Slow Cooker Butter Chicken: A Weeknight Wonder

Craving Indian Butter Chicken? This Crock Pot Butter Chicken recipe is ridiculously easy! All the flavour, minimal effort. A weeknight winner! Get the recipe.

Right, let's dive into the world of crock pot butter chicken ! fancy a curry night, but can't be bothered with all the faff? honestly, this recipe is a game changer.

It's rich, it's creamy, and it tastes like you've been slaving away all day. perfect with a proper naan bread, mind.

What's the Fuss About This Crock Pot Butter Chicken , Then?

Indian butter chicken , or ayam mentega as some might call it, is a classic dish for a reason. originating from india, it's all about that incredible creamy tomato sauce.

This butter chicken recipe is dead easy and uses your slow cooker. i reckon it's the perfect comfort food. this recipe serves about six, ideal for a family meal or a chilled night with mates.

Why You'll Absolutely Love This Easy Slow Cooker Recipe

Honestly, the best thing about this easy slow cooker meal is that it's basically hands-off. you get that authentic butter chicken flavor without standing over a hot stove all evening.

Plus, it's packed with protein and flavour. this slow cooker chicken is ideal for a busy weeknight, or even better, a sunday lunch without the roast hassle.

A good way to get some extra spice into your family meals and perhaps introduce the kids to some tasty indian dishes .

I tell you what else is special? the depth of flavour you get from the okra , if you choose to add it - it just melts into the sauce!

Now, onto what you'll need. It's a pretty straightforward list, don't worry!

Right, let's dive into the good stuff – the ingredients and equipment for the best crock pot butter chicken you'll ever make.

Seriously, this stuff is amazing . my nan even loved it, and she's a tough critic!

Getting Your Arsenal Ready: Ingredients & Equipment

Listen, before we even think about digging in, let’s get everything prepped. No one wants to be scrambling for garam masala halfway through, right? Trust me, been there, done that, got the t-shirt!

Main Ingredients: The Stars of the Show

This butter chicken recipe is all about flavour. we're aiming for that indian butter chicken taste, but with a seriously easy easy slow cooker method.

And the best part? you don't need a million ingredients.

• Chicken: 2 lbs (900g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cubed. Quality matters, so get good quality chicken. You want nice, pink, firm chicken, not the watery, pale stuff.
• Olive Oil: 1 tbsp (15ml) . Any cooking oil will do if you don't have olive oil.
• Onion: 1 medium, finely chopped. Yellow or white, whatever's in the fridge!
• Garlic: 2 cloves , minced. Fresh is best here, honestly.
• Ginger: 1 inch (2.5cm) , grated. Again, fresh is key!
• Garam Masala: 1 tsp . This is the heart of the Butter Chicken .
• Ground Cumin: 1 tsp . Adds that earthy depth.
• Turmeric Powder: 1/2 tsp . For colour and flavour.
• Cayenne Pepper: 1/4 tsp (optional). For a bit of a kick!
• Salt: 1/2 tsp , or to taste. Seasoning is everything .
• Black Pepper: 1/4 tsp , or to taste.
• Crushed Tomatoes: 1 (28 oz / 800g) can .
• Heavy Cream: 1 cup (240ml) . Don't skimp; it's what makes it creamy.
• Unsalted Butter: 1/4 cup (60g) , cut into pieces. Hello, Butter Chicken !
• Tomato Paste: 2 tbsp (30ml) .
• Brown Sugar: 1 tbsp , packed. Balances the acidity.
• Fresh Cilantro: 1/4 cup (60ml) , chopped, for garnish. Optional, but lovely.

Seasoning Notes: Spice It Up!

Forget bland! the spices are what makes this ayam mentega sing! you know, some people even like to add a pinch of amchur powder.

I once tried a version with a bit of okra , and honestly, it was pretty good.

