Indian Butter Chicken Recipe

This Indian Butter Chicken Recipe is a delightful way to enjoy a popular takeout dish at home, made easily in your slow cooker. It promises rich flavors and a creamy texture that will impress during family dinners or gatherings with friends. Pair it with rice and naan for a complete meal that is sure to please everyone!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Preparation: With minimal prep work and hands-off cooking, you’ll have more time to relax.
• Flavorful Dish: The combination of spices creates a rich and aromatic sauce that elevates any dining experience.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve over rice, cauliflower rice, or with warm naan for delightful variations.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: This recipe yields generous servings, making it ideal for leftovers throughout the week.
• Customizable Ingredients: Switch up the vegetables or proteins based on your preferences or what’s in your pantry.

Tools and Preparation

To make this Indian Butter Chicken Recipe successfully, you’ll need a few essential tools that help achieve the best results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Large mixing bowl
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring spoons and cups

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker: Perfect for slow-cooking and developing deep flavors without constant attention.
• Large mixing bowl: Ideal for combining ingredients easily without spills.
• Sharp knife: Ensures clean cuts for even cooking of your chicken and vegetables.

Ingredients

This favorite takeout dish of mine is incredibly easy to make right at home in my slow cooker! I serve it over rice with fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lime, and naan for a delicious dinner every time.

For the Base

• 2 medium yellow onions, peeled, cut in half and sliced (~13 oz)
• 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast, cubed
• 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
• 3 medium carrots, diced (5-6 oz)

For the Sauce

• 1 (15-oz) can tomato sauce
• 1 (6-oz) can tomato paste
• Juice of ½ lemon
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger (~2-inch piece)
• 3 tablespoons curry powder
• 2 teaspoons garam masala
• ½ teaspoon fine salt

For Creaminess

• 1 tablespoon salted butter, chilled and cut into pieces*
• ½ cup plain Greek yogurt (whole, low-fat, or fat-free)
• ½ cup half-and-half

How to Make Indian Butter Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Slow Cooker

In the bottom of a 6-quart or 8-quart slow cooker, place and layer the sliced onions.

Step 2: Mix the Ingredients

In a large bowl:
1. Combine the cubed chicken, diced bell pepper, diced carrots, tomato sauce, tomato paste, lemon juice, minced garlic, minced ginger, curry powder, garam masala, and salt.
2. Toss until well combined.

Step 3: Layer in Slow Cooker

Add the saucy chicken mixture to the slow cooker over top of the sliced onions.

Step 4: Add Butter

Dot the pieces of butter over the top of the marinated chicken mixture.

Step 5: Cook

Place the lid on the slow cooker:
– Cook on high for 4 ½ hours or on low for 6 ½ hours.

Step 6: Combine Ingredients

After cooking time is up:
1. Remove the lid.
2. Stir all ingredients until well combined.
3. Turn off the slow cooker.

Step 7: Finish with Creaminess

When the liquid stops simmering (about 5-10 minutes):
1. Stir in yogurt and half-and-half carefully to prevent curdling.

Step 8: Serve

Serve over hot cooked rice or cauliflower rice with naan bread. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro and toasted sesame seeds. Enjoy your homemade Indian Butter Chicken!

How to Serve Indian Butter Chicken Recipe

Serving Indian Butter Chicken is all about creating a delicious and satisfying meal. This creamy dish pairs perfectly with several accompaniments that enhance its flavors. Here are some great serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience.

With Rice

• Basmati Rice: Fluffy basmati rice is the classic choice, perfect for soaking up the rich sauce.
• Cauliflower Rice: A low-carb alternative that provides a light and healthy base for the butter chicken.
• Lemon Rice: Zesty lemon rice adds a refreshing twist to balance the richness of the dish.

With Naan Bread

• Garlic Naan: Soft and pillowy, garlic naan is ideal for scooping up every bit of butter chicken sauce.
• Butter Naan: Richly flavored with ghee, butter naan complements the creaminess of the dish beautifully.

With Salads

• Cucumber Raita: A cooling yogurt-based side that helps balance the spices in the butter chicken.
• Kachumber Salad: A fresh mix of diced cucumber, tomatoes, and onions that adds crunch and brightness.

With Garnishes

• Fresh Cilantro: Chopped cilantro adds a burst of freshness on top of each serving.
• Toasted Sesame Seeds: Sprinkle these on for an extra nutty flavor and lovely texture contrast.

How to Perfect Indian Butter Chicken Recipe

To achieve the best results with your Indian Butter Chicken recipe, follow these essential tips for a flavorful outcome.

• Use Fresh Spices: Freshly ground spices can significantly enhance the aroma and flavor. Opt for whole spices whenever possible.
• Marinate the Chicken: Allowing the chicken to marinate for a few hours or overnight will deepen its flavor profile.
• Monitor Cooking Time: Overcooking can make your chicken tough. Ensure it’s just cooked through for tender pieces.
• Cool Before Adding Dairy: Letting your mixture cool slightly before adding yogurt or half-and-half prevents curdling and maintains creaminess.

