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Slow Cooker Butter Chicken Recipe

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4.3 from 12 reviews

  • Author: Molly
  • Total Time: 2 hours
  • Yield: 4 servings

Description

This Slow Cooker Butter Chicken recipe offers a rich and creamy Indian-inspired dish made with tender chicken thighs simmered in a spiced tomato sauce enhanced with butter and cream. The slow cooking method allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a comforting and flavorful meal perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Spices and Sauce Base

  • 5 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh ginger (grated)
  • 16-oz (450g) tomato sauce (or passata)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 2 teaspoons garam masala
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • ½ teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon granulated sugar (or honey)

Main Ingredients

  • 2 lb (900g) chicken thighs
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (cut into small cubes)
  • ½ cup (120ml) heavy whipping cream (double cream in the UK)

Garnish

  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, mint, or cilantro (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the slow cooker base: Add the minced garlic, grated fresh ginger, tomato sauce, ground cumin, garam masala, smoked paprika, ground turmeric, chili powder, salt, and sugar into the slow cooker. Stir everything well until combined.
  2. Add chicken and butter: Place the chicken thighs into the sauce and coat them thoroughly. Scatter the small cubes of unsalted butter evenly over the top. Cover the slow cooker with its lid.
  3. Cook the chicken: Cook on HIGH for 1.5-2 hours or on LOW for 4-6 hours. The chicken is fully cooked when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) using an instant-read thermometer.
  4. Rest the chicken: Remove the cooked chicken thighs from the slow cooker and transfer to a cutting board. Allow them to cool slightly so you can handle them safely.
  5. Finish the sauce: Whisk the heavy whipping cream into the sauce inside the slow cooker until the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
  6. Cut and return chicken: Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces and return them to the sauce, stirring to coat well.
  7. Serve: Serve the butter chicken hot alongside basmati rice and naan bread. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, mint, or cilantro for a fresh flavor component.

Notes

  • For a richer flavor, use double cream if available instead of heavy whipping cream.
  • You can adjust the chili powder to suit your preferred spice level.
  • Ensure the chicken is cooked through by checking that it reaches 165°F internally.
  • Garnishing with fresh herbs adds a nice bright contrast to the rich sauce.
  • This recipe is perfect for meal prepping as flavors deepen when left overnight.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: Indian

Find it online: https://recipeglimpse.com/slow-cooker-butter-chicken-recipe/