Description
How to make creamy Slow Cooker Butter Chicken with tender chicken, rich tomato sauce, and aromatic spices that is an effortless weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- Main Components:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, divided
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- Flavor Enhancers & Aromatics:
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 teaspoons fresh garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup plain whole milk yogurt
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- Spices & Seasoning:
- 1 tablespoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon Kashmiri chili powder (or regular chili powder for more heat)
- 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- Finishing Touches:
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
- 1 teaspoon dried fenugreek leaves (Kasuri Methi), crushed
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Melt half the butter in a skillet. Sauté diced onion until softened, then add ginger and garlic. Cook until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. This creates a rich aromatic base for your Slow Cooker Butter Chicken.
- Add Ingredients: Transfer aromatics to your slow cooker. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, all spices, and salt. Add chicken pieces and remaining butter. This forms the rich, flavorful sauce for your Slow Cooker Butter Chicken.
- Stir Yogurt: Gently stir plain whole milk yogurt until fully combined with the other ingredients in the slow cooker. Ensure everything is well-coated. This adds a crucial tang and helps tenderize the chicken for our creamy butter chicken.
- Slow Cook: Cover your slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be fork-tender and the sauce thickened. Resist peeking too often to maintain heat.
- Finish Cream: Once cooked, stir in heavy cream and crushed dried fenugreek leaves (Kasuri Methi) into the sauce. Allow it to warm through for 10-15 minutes on low. This final touch brings classic creamy richness.
- Adjust & Garnish: Taste the sauce and adjust salt if needed. Garnish generously with fresh chopped cilantro just before serving. The vibrant green adds a pop of color, completing your comforting Slow Cooker Butter Chicken.
- Serve Warm: Ladle your delicious Slow Cooker Butter Chicken over fluffy basmati rice, with warm naan bread, or alongside your favorite vegetables. Enjoy this comforting, family-friendly meal that’s pure, buttery bliss.
Notes
Resist frequently opening the slow cooker lid; crucial heat escapes, extending cooking time.
Cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Use plain whole milk yogurt; other types can make the sauce watery and less creamy.
Serve warm over basmati rice with naan bread and a refreshing side of cucumber raita.
Prep onion, ginger, and garlic 1-2 days in advance, storing in separate airtight containers.
**Allergy Information:** Dairy
