Slow Cooker Butter Chicken: A Simple Recipe for Creamy, Aromatic Perfection
Are you craving the rich, creamy flavors of butter chicken but short on time? Look no further! This slow cooker butter chicken recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this aromatic and incredibly delicious dish.
Why Choose a Slow Cooker for Butter Chicken?
Using a slow cooker offers several advantages when making butter chicken:
- Tender Chicken: The slow cooking process ensures incredibly tender and juicy chicken, falling-off-the-bone perfect.
- Deep Flavors: The long cooking time allows the spices to meld beautifully, creating a rich and complex flavor profile.
- Hands-Off Cooking: Simply add the ingredients, set it, and forget it! This is perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to minimize time in the kitchen.
- Easy Cleanup: One pot, minimal dishes – who doesn't love that?
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe serves 4-6 people. Adjust the quantities as needed for larger gatherings.
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For the Chicken Marinade:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon ginger paste
- 1 tablespoon garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1/2 teaspoon coriander powder
- Salt to taste
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For the Sauce:
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons butter or ghee
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tablespoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a large bowl, combine all the marinade ingredients with the chicken. Mix well, ensuring the chicken is thoroughly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or preferably overnight for maximum flavor.
Step 2: Slow Cook the Chicken
Transfer the marinated chicken to 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 tender.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
While the chicken is cooking, you can prepare the sauce. In a separate pan, sauté the chopped onion in butter or ghee until softened and lightly browned. Add the diced tomatoes (undrained) and cook for a few more minutes.
Step 4: Combine and Simmer
Once the chicken is cooked, gently stir in the tomato mixture into the slow cooker. Add the heavy cream, water, garam masala, and sugar (if using). Stir well to combine. Allow to simmer on low for another 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot with basmati rice, naan bread, or your favorite Indian sides.
Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Butter Chicken:
- Don't Overcrowd the Slow Cooker: Ensure there's enough space for the chicken and sauce to cook evenly.
- Adjust the Spices: Feel free to adjust the amount of chili powder to your preferred level of spiciness.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh ginger and garlic will significantly enhance the flavor of your butter chicken.
- Make it Ahead: This recipe can be made ahead of time and reheated, making it perfect for meal prepping.
This slow cooker butter chicken recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Enjoy the delicious aroma and the ease of this simple yet flavorful dish. Happy cooking!
