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Slow Cooker Butter Chicken

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Slow Cooker Butter Chicken is a rich and creamy dish that brings the flavors of Indian cuisine right into your home with minimal effort. With tender chicken cooked to perfection in a luscious tomato-based sauce spiced with garam masala, turmeric, and other aromatic spices, this dish is an absolute crowd-pleaser. Using a slow cooker allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, making it an easy yet elegant meal to serve on busy nights or for special occasions. Pair it with naan or rice for a truly satisfying meal that everyone will love.

Ingredients

Scale

For this easy and flavorful Slow Cooker Butter Chicken, you’ll need the following ingredients:

  • 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)

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken and Sauce:

  1. Season the Chicken: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and season with salt, pepper, and half of the garam masala. Set aside.
  2. Sauté the Aromatics: In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  3. Add the Spices: Stir in the remaining garam masala, turmeric, cumin, chili powder, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for 1 minute to release the flavors of the spices.
  4. Combine with Tomatoes: Add the crushed tomatoes to the skillet and stir to combine with the spices and aromatics. Simmer for 5 minutes to blend the flavors.

Slow Cook the Chicken:

  1. Transfer to Slow Cooker: Pour the tomato and spice mixture into the slow cooker. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and stir to coat the chicken in the sauce.
  2. Cook on Low or High: Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked through.

Finish the Sauce:

  1. Add the Dairy: Once the chicken is cooked, stir in the heavy cream and Greek yogurt. Cook for an additional 10-15 minutes on low to heat through.
  2. Adjust the Seasoning: Taste the sauce and adjust the salt, pepper, or spices if needed. You can also add more cream for extra richness.
  3. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with fresh cilantro before serving.

Equipment

Nutrition

Find it online: https://succulentrecipes.com/slow-cooker-butter-chicken/