Creamy Slow Cooker Butter Chicken: a Taste of India at Home

Creamy Slow Cooker Butter Chicken: A Taste of India at Home

Oh my gosh, have you ever tasted that creamy goodness of slow cooker butter chicken ? it's like a hug in a bowl! this dish always takes me back to a cozy evening at home, when i’m craving comfort food that’s simple to make but packs a serious flavor punch.

Trust me, once you try it, it'll become a staple in your weeknight rotation!

A Flavorful Journey

You know, butter chicken is one of those iconic indian dishes that's got a rich history. originally created in delhi, it embodies all the aromatic spices of indian cooking.

And the best part? you don’t have to be a michelin star chef to nail it. this recipe is super easy and takes about 15 minutes of your time for prep , while the slow cooker handles the rest.

We're talking a total cooking time of anywhere from 4 to 6 hours, yielding 4-6 servings of pure deliciousness. it’s perfect for cozy family dinners or impressing your friends during a potluck.

Why You’re Gonna Love It

Alright, let's talk benefits! first off, the big highlight here is that chicken thighs are super juicy and tender when cooked low and slow, making them perfect for the crockpot .

Plus, this dish is rich in protein, so it’ll keep you full and satisfied without weighing you down. don't even get me started on how amazing it pairs with fluffy basmati rice or warm naan.

Honestly, the combo is heavenly!

And let’s face it, who has time for elaborate meals during a busy workweek? with our slow cooker butter chicken , you throw everything in, set it, and forget it.

It’s like having your own little kitchen genie. this dish will be the star of your dinner table, guaranteed!

So grab your bone-in chicken thighs , your slow cooker, and let's dive into a world of spices and flavor! up next, i’ll share exactly what you’ll need to whip up this indian treasure at home.

Trust me; your taste buds are in for a treat!

Must Have Ingredients for Slow Cooker Butter Chicken

You know what’s so amazing about slow cooker butter chicken ? it’s not just delicious; it’s also super easy to whip up! but let’s break down those ingredients and the tools you’ll need, so you can dive right in.

Main Ingredients You’ll Need

For the marinade, gather these goodies:

• 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs (the star of the show!)
• 1 cup (240ml) plain yogurt (for that creamy goodness)
• 2 tablespoons garam masala
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 teaspoon chili powder (or less if you’re feeling shy about the heat)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 inch piece of ginger, grated

Next, for the sauce:

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped (this is where the flavor starts!)
• 1 can (14 oz / 400g) crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream (oh yes, please!)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• Fresh cilantro for garnish (gotta have that freshness!)

Pro Tip: When choosing chicken, look for thighs. They’re fatty and juicy, unlike breasts which can dry out. Trust me, you want that succulent bite!

Spice & Seasoning Notes

To get the most flavor from your slow cooker chicken thigh and drumstick recipes crockpot , stick with these essential spices:

• Garam masala: A blend that’s just magic in a jar.
• Cumin and turmeric: These two are besties. They create that rich, warm flavor you love. If you’re missing one, just double up on the other!

In a pinch? Use some curry powder! It’s not the same, but it’ll do.

Equipment You Need

Let’s talk tools because you don’t need a fancy kitchen for this:

• Slow cooker: The heart of your dish.
• Cutting board and knife: For chopping that onion and garlic.
• Mixing bowl: To mix your marinade.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Precision is key, my friend.
• Wooden spoon: For stirring up that magic once everything is in the pot.

If you don’t have a slow cooker, you can use a Dutch oven on low heat. Just keep an eye on it!

Cooking should be stress free, right? Don’t overthink it; just gather your ingredients and get going on this boneless chicken thigh slow cooker recipes adventure. You won’t regret it!

So, ready to make some piping hot slow cooker butter chicken ? Let’s do this!

Mastering Slow Cooker Butter Chicken: A Flavorful Journey

Alright friends, let’s talk about a game changer in the kitchen slow cooker butter chicken ! if you’ve never had butter chicken, oh my gosh, it’s like a warm hug on a plate.

Today, i’m going to share with you how to whip up this creamy delight that’ll make your taste buds dance without breaking a sweat.

Prepping Like a Pro

Before we dive into the cooking, let’s cover our essential mise en place . gather all your goodies the chicken thighs, yogurt, spices, and all that jazz.

