Butter chicken, also known as murgh makhani, is a popular Indian dish that originated in the city of Delhi. It is a rich and creamy tomato-based curry made with marinated chicken cooked in a slow cooker. The dish is known for its tender and juicy chicken, flavorful sauce, and a hint of spices. In this article, we will guide you through the process of making slow cooker butter chicken, a delicious and easy Indian-inspired dish that is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Understanding the Basics of Butter Chicken
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s understand the basics of butter chicken. The dish consists of three main components: marinated chicken, a rich and creamy tomato-based sauce, and a blend of spices. The chicken is typically marinated in a mixture of yogurt, lemon juice, and spices before being cooked in the sauce. The sauce is made with a mixture of onions, tomatoes, garlic, ginger, and a blend of spices, including cumin, coriander, and cayenne pepper.
The Importance of Marinating the Chicken
Marinating the chicken is an essential step in making butter chicken. The marinade helps to tenderize the chicken, add flavor, and create a smooth texture. The marinade typically consists of a mixture of yogurt, lemon juice, and spices, including cumin, coriander, and cayenne pepper. The acidity in the lemon juice helps to break down the proteins in the chicken, making it tender and juicy.
Choosing the Right Type of Chicken
When it comes to choosing the right type of chicken for butter chicken, it’s best to use boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs. Chicken breast is leaner and has a milder flavor, while chicken thighs are more tender and have a richer flavor. You can use either one or a combination of both, depending on your personal preference.
Slow Cooker Butter Chicken Recipe
Now that we have understood the basics of butter chicken, let’s move on to the recipe. Here’s a simple and delicious slow cooker butter chicken recipe that serves 4-6 people:
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons ghee or vegetable oil
- 2 medium onions, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium ginger, grated
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons garam masala
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the yogurt, lemon juice, ghee or oil, garam masala, cumin, coriander, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.
- Add the chicken to the marinade and mix well to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
- In the slow cooker, combine the sliced onions, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Cook on low for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are lightly browned.
- Add the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, tomato paste, and marinated chicken to the slow cooker. Stir well to combine.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened.
- Stir in the butter until melted and well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve over basmati rice or with naan bread.
Tips and Variations
Here are some tips and variations to help you make the best slow cooker butter chicken:
- Use high-quality ingredients: The quality of the ingredients used in the recipe can make a big difference in the flavor and texture of the dish. Use fresh and high-quality spices, herbs, and other ingredients to get the best results.
- Adjust the spice level: If you prefer a milder or spicier dish, adjust the amount of cayenne pepper or add other spices like red pepper flakes or sriracha.
- Add other ingredients: You can add other ingredients like bell peppers, potatoes, or cauliflower to the slow cooker to make the dish more substantial.
- Use different types of protein: You can use other types of protein like shrimp, beef, or lamb to make a different version of the dish.
Serving Suggestions
Here are some serving suggestions to help you enjoy your slow cooker butter chicken:
- Serve over basmati rice: Basmati rice is a classic pairing for butter chicken. You can also serve it with other types of rice or with naan bread.
- Serve with naan bread: Naan bread is a type of Indian flatbread that is perfect for sopping up the rich and creamy sauce.
- Serve with vegetables: You can serve the butter chicken with a variety of vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or green beans.
- Serve as a sandwich: You can serve the butter chicken as a sandwich by filling a bun with the chicken and sauce.
Benefits of Using a Slow Cooker
Using a slow cooker is a great way to make butter chicken because it allows you to cook the dish slowly and evenly over a long period of time. Here are some benefits of using a slow cooker:
- Convenience: Slow cookers are convenient because they allow you to cook a meal while you are busy with other tasks.
- Easy to use: Slow cookers are easy to use because they require minimal effort and supervision.
- Tender and juicy meat: Slow cookers are great for cooking meat because they help to tenderize it and make it juicy.
- Rich and flavorful sauce: Slow cookers are great for making sauces because they allow you to cook the ingredients slowly and evenly over a long period of time.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are some common mistakes to avoid when making slow cooker butter chicken:
- Overcooking the chicken: Overcooking the chicken can make it dry and tough. Make sure to cook the chicken until it is cooked through but still juicy.
- Not marinating the chicken: Marinating the chicken is an essential step in making butter chicken. Make sure to marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes to get the best results.
- Not using high-quality ingredients: The quality of the ingredients used in the recipe can make a big difference in the flavor and texture of the dish. Make sure to use fresh and high-quality spices, herbs, and other ingredients to get the best results.
Troubleshooting Tips
Here are some troubleshooting tips to help you fix common problems when making slow cooker butter chicken:
- If the sauce is too thick, add a little water or chicken broth to thin it out.
- If the sauce is too thin, add a little cornstarch or flour to thicken it.
