– **Title**: Slow Cooker Butter Chicken
– **Ingredients**:
– 2 lbs chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
– 1 medium onion, finely chopped
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
– 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
– 1 cup coconut milk
– 6 tablespoons butter
– 2 tablespoons garam masala
– 1 tablespoon ground cumin
– 1 tablespoon ground coriander
– 1 teaspoon turmeric
– 1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust for spice preference)
– Salt to taste
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– Fresh cilantro for garnish
– Cooked basmati rice or naan for serving
– **Instructions**:
1. In the slow cooker, add the chopped onions, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Stir to combine.
2. Place the chicken thighs on top of the aromatics.
3. In a separate bowl, mix together the tomato sauce, coconut milk, melted butter, garam masala, cumin, coriander, turmeric, chili powder, and salt. Pour this mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker.
4. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
5. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the sauce, and stir in the lemon juice.
6. Serve hot over cooked basmati rice or with naan, and garnish with fresh cilantro.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken thighs: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs add flavor and tenderness. If you prefer, you can use chicken breasts; just be careful not to overcook them, as they can dry out.
Spices: Garam masala is key for authentic flavor. If you can’t find it, try making your own blend with cumin, coriander, and cardamom. For a milder dish, use less cayenne pepper or omit it entirely.
Coconut milk: This adds creaminess to the sauce. If you want a lighter option, substitute with low-fat coconut milk or even unsweetened almond milk, but keep in mind the flavor will be less rich.
Butter: I love using unsalted butter for the recipe as it gives control over salt content. If you want a healthier twist, you can replace it with olive oil, but this will change the flavor profile a bit.
Fresh cilantro: This is great for garnish and flavor. If you’re not a fan, consider replacing it with chopped green onions or parsley for a different touch.
How Can I Get The Chicken Just Right in a Slow Cooker?
Cooking chicken in a slow cooker is easy but requires attention to timing for the best result. The key is low and slow!
- First, make sure you cut your chicken into even bite-sized pieces. This helps it cook evenly.
- Layer the ingredients properly: starting with chicken, followed by spices, onions, and liquids on top helps in better seasoning.
- Set the slow cooker on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, depending on your schedule. Avoid opening the lid frequently, as it lets heat escape.
- Once done, shred the chicken gently with a fork for that saucy texture. Always taste and adjust seasoning at the end to make sure it’s perfect!
How to Make Slow Cooker Butter Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 medium onion (finely chopped)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon ginger (minced)
For the Spices:
- 2 teaspoons garam masala
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for heat preference)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Sauce:
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (cut into pieces)
- Fresh cilantro (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Slow Cooker Butter Chicken takes about 15 minutes of prep time and then you let it cook in the slow cooker for 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. Perfect for a cozy dinner with minimal work!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Chicken Mixture:
Start by placing the chicken thighs in the slow cooker. Add in the finely chopped onion, minced garlic, minced ginger, garam masala, cumin, coriander, turmeric, cayenne pepper, and some salt and pepper. Mix everything together gently with a spoon to ensure the chicken is well seasoned.
2. Adding the Sauce Ingredients:
Next, pour the tomato sauce and coconut milk over the chicken mixture. Then, place the pieces of butter on top. This will create a rich and creamy sauce as it cooks!
3. Cooking Time:
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook. If you’re cooking on low, let it go for 6-8 hours. For a quicker option, set it to high and cook for 3-4 hours. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken is tender and easily shredded.
4. Finishing Touches:
Once the cooking time is up, take a fork or a whisk and gently mix everything together, breaking up the chicken into smaller pieces. This will help create a saucier consistency. Taste the dish and adjust any spices or seasoning if needed—add more salt, pepper, or spices to your liking!
5. Serving:
Serve your delicious butter chicken over rice or with warm naan bread. Garnish with fresh cilantro for a pop of color and flavor. Enjoy your homemade slow cooker butter chicken!
Can I Use Chicken Breasts Instead of Thighs?
Absolutely! You can substitute boneless, skinless chicken breasts for the thighs. Just keep in mind that chicken breasts tend to be drier, so take care not to overcook them. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours for the best results.
What if I Don’t Have Coconut Milk?
No problem! If you don’t have coconut milk, you can use heavy cream or a mix of yogurt and water instead. Just make sure to add the yogurt towards the end of cooking to prevent curdling. You can also try any plant-based milk for a lighter version, but the flavor may differ slightly.
How Can I Thicken the Sauce?
If you want a thicker sauce, you can add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of water) during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Stir it in well and cover again to allow the sauce to thicken up!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or coconut milk if it’s too thick.
