Description
Enjoy rich, creamy, and flavorful Indian Butter Chicken made incredibly easy in your slow cooker. This recipe minimizes prep and maximizes taste.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or coconut oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or to taste)
- 1 (15-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons plain yogurt (full-fat is best for creaminess)
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
- Cooked basmati rice or naan, for serving
Instructions
- 1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until browned on all sides. Remove chicken and set aside.
- 2. In the same skillet, add the chopped onion. Cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add minced garlic and grated ginger, cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
- 3. Stir in cumin, coriander, garam masala, turmeric, and cayenne pepper. Cook for 30-60 seconds until fragrant.
- 4. Transfer the onion and spice mixture to your slow cooker. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and chicken broth. Stir to combine. Add the seared chicken.
- 5. Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, until chicken is tender.
- 6. About 30 minutes before serving, stir in heavy cream, yogurt, and butter. Cook until heated through and slightly thickened, do not boil.
- 7. Season with salt, pepper, and sugar (if using) to taste.
- 8. Serve hot over basmati rice or with naan, garnished with fresh cilantro.
Notes
Allow butter chicken to cool completely before storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until thoroughly heated.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-8 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: Approx. 450-550
- Sugar: Approx. 8-12g
- Sodium: Varies (adjust with salt and broth)
- Fat: Approx. 25-35g
- Carbohydrates: Approx. 15-20g
- Fiber: Approx. 3-5g
- Protein: Approx. 30-35g