- If the chicken is not cooked through, cook it for a little longer until it is cooked through.
In conclusion, slow cooker butter chicken is a delicious and easy Indian-inspired dish that is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. By following the recipe and tips outlined in this article, you can make a rich and flavorful sauce with tender and juicy chicken. Remember to use high-quality ingredients, marinate the chicken, and cook it slowly and evenly over a long period of time to get the best results.
What is Slow Cooker Butter Chicken?
Slow Cooker Butter Chicken is a delicious and easy-to-make Indian-inspired dish that combines the rich flavors of butter, spices, and chicken in a slow-cooked sauce. This recipe is perfect for those who want to experience the authentic taste of Indian cuisine without spending hours in the kitchen. The slow cooker does all the work, allowing you to come home to a mouth-watering meal that’s ready to be devoured.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and flexibility. You can adjust the spice level to suit your taste, and add or substitute ingredients to make it your own. Whether you’re a fan of Indian food or just looking for a new recipe to try, Slow Cooker Butter Chicken is sure to become a favorite.
What are the main ingredients in Slow Cooker Butter Chicken?
The main ingredients in Slow Cooker Butter Chicken include boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, butter, onions, garlic, ginger, tomato puree, heavy cream, and a blend of Indian spices such as cumin, coriander, and cayenne pepper. You’ll also need some salt, pepper, and fresh cilantro for garnish. These ingredients come together to create a rich, creamy sauce that’s infused with the deep flavors of India.
You can adjust the amount of spices to suit your taste, and add other ingredients such as bell peppers, potatoes, or cauliflower to make the dish more substantial. Some people also like to add a splash of lemon juice or a sprinkle of garam masala to give the sauce an extra boost of flavor.
How do I make Slow Cooker Butter Chicken?
To make Slow Cooker Butter Chicken, start by browning the chicken and onions in a pan, then transfer them to the slow cooker with the remaining ingredients. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is tender and the sauce has thickened. You can serve the dish hot, garnished with fresh cilantro and accompanied by basmati rice or naan bread.
One of the best things about this recipe is its ease of preparation. Simply brown the chicken and onions, add the remaining ingredients to the slow cooker, and let the machine do the work. You can even prepare the ingredients the night before and cook the dish while you’re at work or running errands.
Can I make Slow Cooker Butter Chicken ahead of time?
Yes, you can make Slow Cooker Butter Chicken ahead of time. In fact, the dish often tastes better the next day, as the flavors have had time to meld together. Simply cook the dish as instructed, then refrigerate or freeze it until you’re ready to serve. Reheat the dish gently over low heat, adding a splash of cream or water if the sauce has thickened too much.
If you’re planning to make the dish ahead of time, you can even prepare the ingredients the night before and cook the dish while you’re at work or running errands. This way, you can come home to a hot, delicious meal that’s ready to be devoured.
Can I serve Slow Cooker Butter Chicken with other dishes?
Yes, Slow Cooker Butter Chicken pairs well with a variety of dishes, including basmati rice, naan bread, roti, and vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, and green beans. You can also serve the dish with some raita (a yogurt and cucumber sauce) or papadum (thin, crispy flatbread) for a more authentic Indian experience.
If you’re looking for a well-rounded meal, consider serving Slow Cooker Butter Chicken with some saag paneer (spinach and cheese curry) or chana masala (chickpea curry). These dishes complement the rich flavors of the butter chicken and add some variety to the meal.
Is Slow Cooker Butter Chicken spicy?
Slow Cooker Butter Chicken has a medium level of heat, thanks to the addition of cayenne pepper and red pepper flakes. However, you can adjust the spice level to suit your taste by adding more or less of these ingredients. If you prefer a milder dish, you can omit the cayenne pepper altogether or substitute it with some milder spices such as paprika or cumin.
If you’re serving the dish to a crowd, consider offering some yogurt or raita on the side to help cool down the heat. You can also add some dairy products such as sour cream or milk to the sauce to neutralize the heat.
Can I make Slow Cooker Butter Chicken in a pressure cooker or Instant Pot?
Yes, you can make Slow Cooker Butter Chicken in a pressure cooker or Instant Pot. In fact, these appliances can significantly reduce the cooking time and make the dish even more convenient. Simply brown the chicken and onions, add the remaining ingredients to the pressure cooker or Instant Pot, and cook for 10-15 minutes or until the chicken is tender and the sauce has thickened.
Keep in mind that the pressure cooker or Instant Pot will produce a slightly different texture and flavor than the slow cooker. The sauce may be thicker and more intense, and the chicken may be more tender and fall-apart. However, the dish will still be delicious and satisfying, and the pressure cooker or Instant Pot can be a great option if you’re short on time.