Creamy Slow Cooker Butter Chicken

Creamy Slow Cooker Butter Chicken is the ultimate comfort food you’ll want to make on repeat. With its rich tomato base, warm spices, and silky finish of butter and cream, this dish transforms into a cozy, flavorful dinner with almost no effort. Imagine tender chicken thighs that soak up all the spices while slow cooking, creating a melt-in-your-mouth meal that feels just as good as dining out.

What makes this recipe special is the balance. The sauce is indulgent yet not heavy, perfectly spiced yet not overwhelming, making it family-friendly and crowd-pleasing. The slow cooker does all the work, turning everyday ingredients into something extraordinary, while you go about your day.

Fun fact: Butter Chicken, or “Murgh Makhani,” was first created in Delhi in the 1950s when a chef combined leftover tandoori chicken with a buttery tomato sauce. Since then, it has become one of the most beloved Indian dishes worldwide — and now, you can recreate it at home with ease.

Recipe Yield: 6 servings

INGREDIENTS

2 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into large chunks
1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
1 cup plain Greek yogurt
3 tbsp tomato paste
1 cup crushed tomatoes
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup unsalted butter, cubed
2 tsp garam masala
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp ground coriander
1 tsp turmeric
1 tsp chili powder (adjust to taste)
1 1/2 tsp sea salt
1/2 tsp ground black pepper
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Cooked basmati rice or naan bread, for serving

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Marinate the chicken:
In a large bowl, whisk together yogurt, tomato paste, 1 tsp garam masala, 1/2 tsp cumin, and a pinch of salt. Add chicken pieces, coat well, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (overnight is best).

2. Prepare the slow cooker:
Add onion, garlic, ginger, crushed tomatoes, butter, and all remaining spices into the slow cooker. Stir well to create a rich base sauce.

3. Add chicken:
Place marinated chicken into the slow cooker, coating with the sauce. Cover with lid.

4. Slow cook to perfection:
Cook on LOW for 6 hours or on HIGH for 3 hours, until chicken is tender and infused with flavor.

5. Finish with cream:
Stir in heavy cream during the last 20 minutes of cooking. Mix gently until sauce becomes smooth, velvety, and golden.

6. Serve and enjoy:
Spoon butter chicken over hot basmati rice or pair with warm naan. Garnish with fresh cilantro.

Helpful Tips to Perfect This Recipe

Marinate Overnight: For the best flavor, marinate your chicken overnight. The yogurt tenderizes the meat while the spices seep in deeply.
Balance the Heat: Traditional butter chicken is mildly spiced. Adjust chili powder depending on your preference, adding more for bold heat or less for a family-friendly dish.
Creamy Finish: Always add cream at the end of cooking. This keeps the sauce silky and prevents curdling while giving that signature restaurant-style richness.

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