Easiest Dump & Forget Dinner! – besthomemaderecipes

Imagine the aroma of rich, creamy, and perfectly spiced Butter Chicken wafting through your home, not after hours of slaving over a hot stove, but after a simple “dump and forget” process. That’s the magic of Slow Cooker Butter Chicken: Dump & Forget Dinner!. This recipe transforms the classic Indian comfort food into an incredibly easy, hands-off meal, perfect for busy weeknights or when you simply crave a flavorful and satisfying dinner without the fuss.

Why Slow Cooker Butter Chicken is a Game Changer

Butter chicken is a beloved dish for a reason. Its creamy tomato-based sauce, infused with aromatic spices and tender chicken, is simply irresistible. However, the traditional method can be time-consuming and require constant attention. That’s where the slow cooker comes in to save the day. By using a slow cooker, you can achieve the same incredible flavor with minimal effort. The slow cooker gently simmers the chicken in the spiced tomato sauce, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully and resulting in incredibly tender and juicy chicken.

What truly sets this recipe apart is its “dump and forget” nature. There’s no need for pre-browning the chicken or sautéing the onions and spices beforehand. Simply add all the ingredients to your slow cooker, set it, and forget it! This makes it an ideal option for busy individuals and families who want a delicious and healthy meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

The Secret to a Perfect Slow Cooker Butter Chicken

While the recipe is incredibly simple, a few key ingredients and techniques can elevate your Slow Cooker Butter Chicken to restaurant-quality perfection:

• High-Quality Chicken: Opt for boneless, skinless chicken thighs for the most tender and flavorful results. Chicken breasts can also be used, but they tend to dry out more easily in the slow cooker.
• Aromatic Spices: The spice blend is crucial for achieving that authentic Butter Chicken flavor. Garam masala, cumin, coriander, turmeric, and ginger are essential components. Feel free to adjust the amount of each spice to suit your personal preferences.
• Tomato Base: A combination of tomato sauce and tomato paste provides the perfect balance of sweetness and acidity.
• Cream and Butter: These two ingredients are what give Butter Chicken its signature richness and creaminess. Add them towards the end of the cooking time for the best results.
• Yogurt (Optional): Marinating the chicken in yogurt before adding it to the slow cooker can further enhance its tenderness and flavor.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Slow Cooker Butter Chicken

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup butter, cut into cubes
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
• 2 tablespoons garam masala
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
• Cooked rice or naan bread, for serving

Instructions:

1. Combine Ingredients: In a slow cooker, combine the chicken, tomato sauce, tomato paste, onion, garlic, ginger, garam masala, cumin, coriander, turmeric, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper.
2. Stir Well: Stir all ingredients together until the chicken is evenly coated with the sauce and spices.
3. Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours.
4. Add Cream and Butter: During the last 30 minutes of cooking, stir in the heavy cream and butter. Allow the butter to melt completely and the sauce to thicken slightly.
5. Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot over cooked rice or with naan bread.

Tips and Variations for Your Slow Cooker Butter Chicken

• Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of garam masala and cayenne pepper. For a spicier kick, add more cayenne pepper or a pinch of chili flakes.
• Add Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to your Slow Cooker Butter Chicken, such as bell peppers, peas, or cauliflower. Add them along with the chicken in step 1.
• Make it Vegetarian: Substitute the chicken with chickpeas, paneer cheese, or tofu for a vegetarian version.
• Use Coconut Milk: For a dairy-free option, replace the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk.
• Marinate the Chicken: For even more flavor and tenderness, marinate the chicken in yogurt and spices for at least 30 minutes before adding it to the slow cooker.
• Thicken the Sauce: If the sauce is too thin after cooking, you can thicken it by mixing 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stirring it into the slow cooker during the last 15 minutes of cooking.

Serving Suggestions

Slow Cooker Butter Chicken is incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways:

• Over Rice: The classic way to enjoy Butter Chicken is served over a bed of fluffy basmati rice.
• With Naan Bread: Use warm naan bread to scoop up the creamy sauce and tender chicken.
• In Wraps: Wrap the Butter Chicken in roti or tortillas for a quick and easy lunch or snack.
• As a Dip: Serve the Butter Chicken as a dip with crackers or pita bread.
• With Roasted Vegetables: Pair the Butter Chicken with roasted vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, or sweet potatoes for a complete and healthy meal.

Slow Cooker Butter Chicken: Perfect for Meal Prep

This recipe is also excellent for meal prepping. You can easily double or triple the recipe and store the leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, simply reheat the Butter Chicken in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Other Delicious Slow Cooker Chicken Recipes to Try

If you love the convenience and flavor of slow cooker chicken recipes, be sure to check out these other delicious options:

For a tangy and smoky flavor, try Shredded Chicken Crockpot BBQ, perfect for sandwiches or sliders. If you’re craving something warm and comforting, Creamy White Chicken Chili is a hearty and flavorful choice. For crispy and flavorful chicken, don’t miss Crockpot Chicken Thighs. And for a romantic dinner that’s easy to make, try Crockpot Marry Me Chicken. Or for a sweet and savory taste, give Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs a try. Finally, for another delicious chili option, explore Crockpot White Chicken Chili.

Troubleshooting Your Slow Cooker Butter Chicken

Even with a simple recipe, sometimes things don’t go exactly as planned. Here are some common issues and how to fix them:

• Chicken is Dry: This usually happens if you use chicken breasts and overcook them. Try using chicken thighs next time, and reduce the cooking time. Make sure the chicken is fully submerged in the sauce.
• Sauce is Too Thin: As mentioned earlier, you can thicken the sauce with a cornstarch slurry. You can also remove the lid during the last hour of cooking to allow some of the liquid to evaporate.
• Sauce is Too Thick: Add a little chicken broth or water to thin the sauce out.
• Not Enough Flavor: Make sure your spices are fresh. Old spices lose their potency. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice or a dash of hot sauce to brighten the flavor.
• Too Spicy: Add a dollop of yogurt or sour cream to the finished dish to cool it down. You can also add a little sugar to balance the heat.

Health Benefits of Slow Cooker Butter Chicken

While Butter Chicken is known for its rich and creamy flavor, it can also offer some health benefits when made with wholesome ingredients:

• Protein-Rich: Chicken is an excellent source of protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues.
• Rich in Antioxidants: Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that may help protect against certain diseases.
• Good Source of Vitamins and Minerals: The spices used in Butter Chicken, such as turmeric and ginger, are known for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
• Can be Modified for Dietary Needs: As mentioned earlier, you can easily adapt this recipe to be dairy-free, gluten-free, or vegetarian to suit your dietary needs.

Conclusion

With its incredible flavor, ease of preparation, and versatility, Slow Cooker Butter Chicken: Dump & Forget Dinner! is a recipe that deserves a place in every home cook’s repertoire. So, ditch the takeout menus and embrace the simplicity of this delicious and satisfying meal. Your taste buds (and your schedule) will thank you!

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