Best Side Dishes for Indian Butter Chicken Recipe

Pairing side dishes with your Indian Butter Chicken can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some fantastic options to consider:

1. Basmati Rice: The traditional choice, fluffy basmati rice absorbs all those delicious flavors from the sauce.
2. Garlic Naan: This soft bread is perfect for dipping into your butter chicken; it’s a must-have!
3. Aloo Gobi: A comforting dish of spiced potatoes and cauliflower that complements the creamy sauce wonderfully.
4. Palak Paneer: Creamy spinach with paneer offers a delightful contrast in both texture and taste.
5. Chickpea Salad: A refreshing salad made with chickpeas, tomatoes, and cucumbers adds protein and crunch.
6. Vegetable Samosas: Crispy pastry filled with spiced vegetables makes for a fun appetizer alongside your main dish.
7. Mango Chutney: This sweet condiment provides a fruity counterpoint to the spices in your meal.
8. Pickled Onions: Tangy pickled onions bring brightness and acidity, cutting through the richness of butter chicken.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making your Indian Butter Chicken Recipe, it’s easy to overlook some key details. Here are common mistakes to steer clear of:

• Skipping the marination: Not allowing the chicken to marinate for a while can lead to less flavorful meat. Ensure you let it soak in spices and yogurt for at least 30 minutes.
• Using low-quality chicken: Cheap chicken can affect the taste and texture of your dish. Choose fresh, boneless skinless chicken breast for the best results.
• Overcooking the sauce: Cooking too long can make the sauce too thick or lead to burnt flavors. Keep an eye on cooking times to maintain a creamy consistency.
• Ignoring the cooling time: Adding yogurt or half-and-half immediately while hot can cause curdling. Allow the sauce to cool for about 10-15 minutes before adding these ingredients.
• Forgetting about garnishes: Skipping garnishes like cilantro or sesame seeds can make your dish less visually appealing and flavorful. Don’t forget these simple extras!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Indian Butter Chicken in an airtight container.
• It will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Indian Butter Chicken Recipe

• Place cooled Indian Butter Chicken in a freezer-safe container.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating Indian Butter Chicken Recipe

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat covered for about 20 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl on medium power, stirring every minute until heated through.
• Stovetop: Warm over medium heat in a pan, stirring occasionally until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions regarding the Indian Butter Chicken Recipe:

Can I use other meats in this Indian Butter Chicken Recipe?

Yes! You can substitute chicken with turkey or lamb if you prefer different flavors.

How do I make this recipe spicier?

To add more heat, include chopped green chilies or increase the amount of curry powder used in your recipe.

Can I make this Indian Butter Chicken Recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely! Substitute Greek yogurt with coconut milk or a dairy-free yogurt alternative.

What can I serve with Indian Butter Chicken?

This dish pairs wonderfully with rice, naan bread, or cauliflower rice for a lighter option.

How long does it take to prepare this Indian Butter Chicken Recipe?

The total time is approximately 4 hours and 50 minutes, including cooking time, but most of it is hands-off!

Final Thoughts

This Indian Butter Chicken Recipe is not only delicious but also versatile enough for any weeknight dinner. You can customize it by adjusting spice levels or swapping proteins based on your preference. Give it a try; you’re sure to enjoy this creamy, rich dish that’s perfect over rice or served with naan bread!

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Indian Butter Chicken

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• Author: Amelia
• Total Time: 4 hours 50 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x

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Description

Indulge in the rich, aromatic flavors of this Indian Butter Chicken Recipe, a beloved classic made effortlessly in your slow cooker. This dish features tender chicken simmered in a creamy tomato-based sauce, infused with vibrant spices for an unforgettable taste experience. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends, serve it over fluffy basmati rice or alongside warm naan for a complete meal that promises to please every palate. With its straightforward preparation and customizable ingredients, this recipe is not only delicious but also ideal for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy delightful leftovers throughout the week.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 medium yellow onions, peeled, cut in half and sliced (~13 oz)
• 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast, cubed
• 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
• 3 medium carrots, diced (5–6 oz)
• 1 (15-oz) can tomato sauce
• 1 (6-oz) can tomato paste
• Juice of ½ lemon
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger (~2-inch piece)
• 3 tablespoons curry powder
• 2 teaspoons garam masala
• ½ teaspoon fine salt
• 1 tablespoon salted butter, chilled and cut into pieces
• ½ cup plain Greek yogurt (whole, low-fat, or fat-free)
• ½ cup half-and-half

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Instructions

1. Layer sliced onions at the bottom of your slow cooker.
2. In a large bowl, mix cubed chicken, diced bell pepper, diced carrots, tomato sauce, tomato paste, lemon juice, minced garlic, minced ginger, curry powder, garam masala, and salt until well combined.
3. Pour the mixture over the onions in the slow cooker and dot with butter pieces.
4. Cover and cook on high for 4.5 hours or low for 6.5 hours.
5. After cooking, stir well and allow to cool slightly before adding yogurt and half-and-half to ensure creaminess.
6. Serve over rice or cauliflower rice with naan bread.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 270 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Indian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 370
• Sugar: 9g
• Sodium: 680mg
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 35g
• Cholesterol: 90mg