Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Cooking: The slow cooker does most of the work, making this a fuss-free meal.
- Rich and Creamy: The combination of butter, heavy cream, and spices creates a luxurious sauce.
- Customizable Heat Level: Adjust the spice to your liking with chili powder or cayenne pepper.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Stores well and tastes even better the next day.
- Pairs Well with Sides: Serve with naan, basmati rice, or cauliflower rice for a complete meal.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 1 can (14.5 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
- Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and season with salt, pepper, and half of the garam masala.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Sauté the onion for 3-4 minutes until soft. Add garlic and ginger, cooking for another minute.
- Add Spices: Stir in the remaining garam masala, turmeric, cumin, chili powder, cinnamon, and cayenne. Cook for 1 minute.
- Prepare the Sauce: Add the crushed tomatoes, stirring well. Simmer for 5 minutes to blend flavors.
- Slow Cook: Transfer the tomato mixture and seasoned chicken to the slow cooker. Stir to coat the chicken. Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours.
- Finish with Dairy: Stir in the heavy cream and Greek yogurt, cooking for 10-15 more minutes. Adjust seasoning if needed.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with fresh cilantro and serve with naan or rice.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4-6
- Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 6 hours (low) or 3 hours (high)
Variations
- Make it Spicier: Add extra cayenne or red chili flakes.
- Make it Dairy-Free: Substitute coconut cream for heavy cream and dairy-free yogurt.
- Vegetarian Option: Use chickpeas or paneer instead of chicken.
- Extra Veggies: Add bell peppers or spinach for added nutrients.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
- Reheat: Warm in a pan over low heat or microwave in 30-second increments until heated through.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes! Chicken breasts work, but thighs stay juicier during slow cooking.
How do I make the sauce thicker?
Let it simmer uncovered for 10-15 minutes before serving or stir in a cornstarch slurry.
Can I make this on the stovetop?
Yes, simmer on low for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Is butter chicken very spicy?
No, it’s mildly spiced. Adjust the chili powder or cayenne to your preference.
What can I serve with butter chicken?
Serve with basmati rice, naan, roti, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! Butter chicken tastes even better the next day as the flavors develop.
Can I use coconut milk instead of cream?
Yes! Coconut milk works well as a dairy-free alternative.
What’s the best way to thicken the sauce?
For a richer sauce, let it cook uncovered for a few minutes before serving.
Can I cook this on high instead of low?
Yes, cook on high for 3 hours if you’re short on time.
How do I adjust the spice level?
Reduce or omit the cayenne for a milder version, or add extra for more heat.
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Butter Chicken is a delicious, easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. With its rich, creamy sauce and tender chicken, this meal is sure to impress. Whether paired with rice or naan, it’s a comforting dish that will have everyone coming back for more. Try it today and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal from the comfort of your home!
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Slow Cooker Butter Chicken
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Slow Cooker Butter Chicken is a rich and creamy Indian-inspired dish featuring tender chicken in a velvety spiced tomato sauce. This easy, set-it-and-forget-it recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep. With bold flavors, customizable spice levels, and a luxurious texture, this butter chicken pairs beautifully with naan or basmati rice for a comforting, restaurant-quality meal at home.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp grated ginger
- 1 can (14.5 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp garam masala
- 1 tsp ground turmeric
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces. Season with salt, pepper, and half the garam masala.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Sauté onions for 3-4 minutes. Add garlic and ginger, cooking for another minute.
- Add Spices: Stir in remaining garam masala, turmeric, cumin, chili powder, cinnamon, and cayenne. Cook for 1 minute.
- Prepare the Sauce: Add crushed tomatoes and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Slow Cook: Transfer sauce and seasoned chicken to the slow cooker. Stir to coat the chicken. Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours.
- Finish with Dairy: Stir in heavy cream and Greek yogurt. Cook for another 10-15 minutes. Adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with naan or rice.
Notes
- Make it spicier: Add extra cayenne or red chili flakes.
- Dairy-free option: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream.
- Vegetarian version: Substitute chicken with chickpeas or paneer.
- Thicker sauce: Simmer uncovered for 10 minutes before serving or stir in a cornstarch slurry.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours (low) or 3 hours (high)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Indian
