Description
This Slow-Cooker Butter Chicken is a rich and creamy Indian-inspired dish featuring tender chicken thighs simmered in a flavorful tomato and coconut milk sauce infused with ginger, garlic, and garam masala. Perfectly cooked in a slow cooker for an easy, hands-off meal, it pairs beautifully with basmati or jasmine rice and soft naan bread.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 3 tablespoons grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon garam masala
- 1 6-ounce can tomato paste
- 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1 teaspoon lime zest
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 cup coconut milk (if necessary, whisk to combine the liquid and solids before measuring)
- 1/2 cup chicken stock
Garnish & Serving
- 1/4 cup cilantro leaves, for garnish (optional)
- Cooked basmati or jasmine rice, for serving
- Naan, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: In a medium skillet over medium-high heat, heat the vegetable oil. Add the diced yellow onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Then reduce the heat to medium and add the finely chopped garlic and grated ginger, cooking for an additional 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add Spices and Tomato Paste: Stir in garam masala, tomato paste, and kosher salt. Cook while stirring for 2 minutes to allow the spices to bloom and the tomato paste to deepen in flavor.
- Combine in Slow Cooker: Transfer the sautéed mixture into the slow cooker. Add the chicken pieces, lime zest, lime juice, coconut milk, and chicken stock. Stir everything together until well combined.
- Slow Cook the Chicken: Cover the slow cooker and cook on the low heat setting for 4 1/2 to 5 hours until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and tender. For a softer, shreddable texture, you may cook for up to 7 hours, but be aware this will result in very soft chicken.
- Garnish and Serve: Once cooking is complete, garnish with fresh cilantro leaves if desired. Serve hot with cooked basmati or jasmine rice and naan bread as accompaniments to enjoy this creamy and flavorful butter chicken.
Notes
- Using chicken thighs provides more flavor and moisture, but chicken breasts can be used for a leaner option.
- Whisk coconut milk before measuring to ensure even consistency.
- Adjust garam masala quantity to taste if you prefer spicier or milder flavors.
- Cooking times may vary slightly depending on your slow cooker model.
- To keep the sauce thicker, reduce the chicken stock quantity or thicken after cooking by simmering the sauce separately on the stovetop.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Indian
Keywords: Slow-cooker butter chicken, Indian butter chicken, slow cooker recipe, crockpot chicken curry, creamy chicken curry
