Slow Cooker Butter Chicken

Introduction

Experience the rich and creamy flavors of traditional butter chicken with a modern twist in this easy slow cooker recipe. Perfect for those who want restaurant-quality meals at home, this dish is not only simple to prepare but also incredibly satisfying. With a blend of spices and tender chicken, it’s sure to become a family favorite.

Detailed Ingredients with measures

500 grams boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into chunks
200 grams plain Greek yogurt
30 grams ginger, minced
30 grams garlic, minced
15 grams ground cumin
15 grams ground coriander
7 grams garam masala
5 grams turmeric powder
5 grams cayenne pepper
400 ml tomato puree
15 grams sugar
10 grams salt
60 ml heavy cream
50 grams unsalted butter
10 grams fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Prep Time

30 minutes

Cook Time, Total Time, Yield

Cook Time: 4-8 hours (depending on setting)
Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes to 8 hours 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Detailed Directions and Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

In a large bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, minced ginger, minced garlic, ground cumin, ground coriander, garam masala, turmeric powder, and cayenne pepper. Add the chunks of boneless, skinless chicken thighs to the mixture and stir well to ensure all pieces are evenly coated. Cover the bowl and let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes. For a deeper flavor, marinate overnight in the refrigerator.

Step 2: Transfer to Slow Cooker

After marination, transfer the chicken mixture into the slow cooker. Pour in the tomato puree, followed by the sugar and salt. Gently stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Set the cooker to low heat and cook for 6-8 hours, or alternatively, set to high heat and cook for 4-5 hours. The chicken is done when it is tender and fully cooked through.

Step 4: Add Cream and Butter

Approximately 30 minutes before you plan to serve, remove the lid and stir in the heavy cream and unsalted butter. Allow the mixture to cook until the butter has melted and the sauce is rich and creamy.

Step 5: Serve

Serve the butter chicken hot, garnished with the freshly chopped cilantro. This dish pairs wonderfully with rice or warm naan for a complete meal.

Notes

Note 1: Chicken Choice

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are recommended for their tenderness and flavor, but boneless chicken breasts can also be used, keeping in mind that they may cook faster.

Note 2: Spiciness

The level of spiciness can be adjusted by modifying the amount of cayenne pepper. For a milder version, reduce the quantity or omit it altogether.

Note 3: Longer Marination

For the best flavor, marinating overnight is highly recommended as it allows the spices to penetrate the chicken more thoroughly.

Note 4: Garnishing

Fresh cilantro not only adds color but also enhances the dish’s flavor. Feel free to add other garnishes like sliced chili or lime wedges for added zest.

Storage Instructions

Refrigeration:

Allow any leftovers to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, the slow cooker butter chicken will keep for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing:

For longer storage, you can freeze the dish. Make sure it’s in an airtight container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. It will last for about 2-3 months in the freezer. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Serving Suggestions

Pair the butter chicken with fluffy basmati rice or warm naan bread for a traditional touch. You can also serve it with a side of cucumber raita to balance the spices, or a fresh green salad for added crunch. For a complete meal, consider adding roasted vegetables or a quinoa salad.

Nutritional Information

Each serving of Slow Cooker Butter Chicken contains approximately:
– Calories: 475
– Protein: 35g
– Carbohydrates: 20g
– Dietary Fiber: 2g
– Sugars: 6g
– Fat: 30g
– Saturated Fat: 18g
– Sodium: 800mg

These values may vary based on specific brands and quantities used.

Ingredient Substitutions

– **Chicken Thighs**: You can substitute with boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a leaner option, though thighs tend to be more tender.
– **Greek Yogurt**: Regular plain yogurt can be used, or for a dairy-free version, try coconut yogurt.
– **Heavy Cream**: Substitute with coconut cream for a rich and dairy-free alternative.
– **Butter**: Use ghee or a plant-based butter for a lactose-free version.
– **Cilantro**: If you don’t like cilantro, fresh parsley can serve as a suitable garnish instead.

Cook Techniques

Marinating the Chicken

Marinating the chicken in a mixture of Greek yogurt and spices enhances its flavor and tenderness. Allowing it to sit for at least 30 minutes or overnight is ideal for maximum flavor absorption.

Using a Slow Cooker

The slow cooker allows for a hands-off cooking approach, ensuring that the chicken cooks evenly and becomes incredibly tender. Cooking on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours provides flexibility based on your schedule.

Creating a Creamy Sauce

The addition of heavy cream and butter towards the end of cooking results in a rich and creamy sauce that complements the spices beautifully. This technique ensures that the cream doesn’t separate during the long cooking process.

Serving Suggestions

To create a complete meal, serve the butter chicken with basmati rice or warm naan. This helps to soak up the flavorful sauce and balances the richness of the dish.

FAQ

Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken thighs?

Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts for thighs, but chicken thighs tend to be more tender and flavorful when cooked in a slow cooker.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! Butter chicken stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be frozen for longer storage.

Can I adjust the spice levels?

Yes, feel free to modify the amounts of cayenne pepper and spices to suit your heat preference.

What sides pair well with butter chicken?

Butter chicken pairs well with basmati rice, naan, or even a side of vegetables or salad for a balanced meal.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

To make a dairy-free version, substitute the Greek yogurt with a dairy-free yogurt alternative and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream.

Conclusion

Indulging in Slow Cooker Butter Chicken with a Twist offers a delightful culinary experience that combines convenience with rich, aromatic flavors. This easy recipe highlights the tenderness of chicken thighs simmered in a creamy tomato sauce, making it perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings. Pair it with rice or naan for a truly satisfying meal that brings a taste of Indian cuisine right to your dinner table.

More recipes suggestions and combination

Vegetarian Butter Chicken

Substitute chicken with paneer or chickpeas for a vegetarian take on the classic butter chicken, maintaining the same rich spices and creamy texture.

Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala

Follow the same marinating and cooking steps, but replace the tomato puree with coconut milk and add additional spices like cinnamon and cardamom for a different flavor profile.

Butter Chicken Pasta

Use cooked pasta of your choice and toss it with the butter chicken sauce for a fusion dish that combines your favorite Indian flavors with Italian pasta.

Butter Chicken Quesadillas

Transform leftover butter chicken into quesadillas by adding cheese and grilling between tortillas for a delicious twist on traditional Mexican fare.

Spicy Butter Chicken Pizza

Spread the butter chicken sauce over pizza dough and top with cheese and fresh vegetables for a spicy, flavorful pizza option that’s sure to impress.