Trust me; it makes everything smoother! here’s my little time saving tip : prep your ingredients the night before. chop, mix, and keep it all in the fridge.

You’ll be thanking your future self!

Oh! And a quick safety reminder —don’t get too comfortable with the salt! Keep an eye on those sodium levels, especially if you're watching your intake.

Let’s Get Cooking!

1. Marinate the chicken: in a mixing bowl, mix 1 cup yogurt , 2 tbsp garam masala , 1 tbsp cumin , 1 tsp turmeric , 1 tsp chili powder , 1 tsp salt , 2 minced garlic cloves , and 1 tsp grated ginger .

   Toss in 1 lb boneless chicken thighs (cut into bite sized pieces), and mix until coated. marinate for at least 30 minutes , but overnight is better!

2. Sauté Those Onions: Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a pan, and sauté 1 chopped onion until it’s translucent about 5- 7 minutes .

   It adds depth to your dish!

3. Combine: In your slow cooker, add the sautéed onions, 1 can of crushed tomatoes , and your marinated chicken. Give it a good stir.

4. Cook time: cover and set that baby to low for 4- 6 hours or high for 2- 4 hours .

   You want it to be tender, so if you can, go low and slow!

5. Cream It Up: Once tender, stir in 1 cup heavy cream and 2 tbsp butter . Mix until it’s all creamy and dreamy.

6. Serve It Hot: Garnish with fresh cilantro. You can serve it over basmati rice or with warm naan for the ultimate experience!

Pro Tips from My Kitchen to Yours

To up your game, try these out:

• Marinate longer for a deeper flavor. Trust me, you’ll thank me later!
• Always check your chicken’s doneness ! Make sure it reaches a safe internal temperature of 165° F .
• Common mistake? Skipping the garnish. Fresh herbs brighten up any dish!

Got leftovers? This slow cooker butter chicken is even better the next day! Just reheat it and enjoy again.

This dish is a winner for weeknight dinners or when you want to impress guests at your next dinner party.

Plus, who doesn’t love a simple, yet flavorful meal? so, grab your slow cooker, and let’s make some magic happen! happy cooking! 🍽️

Recipe Notes: Your Guide to Slow Cooker Butter Chicken Bliss

Serving Suggestions: Plating Like a Pro

You ever sit down to a meal that just looks gorgeous? that’s what we’re going for here! slow cooker butter chicken deserves a beautiful plate.

Serve it over a scoop of fluffy basmati rice oh my gosh, it's like a warm hug on your plate! if you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle a bit of fresh cilantro on top for a pop of color.

And for drinks, you can’t go wrong with a glass of chilled white wine or even a coconut water to echo those tropical vibes.

If you’re more into the non-alcoholic stuff, a tart lemonade makes a refreshing choice!

Storage Tips: Keep It Fresh

So, you’ve made a big batch of this delicious butter chicken. lucky you! it can be safely refrigerated for up to 3-4 days in an airtight container.

Just make sure it cools down first before popping it in the fridge, okay?

If you want to keep it longer, go ahead and freeze it. fit it into a freezer safe bag or container, and it’ll last for about 2-3 months .

For reheating, pull it out to thaw in the fridge overnight. then, just warm it back up in the microwave or on the stove until it's piping hot.

Easy peasy!

Variations: Mix It Up

Got some dietary needs? You can totally switch it up! For a vegetarian spin, swap out the chicken for some cubed paneer or even some chickpeas for that hearty texture.

And hey, if you’re feeling adventurous, try adding seasonal ingredients . Think squash in the fall or zucchini in the summer. This can give your slow cooker butter chicken a fresh flair!

Nutrition Basics: Healthy Comfort Food

Here's the scoop: this dish might taste rich, but it's loaded with protein, thanks to those chicken thighs. speaking of, 30 grams of protein per serving is a solid score! plus, there’s garlic, onion, and spices that not only taste fantastic but also have some health benefits too.

Now, don't let the cream scare you off. You can always swap it for a lighter alternative like coconut cream or half and-half if you're looking to lighten things up a bit.

Wrapping It Up: Your Kitchen Adventure Awaits

So there you have it! with slow cooker butter chicken , you’ve got a dish that’s not just delicious, but also super flexible and easy to make.

Look into into those flavors and don’t be afraid to experiment. plus, it’s a total crowd pleaser, so whip it up for friends or family and watch everyone’s faces light up.

Happy cooking, my friends! you got this!