Description
How to make tender slow cooker butter chicken with creamy tomato sauce and aromatic spices that’s perfect for busy weeknights and meal prep.
Ingredients
Scale
- Main Components:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1.5-inch pieces
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes (100% tomatoes, not with added herbs)
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 large yellow onion, finely diced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- Aromatics & Liquid:
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh ginger, grated
- 1/2 cup plain full-fat yogurt
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- Signature Spices & Seasoning:
- 2 tablespoons Garam Masala
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- Finishing Touches:
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Prep Ingredients: Gather all your ingredients. Dice the yellow onion finely, mince the garlic, and grate the fresh ginger. Cut the boneless, skinless chicken thighs into uniform 1.5-inch pieces. This initial prep makes the rest of your Slow Cooker Butter Chicken a breeze.
- Combine Sauce: In your slow cooker, combine the crushed tomatoes, diced onion, minced garlic, grated ginger, tomato paste, chicken broth, plain full-fat yogurt, Garam Masala, ground turmeric, and salt. Stir these aromatic ingredients well to create a cohesive and flavorful base.
- Add Chicken: Gently add the prepared chicken pieces to the sauce mixture in the slow cooker, ensuring each piece is well coated. Stir briefly to distribute everything evenly. Avoid over-mixing to keep the chicken tender, preparing it for the slow cooking process.
- Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 4-6 hours or on HIGH for 2-3 hours. The chicken should be incredibly tender and easily shredded with a fork when done. Resist the urge to lift the lid frequently to maintain consistent temperature.
- Finish Sauce: Once cooked, stir in the softened unsalted butter, heavy cream, and granulated sugar until completely melted and emulsified into the rich sauce. This step creates the signature creamy, luxurious texture of your Slow Cooker Butter Chicken. Taste and adjust salt if needed.
- Garnish & Serve: Garnish generously with fresh chopped cilantro just before serving. Serve your comforting Slow Cooker Butter Chicken hot over fluffy basmati rice or with warm naan bread. Enjoy this delightful, easy weeknight meal that your family will adore!
Notes
Avoid lifting the slow cooker lid during cooking; it lengthens cook time and can make the chicken less tender.
Store leftover butter chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
For dairy-free, use plant-based butter and full-fat coconut milk instead of cream and butter.
Serve hot over fluffy basmati rice or with warm naan bread, garnished with fresh cilantro.
For deeper flavor and tenderness, marinate chicken in yogurt and garam masala overnight before cooking.
**Allergy Information:** Dairy