• Essential Combo: Garam masala, cumin, turmeric. Don't even think about skipping these.
• Flavour Boosters: Fresh ginger and garlic. Really, use fresh. You'll thank me.
• Quick Subs: No garam masala? A mix of cumin, coriander, cardamom, and cinnamon will do in a pinch.

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple!

This is Easy Slow Cooker Recipes , remember? No fancy gadgets needed.

• Slow Cooker: A 6-quart (or larger) slow cooker. I use my trusty one all the time.
• Large Skillet: Optional, for searing the chicken. Adds so much flavour, though.
• Household Alternatives: No skillet? Just skip the searing! It'll still be delicious.

And that's it! seriously, if you've got these bits, you're golden. grab your slow cooker chicken , get those spices lined up, and you're ready to rock! you'll soon have some amazing indian dishes .

Now, let's get cooking!

Alright, let's whip up some crock pot butter chicken ! honestly, who doesn't love indian butter chicken , right? it's proper comfort food, but sometimes i just haven't got the time.

That's where this easy slow cooker magic comes in.

Prep Like a Pro

Get Your Ducks in a Row (Mise en Place)

First things first, let's get all our ingredients prepped. chop 1 medium yellow onion finely. mince 2 cloves of garlic .

Grate about 1 inch (2.5cm) of ginger . cube 2 lbs (900g) of chicken thighs . having everything ready before you start seriously saves time.

Stay Safe!

Quick reminder: wash your hands after handling raw chicken. Don't want any nasty bugs ruining tea time, do we?

The Easiest Butter Chicken Recipe Ever

This Butter Chicken Recipe is seriously simple.

1. Toss the chicken with 1 tbsp olive oil , onion, garlic, ginger, 1 tsp garam masala , 1 tsp ground cumin , 1/2 tsp turmeric powder , 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (if you fancy a bit of a kick!), 1/2 tsp salt , and 1/4 tsp black pepper .
2. Chuck 1 (28 oz / 800g) can of crushed tomatoes , 1 cup (240ml) of heavy cream , 1/4 cup (60g) of unsalted butter , 2 tbsp of tomato paste , and 1 tbsp of brown sugar into your slow cooker. Give it all a good stir.
3. Add the chicken to the slow cooker. Make sure it's mostly covered in the sauce.
4. Cook on Low for 4- 6 hours , or on High for 2- 3 hours . You want the chicken to reach an internal temperature of 165° F / 74° C .
5. If you fancy a shredded chicken, use two forks to pull it apart a bit in the slow cooker.
6. Serve with rice, naan, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. Bosh!

Pro Tips for Ayam Mentega Excellence

The Secret Weapon: Searing

Ok, here's a top tip. if you've got a few extra minutes, sear the chicken in a hot pan before putting it in the slow cooker.

Just brown each side for a minute or two, you’re not cooking it through. honestly, it makes a world of difference to the flavour.

Adds a great depth to the slow cooker chicken dish.

Common Mistakes

Don't overcook the chicken. It can get dry and no one wants that. If the sauce is too thin, take the lid off for the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Make it Ahead

This is a great easy slow cooker recipes meal because you can prep everything the night before. just store the chicken and sauce separately in the fridge, and then bung it all in the slow cooker in the morning.

Perfect!

So there you have it, a totally scrummy crock pot butter chicken recipe that’s super easy and tastes amazing. give it a go and let me know what you think! perfect served with rice, naan bread, and maybe even some okra for a proper indian dishes feast! honestly, this butter chicken recipe is a game-changer.

I reckon it’ll become a regular in your kitchen!

Right, let's dive into some extra bits about this belting crock pot butter chicken . it's not just about the recipe; it's about making it your own ! think of these as your cheat sheet to butter chicken brilliance.

Recipe Notes

Serving it Up Like a Pro

Okay, so you've got this amazing Butter Chicken bubbling away. Now what?

