dish has many styles. For a Southern Indian twist, use curry leaves and mustard seeds. These ingredients can change the profile of your butter chicken. You can also explore flavors from other cuisines. Adding a hint of lime or fresh herbs can give it a fresh vibe. To keep your butter chicken fresh, use an airtight container. Place it in the fridge. It will stay good for up to four days. Make sure it cools down first before sealing it. This helps lock in flavors. When you want to enjoy butter chicken again, use the stovetop or microwave. For the stovetop, heat it gently in a pan. Stir it often and add a little water if it seems dry. If using a microwave, place it in a bowl and cover it. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. This keeps the chicken moist and tasty. You can serve Slow Cooker Butter Chicken with: - Cooked basmati rice - Warm naan bread Basmati rice is soft and fluffy. It soaks up the creamy sauce well. Naan adds a nice texture and flavor. You can dip it into the sauce. Both options make the meal more filling and fun! Yes, you can freeze Slow Cooker Butter Chicken. Here are some tips: - Let it cool completely before freezing. - Use an airtight container or freezer bag. - Label it with the date before placing it in the freezer. It can stay fresh for up to three months. To defrost, place it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it on the stove or microwave. Stir well to keep it creamy. To add more heat to your Slow Cooker Butter Chicken: - Increase the cayenne pepper in the recipe. - Add fresh chili peppers when cooking. - Serve with a side of spicy chutney. These methods let you control the spice level. Taste as you go to find what you like. Enjoy the kick! Slow cooker butter chicken is an easy, delicious dish you can make at home. We covered the main ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips for the best flavor. Remember to use fresh spices and adjust them to your liking. Consider variations to suit your taste or dietary needs. Store leftovers properly for future meals. Enjoy serving this dish with rice or naan. You can make family meals fun and tasty with butter chicken. Keep experimenting to find your perfect flavor!

Slow Cooker Butter Chicken Delight

A creamy and flavorful butter chicken dish made effortlessly in a slow cooker.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 15 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Indian
Servings 6
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pounds boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 can tomato sauce (15 ounces)
  • 1 cup coconut milk
  • 1 4 cup plain yogurt (preferably unsweetened)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons garam masala
  • 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust according to spice preference)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • to taste salt
  • for garnish fresh cilantro, chopped
  • for serving cooked basmati rice or warm naan

Instructions
 

  • Begin by placing the bite-sized chicken thigh pieces into a large slow cooker. Add the finely chopped onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger, ensuring the ingredients are evenly distributed.
  • In a separate mixing bowl, combine the tomato sauce, coconut milk, plain yogurt, and unsalted butter. Add in the garam masala, ground turmeric, cayenne pepper, ground cumin, and salt. Whisk the mixture together until it achieves a smooth consistency.
  • Carefully pour the sauce mixture over the chicken and onion in the slow cooker. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to gently stir and coat the chicken thoroughly with the sauce.
  • Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Set it to cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for about 3 to 4 hours. The chicken should become tender and fully cooked through during this time.
  • After the cooking time is complete, stir the butter chicken gently to combine the flavors. Taste the dish and adjust the salt or spice levels to your liking, if necessary.
  • Serve the butter chicken hot over fluffy basmati rice or alongside warm naan bread. Garnish generously with freshly chopped cilantro for a burst of color and flavor.

Notes

For an elegant touch, serve in shallow bowls with basmati rice and garnish with cilantro and lime.
Keyword butter chicken, chicken, coconut milk, Indian cuisine, slow cooker