If you’ve been looking for a curry that’s full of flavor but requires minimal effort, then this Slowcooker Butter Chicken Recipe is your new go-to! It’s rich, creamy, and packed with all the delicious spices you love, and the best part? It practically cooks itself in your slow cooker. Whether you’re batch cooking for the week or just want a stress-free dinner, this recipe will have you covered. Plus, it’s perfect for meal prep, so you can enjoy a home-cooked meal even on the busiest days. Let’s dive into how to make this amazing dish!
Method in Detail
Prep the Chicken and Spices
Start by cutting your boneless, skinless chicken thighs into small, bite-sized pieces. This ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and absorbs all the wonderful flavors of the spices. Once cut, place the chicken pieces directly into the slow cooker. Now, it’s time to add the spices and flavorings! Add the chopped onion, tomato paste, garlic paste, and ginger paste to the chicken. Then, sprinkle in the paprika, chili powder, garam masala, curry powder, cumin, coriander, salt, and pepper. These ingredients combine to create the flavorful base for your butter chicken recipe, so make sure everything is evenly distributed.
Add the Liquids
Next, pour in the chopped tomatoes and chicken stock into the slow cooker. These liquids will help to tenderize the chicken as it cooks, creating a rich, saucy texture. Stir everything together thoroughly to ensure that the spices, chicken, and liquids are well combined. The mix should look a little like a thick stew at this point.
Slow Cook
Now it’s time to let your slow cooker do all the hard work. Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook the mixture on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. As the chicken cooks, the spices will infuse the meat, and the sauce will thicken up, making it incredibly flavorful and tender. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken is fully cooked and easily falls apart with a fork.
Cook the Rice
While your slow cooker is doing its magic, you can prepare the rice. Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the basmati rice according to package instructions. If you’re short on time, you can also use microwavable rice. Once the rice is cooked, fluff it with a fork and divide it into individual meal prep containers if you’re planning ahead.
Finish the Butter Chicken Recipe
When the slow cooking time is up, check the chicken for tenderness. The meat should be incredibly soft and ready to pull apart. Stir in the fat-free yogurt at this stage to give the dish its creamy, buttery finish. The yogurt will blend perfectly into the sauce, adding a smooth texture without the extra calories from full-fat cream.
Serve
Spoon the rich, flavorful butter chicken over the hot, fluffy basmati rice. For a touch of color and flavor, garnish with fresh coriander leaves. This will not only brighten up the dish but also add a fresh, herbaceous note that complements the richness of the curry.
Necessary Tools
- Slow cooker
- Sharp knife (for cutting chicken)
- Measuring spoons
- Large spoon for stirring
- Rice cooker or pot to boil rice
- Meal prep containers for storing
Slowcooker Butter Chicken Recipe: The Easiest Curry Ever!
Cuisine: IndianDifficulty: Easy5
servings10
minutes4
hours4
hours10
minutesIngredients
1 kg boneless, skinless chicken thighs
50g lower fat butter
1 onion, chopped
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 tablespoons garlic paste
2 tablespoons ginger paste
1 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp chili powder
1-2 tablespoons garam masala
1 tablespoon curry powder of choice
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp coriander
Salt and pepper to taste
400g (1 tin) chopped tomatoes
100ml chicken stock
4-5 tablespoons fat-free yogurt (to stir in at the end)
100g basmati rice per serving
Directions
- Prep the Chicken and Spices: Start by cutting your chicken into small, bite-sized pieces and place them in the slow cooker. Add the chopped onion, tomato paste, garlic paste, ginger paste, paprika, chili powder, garam masala, curry powder, cumin, coriander, salt, and pepper to the chicken.
- Add the Liquids: Pour in the chopped tomatoes and chicken stock, mixing everything together until it’s well combined.
- Slow Cook: Cover and cook the mixture on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Your kitchen will start smelling amazing!
- Cook the Rice: While the chicken is cooking, boil your basmati rice. You can use a rice cooker or a simple pot. Divide the rice into meal prep containers once done.
- Finish the Butter Chicken Recipe: When the chicken is tender and ready, stir in the fat-free yogurt to give the dish that creamy, buttery finish.
- Serve: Spoon the butter chicken over the rice, and garnish with fresh coriander for an extra burst of flavor.
Notes
- Don’t Skip the Slow Cooker Time: The slow cooking process is key to making the chicken tender and flavorful. If you cook it too quickly, it may not be as soft and juicy.
- Adjust the Spices to Taste: You can always add more chili powder or garam masala if you like things spicier, or reduce them for a milder flavor.
- Be Careful When Stirring the Yogurt: Make sure to stir the yogurt in gently after cooking. If added too soon or too aggressively, the yogurt might curdle.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve this delicious butter chicken with a side of naan bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. You can also add a bit of extra yogurt or a squeeze of lemon juice for an extra tangy kick.
- If you’re meal prepping, divide the butter chicken and rice into individual containers for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Fun Fact
Did you know that butter chicken recipe was first created in India in the 1950s? It was the result of a happy accident when leftover chicken was mixed with tomato, butter, and cream. Today, it’s one of the most popular dishes in Indian cuisine!
Conclusion
This Slowcooker Butter Chicken Recipe is a breeze to make, and the end result is a flavorful, creamy curry that’s perfect for dinner or lunch. Whether you’re cooking for your family or prepping meals for the week, this recipe will become a staple in your kitchen. So, next time you’re craving something rich and comforting, let your slow cooker do all the hard work while you relax! Enjoy!
