Description
This Slow Cooker Butter Chicken recipe is a delicious and creamy Indian-inspired dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. Tender chicken thighs are cooked in a flavorful tomato-based sauce with aromatic spices, then finished with cream and yogurt for a rich and satisfying meal. Serve over rice or with naan for a complete and comforting dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken:
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)
Spices:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion (finely chopped)
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 tablespoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Sauce:
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Garnish and Serving:
- Chopped cilantro (for garnish)
- Cooked basmati rice or naan (for serving)
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a skillet and sauté onion, garlic, and ginger until fragrant.
- Add Spices: Stir in garam masala, cumin, paprika, turmeric, cayenne, and salt; cook briefly.
- Transfer to Slow Cooker: Place the mixture in the slow cooker and add chicken and tomato sauce; cook until tender.
- Finish with Cream and Butter: Stir in cream, yogurt, and butter; cook until creamy.
- Serve: Serve hot over rice or naan, garnished with cilantro.
Notes
- For a dairy-free version, use full-fat coconut milk instead of cream and yogurt, and olive oil instead of butter.
- Adjust spice level by adding more or less cayenne to suit your taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