• Plating's a piece of cake : Honestly, just piling it high on a plate of fluffy basmati rice works a treat. But if you're feeling fancy, swirl a little extra cream on top and sprinkle with cilantro. Looks posh, doesn't it?
• Sides that sing : Naan bread is a must, innit? I love tearing it up and mopping up every last bit of sauce. A simple cucumber and mint raita cools things down nicely too. And okra can add a unique touch! Don't forget your favourite beverage!.

Storage Savvy

So, you’ve made a massive batch of Ayam Mentega and have leftovers? Champion!

• Fridge Finesse : Pop it in an airtight container and it'll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just be sure it's cooled down completely first.
• Freezer Fun : This bad boy freezes like a dream! Divide into portions and freeze for up to 3 months. Perfect for a cheeky mid-week meal.
• Reheating Rundown : Microwaving is fine, but for the best results, reheat gently on the hob. Add a splash of water if it's looking a bit thick. Ensure it's piping hot all the way through before serving - safety first!

Remixing the Recipe

Fancy a twist? Here are a couple of ideas:

• Dairy-Free Delight : Swap the cream for coconut milk. It adds a lovely sweetness and keeps it dairy-free. Boom!
• Seasonal Swaps : When tomatoes are at their best in summer, use fresh, ripe ones! Just whizz them up in a blender before adding them to the Easy Slow Cooker .

Nutrition Nuggets

Let's keep it real, Indian Butter Chicken isn't exactly a health food. But it’s a soul food.

• Approx 450 calories per serving, with good amount of protein to keep you going.
• It has some healthy fats from the butter and cream. Remember, moderation is key!

This easy slow cooker recipes brings the indian dishes to your house, with this great butter chicken recipe . i know you might be nervous to try a slow cooker chicken recipe like this, but honestly, give it a go! you'll be surprised how easy it is to get amazing, restaurant-quality butter chicken right from your crock pot .

Now, go get cooking! you've got this!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make crock pot butter chicken ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, the flavours often meld together even better when made a day or two in advance. Just let it cool completely, store it in an airtight container in the fridge, and then gently reheat it on the stovetop or in the slow cooker before serving. It's like a fine wine; it gets better with age (within reason, of course!).

My crock pot butter chicken sauce is too thin. How can I thicken it?

No worries, that's a common issue! There are a few easy fixes. First, you can remove the lid from your slow cooker and let it simmer on high for 30-60 minutes to allow some of the liquid to evaporate. Alternatively, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Stir this into the sauce during the last 30 minutes of cooking to thicken it right up – Bob's your uncle!

Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken thighs for crock pot butter chicken?

You can, but be mindful of overcooking! Chicken breasts tend to dry out more easily in the slow cooker than chicken thighs. If using breasts, reduce the cooking time, especially on High, and consider adding them during the last half of the cooking time to keep them tender. Chicken thighs are generally more forgiving and stay juicier, making them ideal for slow cooking.

How long does crock pot butter chicken last in the fridge, and can I freeze it?

Cooked butter chicken will generally last for 3-4 days in the fridge when stored properly in an airtight container. It also freezes beautifully! Let it cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or bags. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. Perfect for those "can't be bothered to cook" kind of days.

I'm watching my weight. Are there any healthier variations I can make to this crock pot butter chicken recipe?

Absolutely! You can lighten it up by using Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream, adding it in the last 30 minutes of cooking to prevent curdling. Also, you can reduce the amount of butter or use a lighter alternative like olive oil. Serving it with brown rice or cauliflower rice instead of white rice is another easy way to cut down on calories and carbs.

What's the best way to serve crock pot butter chicken? What sides go well with it?

Butter chicken is incredibly versatile! Classic pairings include basmati rice and naan bread for soaking up all that delicious sauce. A dollop of cooling raita (yogurt dip) provides a nice contrast to the richness of the dish. For vegetables, consider serving it with steamed green beans, roasted broccoli, or a simple cucumber and tomato salad. It's a real crowd-pleaser, no matter how you serve it!

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