Easy Slow Cooker Butter Chicken: A Flavorful, Fuss-Free Indian Feast
Craving the rich, aromatic flavors of authentic Indian cuisine but short on time? This Slow Cooker Butter Chicken recipe is your new go-to. Featuring tender Just BARE® Chicken Breasts simmered to perfection in a luscious, spice-infused sauce, it promises a satisfying meal with minimal effort. Serve it over fluffy basmati rice, garnished with fresh cilantro, and with a side of warm naan bread for an unforgettable homemade feast.
Why Slow Cooker Butter Chicken Is Your Next Favorite Meal
There’s something incredibly comforting about Indian-inspired dishes, especially as the weather turns cooler. The vibrant spices and deep flavors have a way of warming you from the inside out, leaving you feeling utterly satisfied and happy. Our Slow Cooker Butter Chicken is the epitome of this experience. We’ve spent time perfecting this recipe to ensure it delivers that authentic, mouthwatering taste you crave, all while simplifying the cooking process to fit seamlessly into your busy life.
Imagine coming home after a long day to the enticing aroma of a perfectly cooked meal, ready and waiting. That’s the magic of this slow cooker recipe! Our version utilizes premium boneless, skinless chicken breasts from Just BARE Chicken, which are gently simmered in a rich, creamy sauce. This incredible sauce is a harmonious blend of coconut milk, tomato paste, and a carefully selected medley of spices including garam masala, ginger, curry powder, turmeric, chili powder, and a hint of cayenne pepper for that perfect kick.
This dish isn’t just easy; it’s a complete culinary experience. We love pairing it with fluffy basmati rice to soak up all the delicious sauce, a crisp massaged kale salad, the earthy notes of Curry Roasted Cauliflower, and, of course, warm, pillowy naan bread. It’s a meal that feels gourmet but requires minimal hands-on time, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or effortless entertaining.
The Secret to Tender Chicken: Just BARE Chicken
When it comes to slow cooking chicken, the quality of your protein makes all the difference. That’s why we consistently turn to Just BARE Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts. They are a game-changer for convenience and quality. Each breast is already trimmed and ready to go straight into your slow cooker, eliminating prep time and making your job significantly easier. This means less chopping, less fuss, and more time for you!
A crucial tip for this Slow Cooker Butter Chicken (and any slow cooker chicken recipe) is to cut the chicken into large, substantial chunks. This simple step helps the chicken retain its moisture during the long cooking process, preventing it from drying out and ensuring every bite is incredibly tender and juicy. No one wants dry chicken, especially when it’s swimming in such a fantastic sauce!
Our kitchen often features at least three different crockpot chicken recipes on rotation each month, showcasing the versatility and convenience of this cooking method. Favorites like Crockpot Pineapple Chicken, Slow Cooker Honey Chicken, and Crockpot Chicken and Gravy demonstrate just how effortlessly you can create delicious meals with minimal effort. This butter chicken recipe fits right into that lineup of beloved, easy dinners.
Beyond convenience, another reason we’re big fans of Just BARE Chicken is their commitment to quality and transparency. They offer a diverse range of Natural and Organic products, ensuring there’s an option for every preference. Every package of Just BARE chicken is guaranteed to have no antibiotics ever, no added hormones* (a federal regulation prohibits the use of hormones in poultry), no animal by-products (their chickens are fed a wholesome vegetable and grain diet), and no artificial additives. You can genuinely feel good about serving their chicken to your family, knowing you’re providing a wholesome and delicious meal.
What Makes Butter Chicken So Irresistibly Good?
Butter Chicken has earned its place as a global favorite for good reason. Its allure lies in a delicate balance of flavors and textures, creating a truly comforting and decadent experience. Here’s what makes our slow cooker version stand out:
- The Symphony of Spices: In my humble opinion, the spices are absolutely everything in butter chicken. Our carefully crafted blend—featuring garam masala, curry powder, turmeric, ginger, chili powder, and cayenne pepper—creates an explosion of flavor with every single bite. These aromatic spices don’t just add heat; they build layers of warmth, earthiness, and a subtle sweetness that is simply intoxicating. It’s this complex spice profile that truly defines authentic butter chicken.
- Slow Cooking Perfection: The magic of the slow cooker truly shines here. Allowing the chicken to cook low and slow for hours in this rich, flavorful sauce ensures that every fiber of the chicken breast deeply absorbs those incredible spices. The result is unbelievably tender, fall-apart chicken that’s bursting with flavor. It’s the ultimate “set it and forget it” convenience, letting your appliance do all the hard work while you go about your day.
- The Luxurious Creaminess: The “butter” in butter chicken isn’t just for show; it’s essential for creating that signature savory, rich, and velvety smooth texture that we all adore. While I’ve experimented with making this dish without butter, and it was still tasty, there’s no denying that a touch of butter (or ghee) elevates it to another level of indulgence. It rounds out the spices and adds a comforting richness that truly makes this dish special. A little butter never hurt anyone, right?
Key Ingredients for Your Homemade Butter Chicken
Creating this flavorful Slow Cooker Butter Chicken requires a few key components that work together to build its signature taste and texture:
- Chicken: The star of this dish is undoubtedly the chicken. I prefer using boneless, skinless chicken breasts because their thicker texture holds up beautifully in the slow cooker, resulting in succulent, tender pieces. Other slow cooker chicken recipes like Slow Cooker Italian Chicken, Slow Cooker Balsamic Chicken, and Crockpot Chicken and Noodles also benefit from the robust nature of chicken breasts.
