If you’re on the lookout for a dish that’s both hearty and packed with flavor, you’ve landed in the right spot. Butter chicken is a beloved classic in Indian cuisine, famous for its rich, creamy tomato sauce and tender chicken pieces. What’s even better? You can whip up this delicious dish with minimal effort using your slow cooker!
What is Butter Chicken?
Butter chicken, known as “Murgh Makhani” in Hindi, originated in India. It features marinated chicken cooked in a delicious sauce made of butter (hence the name), cream, and a blend of warm spices. The dish beautifully combines fragrant spices with a luscious sauce that pairs perfectly with rice or naan.
Why Use a Slow Cooker for Butter Chicken?
Using a slow cooker for butter chicken comes with a myriad of benefits:
- Hands-Free Cooking: Once you throw everything into the slow cooker, you can set it and forget it. No need to stand over the stove!
- Tender Chicken: Slow cooking allows the chicken to become incredibly tender and absorb all the spices and flavors.
- Flavors Intensify: The longer cooking times help the spices meld together, resulting in a rich, deep flavor that is sometimes hard to achieve with quicker cooking methods.
Ingredients You’ll Need
When it comes to making butter chicken in a slow cooker, you want to make sure you have all your ingredients lined up. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Chicken Marinade
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons garam masala
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1-inch piece of ginger (grated)
For the Sauce
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 large onion (finely chopped)
- 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut milk for a dairy-free version)
- 1 tablespoon sugar (to balance acidity)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro (for garnish)
Preparing Your Slow Cooker Butter Chicken
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
The key to great butter chicken lies in the marinade. Start by mixing all the marinade ingredients in a large bowl. Ensure the chicken pieces are well-coated in the mixture. For the best results, cover the bowl and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least one hour, but overnight is preferable.
Step 2: Sauté the Onions
While marinating, you can prepare the base for your sauce. Heat the butter in a skillet over medium heat and add the chopped onions. Sauté until they are soft and golden brown (about 5-7 minutes). This step adds depth to the flavor of the sauce, so don’t skip it!
Step 3: Combine Everything in the Slow Cooker
Once the onions are ready, add them to the slow cooker along with the marinated chicken and the crushed tomatoes. Give it all a good mix to distribute the ingredients evenly.
Step 4: Cook Low and Slow
Cover your slow cooker and set it on low for about 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The slow cooking process will let the chicken become tender and absorb all those wonderful flavors.
Step 5: Finish with Cream
About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the heavy cream (or coconut milk), along with the sugar. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. Let it heat through until you’re ready to eat.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Once the slow cooker butter chicken is ready, serve it over basmati rice or with warm naan. Don’t forget to garnish with fresh cilantro for an extra burst of flavor and color!
Tips for the Perfect Slow Cooker Butter Chicken
Choosing the Right Chicken
While boneless, skinless chicken thighs are recommended for their tenderness and juiciness, you can also use chicken breasts. Just be cautious not to overcook them since they can dry out faster.
Make it Your Own
Feel free to play around with the spices according to your taste preferences. You can add more spices for heat or try adding a bit of cinnamon or cardamom for extra warmth.
Dairy-Free Options
If you’re looking for a dairy-free alternative, coconut milk works beautifully and gives a lovely tropical flavor.
Make Ahead
Butter chicken actually tastes even better the next day! If you’re meal prepping, you can make a batch and store it in the refrigerator for a couple of days or freeze it for later use.
Side Dishes to Pair with Your Butter Chicken
Now that you’ve mastered the slow cooker butter chicken, let’s talk sides. Here are a few suggestions that will complement your dish:
Basmati Rice
Fluffy basmati rice is a classic and perfect vessel for soaking up that creamy sauce.
Naan Bread
Get some warm naan to scoop up all that delicious sauce. You could even make some homemade naan if you’re feeling adventurous!
Roasted Vegetables
Serve some roasted vegetables on the side for a colorful and healthy addition to your meal.
Cucumber Raita
A cooling cucumber raita can balance out the spices and heat in the butter chicken. Just combine yogurt, diced cucumber, and a sprinkle of salt for a refreshing side.
Storing and Reheating Tips
If you have leftovers (which is rare but can happen), you’ll want to store them properly:
- Refrigerator: Transfer the butter chicken to an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Make sure to portion it out for easy reheating.
Reheating: To reheat, simmer the butter chicken on the stove until warmed through. If it seems thick, you can add a splash of water or additional cream to loosen it up.
Conclusion
Now that you know how to make slow cooker butter chicken, it’s time to impress your family and friends with this heavenly dish. The combination of spices, creamy sauce, and tender chicken will make hearts soar, and the best part? You didn’t even have to slave away in the kitchen!
So, grab your ingredients, set up that slow cooker, and enjoy the delightful aromas wafting through your home. Happy cooking!