Description
This Slow Cooker Butter Chicken recipe is a hearty and flavorful Indian-inspired dish featuring tender chicken thighs simmered in a rich, creamy tomato sauce with aromatic spices. Perfect for a comforting weeknight meal, it requires minimal prep and delivers maximum taste with the ease of slow cooking.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Sauce
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into large chunks
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 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
- 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
- 1 (13.5-ounce) can full-fat coconut milk or 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 2 tablespoons butter
Garnish and Serving
- Chopped fresh cilantro for garnish
- Cooked basmati rice or naan for serving
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 4–5 minutes until soft and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for 1 more minute until fragrant.
- Add Spices: Stir in garam masala, ground cumin, turmeric, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook the mixture for another minute to let the spices bloom.
- Transfer to Slow Cooker: Transfer this onion and spice mixture to the slow cooker. Add the chicken chunks, tomato paste, and full-fat coconut milk or heavy cream. Stir everything to combine well.
- Slow Cook: Cover and cook the mixture on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is tender and infused with the spice flavors.
- Finish with Yogurt and Butter: About 15 minutes before serving, stir in the Greek yogurt (or sour cream) and butter to enrich the sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning by adding additional salt or spices if needed.
- Serve: Serve the buttery chicken hot over cooked basmati rice or with warm naan bread. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro for a burst of freshness.
Notes
- Chicken thighs remain juicy and flavorful, but you can substitute chicken breasts if preferred.
- For a creamier, richer sauce, opt for heavy cream instead of coconut milk.
- This dish freezes well and is ideal for meal prep—simply portion and freeze for easy future meals.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Indian-Inspired