- Butter (or Ghee): As the name suggests, butter is a non-negotiable for that authentic, rich flavor profile. We’ve used 2 tablespoons in this recipe, but if you desire an even more decadent sauce, feel free to increase it to 3 or 4 tablespoons. Alternatively, traditional ghee can be used for an even deeper, nutty flavor.
- Aromatic Base: Freshly minced garlic, finely chopped sweet onion, and a diced jalapeño (seeds removed for milder heat) form the foundational aromatic layer that kickstarts the flavor in this dish. These ingredients infuse the sauce with depth and a gentle warmth.
- Spice Blend: This is where the magic truly happens! Our carefully curated blend includes:
- Curry Powder: Provides a general warm, earthy, and aromatic base.
- Garam Masala: A quintessential Indian spice blend that offers warmth, sweetness, and a hint of floral notes.
- Ground Turmeric: Delivers a beautiful golden color and a mild, earthy, slightly bitter flavor.
- Chili Powder: Adds a touch of heat and a smoky undertone.
- Ground Ginger: Contributes a fresh, zesty, and pungent warmth.
- Cayenne Pepper: For an adjustable kick of heat – reduce or omit if you prefer a milder dish.
- Creamy Base: A can of full-fat coconut milk provides the luxurious creaminess and rich texture that makes butter chicken so comforting. It also offers a delicious dairy-free alternative to traditional heavy cream.
- Tomato Paste: A small can of tomato paste adds a concentrated, savory depth and a touch of tanginess, balancing the richness of the butter and coconut milk.
Customizing and Serving Your Slow Cooker Butter Chicken
This recipe is wonderfully versatile, allowing for simple customizations to suit your taste and dietary preferences. Here are some ideas to make it uniquely yours and perfect your serving:
What Other Ingredients Can I Add?
- Boost with Vegetables: Incorporating vegetables is a fantastic way to add nutrition and texture. Try adding chopped cauliflower florets, sliced carrots, or colorful bell peppers to the slow cooker about halfway through the cooking process. Spinach or frozen peas can be stirred in during the last 30 minutes for a quick wilt.
- Enhance Creaminess: For an extra layer of creaminess and a slight tang, stir in a dollop of plain Greek yogurt or a swirl of heavy cream just before serving. This also helps to thicken the sauce beautifully.
- Add a Protein Punch: Make your butter chicken even heartier by adding a can of drained and rinsed chickpeas or white beans to the slow cooker during the last hour of cooking.
- Adjust the Heat: If you love a spicier dish, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add a fresh serrano pepper alongside the jalapeño. For a milder version, simply reduce or omit the cayenne.
Serving Suggestions:
While delicious on its own, Slow Cooker Butter Chicken truly shines when paired with traditional Indian accompaniments:
- Basmati Rice: Fluffy basmati rice is the classic choice, perfect for soaking up every drop of that incredible sauce. Brown rice is also an excellent, healthier alternative.
- Naan Bread: Warm, soft naan bread is essential for scooping up the creamy chicken and sauce. You can also use roti or pita bread.
- Fresh Cilantro: A generous sprinkle of fresh, chopped cilantro adds a burst of freshness and a vibrant color contrast.
- Cooling Sides: A simple cucumber raita (yogurt with cucumber and spices) or a plain dollop of yogurt provides a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors.
- Light Salad: A simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette can cut through the richness and add a fresh element to your meal.
Tips for the Perfect Slow Cooker Butter Chicken
- Don’t Overcrowd: Ensure your slow cooker isn’t packed too tightly, as this can lead to uneven cooking. This recipe is designed for a standard 6-quart slow cooker.
- Resist the Urge to Peek: Every time you lift the lid, heat escapes, and the cooking time is extended. Trust the process and let your slow cooker do its job!
- Taste and Adjust: Before serving, always taste the sauce and adjust seasonings as needed. You might want a pinch more salt, a dash more cayenne, or a squeeze of lime juice for brightness.
- Garnish Matters: Fresh cilantro isn’t just for looks; its bright, herbaceous flavor truly complements the rich butter chicken. Don’t skip it!
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Slow Cooker Butter Chicken
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Ingredients
For the Butter Chicken
- 1 1/2-2 pounds Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts,, cut into large chunks
- 4 garlic cloves,, minced
- 1/2 of a sweet onion,, finely chopped
- 1 jalapeño,, seeds removed, diced
- 2 Tablespoons butter {or ghee},, cut into small chunks
- 1 Tablespoon curry powder
- 2 teaspoons garam masala
- 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 – 14.5 ounce can of coconut milk
- 1 – 6 ounce can of tomato paste
Instructions
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Place the chicken, garlic, onion and jalapeño in the slow cooker and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Add the chunks of butter.
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In a medium mixing bowl combine the curry powder, garam masala, turmeric, chili powder, ginger and cayenne pepper and stir. Add the coconut milk and tomato and whisk until combine. Pour over the chicken mixture and give it a good stir.
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Cover and cook on low for 5 hours.
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Serve warm garnished with cilantro over basmati rice and naan bread.
Notes
You can use coconut oil in place of the butter.
Feel free to add vegetables to this dish. I really like adding chopped cauliflower and carrots, which you can add when you add the chicken to the slow cooker.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
*Federal regulation prohibits the use of hormones in poultry.
Today’s post is sponsored by Just BARE Chicken. All opinions are my own. Thanks for supporting the brands that allow me to create new recipes.