Slow-Cooker Butter Chicken Recipe
A rich and flavorful Slow-Cooker Butter Chicken recipe made with tender chicken thighs simmered in a spiced tomato and coconut milk sauce. This easy-to-make dish combines garam masala, garlic, ginger, and lime for a delicious Indian-inspired meal perfect for serving with basmati rice and naan.
- Author: nova
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours 30 minutes to 5 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 45 minutes to 5 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Indian
- Diet: Halal
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 (whisk to combine liquid and solids before measuring)
- 1/2 cup chicken stock
- 1/4 cup cilantro leaves, for garnish (optional)
- Cooked basmati or jasmine rice, for serving
- Naan, for serving (optional)
- Sauté Aromatics: In a medium skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add diced onions and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Reduce heat to medium, then add chopped garlic and grated ginger, cooking for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add Spices and Tomato Paste: Stir in the garam masala, tomato paste, and kosher salt. Cook and stir the mixture for 2 minutes to deepen the flavors.
- Prepare Slow Cooker: Place the cut chicken pieces into the slow cooker. Add the cooked tomato paste and spice mixture, lime zest, lime juice, coconut milk, and chicken stock. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Cook: Cover and cook on the slow cooker’s low heat setting for 4 1/2 to 5 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender. For softer, shreddable chicken, cooking up to 7 hours is possible.
- Serve: Garnish the butter chicken with fresh cilantro leaves if desired. Serve hot with basmati or jasmine rice and naan on the side for a complete meal.
Notes
- Use chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful results compared to chicken breasts.
- To make the dish creamier, you can add a couple of tablespoons of heavy cream or yogurt towards the end of cooking.
- If coconut milk separates, whisk it well before measuring for consistent texture.
- Adjust the amount of garam masala to control the spice level according to preference.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be frozen for up to 1 month.
Keywords: Slow Cooker Butter Chicken, Indian Butter Chicken, Slow Cooker Indian Recipes, Easy Butter Chicken, Chicken Curry Slow Cooker