The Easiest Slow Cooker Butter Chicken Your Family Will Love (Print Version)
How to make tender slow cooker butter chicken with a rich, creamy tomato sauce and aromatic spices that's an effortless weeknight meal.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 8 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Indian
Dietary: Meat
# Ingredients:
→ Main Components
01 -
2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
02 -
28 oz can crushed tomatoes (100% tomatoes, not sauce)
03 -
1 large yellow onion, finely diced
04 -
4 cloves garlic, minced
05 -
1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated
06 -
1 cup heavy cream (or full-fat coconut milk for dairy-free)
→ Flavor Builders
07 -
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cut into cubes
08 -
2 tablespoons tomato paste
09 -
1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
10 -
1/4 cup raw cashews, soaked in hot water for 15 minutes (optional, for extra creaminess)
→ Aromatic Spices
11 -
2 teaspoons garam masala
12 -
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
13 -
1 teaspoon ground cumin
14 -
1/2 teaspoon Kashmiri red chili powder (or paprika for less heat)
→ Finishing Touches
15 -
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
16 -
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
# Instructions:
01 -
Combine the diced onion, minced garlic, grated ginger, and all aromatic spices (garam masala, turmeric, cumin, chili powder) directly into your slow cooker. This forms the flavorful base for your Slow Cooker Butter Chicken.
02 -
Next, add the cut chicken thighs, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and chicken broth to the slow cooker with the aromatics. If using, include the soaked cashews now, or blend them later for extra creaminess.
03 -
Give everything a really good stir to ensure all the chicken pieces are coated and the spices are well distributed throughout the sauce. This critical step ensures even flavor development.
04 -
Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours, or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is incredibly tender and easily shreds with a fork. Resist peeking too often to maintain consistent heat.
05 -
Once cooked, stir in the cubed unsalted butter and heavy cream (or coconut milk). If you soaked cashews, blend them with a little sauce until smooth, then stir in to make a rich, creamy Slow Cooker Butter Chicken.
06 -
Stir in the fresh lime juice. Ladle your delicious Slow Cooker Butter Chicken into bowls, then garnish generously with fresh chopped cilantro. Serve immediately with rice or naan for a satisfying meal.
# Notes:
01 -
Avoid lifting the slow cooker lid frequently during cooking to prevent heat loss and ensure consistent cooking.
02 -
Store leftover Slow Cooker Butter Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
03 -
Substitute heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and use plant-based butter for a dairy-free version.
04 -
Serve warm with basmati rice and naan bread, garnished with fresh cilantro and a lime wedge.
05 -
Prep aromatics like onion, garlic, and ginger a day ahead to streamline cooking day.
06 -
For extra richness and a silky texture, blend a portion of the sauce with soaked cashews.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Slow cooker
02 -
knife
03 -
cutting board
04 -
grater
05 -
measuring cups
06 -
measuring spoons
07 -
can opener
08 -
small bowl (for cashews)
09 -
spoon or spatula
10 -
ladle
11 -
serving bowls
12 -
blender (optional)
13 -
citrus juicer (optional)
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 450
Total Fat: 36g
Total Carbohydrate: 10g
Protein: 24g