Description
This Slow Cooker Butter Chicken is a rich and creamy Indian-inspired dish made with tender chicken thighs simmered in a flavorful blend of spices, tomato sauce, and creamy yogurt or heavy cream. Perfect for a comforting weeknight meal, it delivers the authentic taste of butter chicken with minimal effort using a slow cooker.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Main Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into chunks
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 can (14.5 oz) tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt or heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish
- Cooked basmati rice or naan, for serving
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until softened and translucent. Then add the minced garlic and grated ginger and cook for an additional minute to release their aroma.
- Bloom the Spices: Stir in garam masala, ground cumin, turmeric, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly to bloom the spices and enhance their flavors. Remove the skillet from heat to prevent burning the spices.
- Assemble in Slow Cooker: Place the chicken thigh chunks into the slow cooker. Pour in the can of tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes and add the sautéed onion and spice mixture. Stir thoroughly to ensure all chicken pieces are coated evenly with the sauce and spices.
- Cook the Chicken: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. The chicken should become very tender and fully cooked through during this time.
- Finish the Sauce: Once cooking is done, stir in the Greek yogurt or heavy cream along with the unsalted butter. Leave the lid off and let the butter chicken warm through for 10 to 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Taste the butter chicken and adjust salt or spices as desired. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and serve hot over basmati rice or with warm naan bread for a complete meal.
Notes
- For a dairy-free alternative, substitute the yogurt or heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk, which produces a similarly creamy texture.
- To achieve a smoother sauce, blend the tomato and spice mixture before adding the chicken to the slow cooker.
- Chicken thighs are preferred for their juiciness and tenderness, but chicken breasts can be used with a slightly reduced cooking time to avoid drying out.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours on low or 3 hours on high
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Indian-Inspired
