About 15 minutes before serving, stir in the butter, allowing it to melt and blend into the sauce Recipe

If you’re craving a dish that’s comfort in a bowl but bursting with rich flavors, this Slow Cooker Butter Chicken is your new best friend. It harmonizes tender chicken pieces simmered in a luscious, spiced tomato and coconut milk sauce that’s creamy and dreamy. The magic moment comes about 15 minutes before serving, stir in the butter, allowing it to melt and blend into the sauce, turning everything silky smooth and deeply flavorful. This dish is simple to prepare but tastes like it took hours of love and skill to create, making it the perfect meal to impress yourself and your loved ones.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient here plays a pivotal role, from building depth of flavor with spices to creating that creamy, buttery texture. These simple yet carefully chosen components are what turn everyday chicken into a feast worth savoring.

• 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs: Tender and juicy, perfect for slow cooking without drying out.
• 1 large onion: Adds a sweet and savory base flavor when finely chopped.
• 3 cloves garlic: Provides aromatic warmth and pungency.
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger: Offers a zesty kick that brightens the sauce.
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce: Brings a tangy and rich body to the curry.
• 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk: Adds creaminess and a hint of tropical sweetness.
• ½ cup plain Greek yogurt: Makes the sauce tangy and helps tenderize the chicken.
• ¼ cup heavy cream: Elevates the richness to a luscious level.
• ¼ cup unsalted butter: The secret ingredient to finish the sauce with velvety smoothness.
• 3 tablespoons garam masala: The essential spice blend that gives authentic warmth and complexity.
• 1 tablespoon curry powder: Brings a vibrant spice profile.
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin: Adds earthiness and depth to the seasoning.
• 1 tablespoon paprika: Lends color and a subtle smoky sweetness.
• 1 teaspoon turmeric: Adds a beautiful golden hue and gentle bitterness.
• 1 teaspoon chili powder: Balances heat with flavor.
• 1 teaspoon salt: Essential to bring all the flavours together.
• ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds mild spiciness and aroma.
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon: Brings a surprising warmth and sweet undertone.
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional): For those who love an extra fiery kick.
• Fresh cilantro, chopped: Adds a fresh, herbaceous finish for garnish.
• Cooked basmati rice: The perfect fluffy base to soak up all that sauce.
• Naan bread: Ideal for dipping and savoring every last drop.

How to Make About 15 minutes before serving, stir in the butter, allowing it to melt and blend into the sauce

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Start by cutting the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces, making sure each piece is similar in size for even cooking. Then, finely chop the onion and mince the garlic and ginger—these aromatics will build the foundation for your sauce.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker

In your slow cooker, add the chopped onion, garlic, and ginger. Pour in the tomato sauce, coconut milk, Greek yogurt, and heavy cream, stirring gently to integrate their creamy goodness. Then sprinkle in your garam masala, curry powder, cumin, paprika, turmeric, chili powder, salt, black pepper, cinnamon, and cayenne if you like it hot. This blend creates a symphony of spices that will infuse the chicken with bold flavor.

Step 3: Add the Chicken

Place the chicken pieces into the slow cooker and stir well to make sure every morsel is thoroughly coated with that gorgeous sauce and spice mixture. This step lets the flavors permeate each bite during cooking.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. The chicken will become melt-in-your-mouth tender, soaking up the rich sauce without drying out. This long, slow simmer develops layers of flavor that make butter chicken truly special.

Step 5: Finish with Butter Magic About 15 minutes before serving, stir in the butter, allowing it to melt and blend into the sauce

This is the show-stopping moment when you add the butter, stirring it into the sauce and allowing it to melt and harmonize beautifully. This finishing touch deepens the creaminess, balances the spices, and gives the sauce a silky, luxurious texture that is simply irresistible.

Step 6: Taste and Adjust Seasoning

Give it a taste and adjust the salt or spices if needed. The sauce should be rich, balanced, and aromatic with that signature warmth typical of butter chicken.

How to Serve About 15 minutes before serving, stir in the butter, allowing it to melt and blend into the sauce

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro on top adds a burst of fresh color and herbaceous zing, perfectly complementing the creamy, spiced sauce. It’s a simple but delightful finishing touch that brightens every spoonful.

Side Dishes

Serve this butter chicken with fluffy basmati rice, which absorbs the sauce beautifully without overpowering it. Soft, warm naan bread is a must-have, too—it’s perfect for scooping up the curry and savoring every drop of buttery goodness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive meal, plate the chicken over a bed of saffron-infused rice and garnish with toasted almonds or a drizzle of yogurt for contrast. You can also serve it in small bowls alongside a vibrant cucumber raita salad to add a cool, refreshing balance to the rich curry.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover butter chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. As the sauce thickens over time, feel free to loosen it up with a splash of water, broth, or coconut milk when reheating.

Freezing

This butter chicken freezes really well. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results before reheating gently on the stove or in the microwave.

Reheating

When reheating, do so over low heat to prevent the sauce from separating. Stir occasionally to keep the sauce smooth and delicious. Remember to stir in a little extra butter about 15 minutes before serving, allowing it to melt and blend into the sauce if you want to revive that freshly made creamy texture.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

You can use chicken breasts, but thighs are preferred for this recipe because they stay tender and juicy during the long cooking process without drying out. If you do use breasts, keep an eye on the cooking time to avoid overcooking.

Is it possible to make this recipe stovetop?

Absolutely! Use a large heavy-bottomed pot; sauté the aromatics and spices, then add the liquids and chicken. Simmer gently for 30-45 minutes until the chicken is tender. Don’t forget the key step to stir in butter about 15 minutes before serving, allowing it to melt and blend into the sauce for that silky finish.

Can I adjust the spice level?

Definitely. Leave out the cayenne pepper or reduce chili powder for a milder dish, or add more if you love heat. The butter chicken sauce is versatile and forgiving.

What can I substitute for Greek yogurt?

Use plain regular yogurt or even sour cream if needed. Both will add tang and creaminess, but Greek yogurt is preferred for its thickness.

How do I get the sauce extra creamy?

Adding the butter at the end is crucial, but you can also stir in extra heavy cream or coconut milk just before serving. Be sure to do this about 15 minutes before serving, stir in the butter, allowing it to melt and blend into the sauce to maintain the rich, silky consistency.

Final Thoughts

You really can’t go wrong with this Slow Cooker Butter Chicken. It’s cozy, flavorful, and effortless thanks to the slow cooker doing all the work. Just remember to add that butter step about 15 minutes before serving, stir in the butter, allowing it to melt and blend into the sauce — it’s the secret that elevates the dish to pure indulgence. Give it a try and treat yourself to a warm, comforting meal that feels like a gentle hug on a plate.

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