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+ servings

Butter Chicken (Murgh Makhani)

A rich and comforting slow-cooker butter chicken dish with tender chicken and a creamy tomato sauce, perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 30 minutes
Serving Size 4 servings

Ingredients

For the chicken and marinade

  • 800 g boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts Thighs recommended for juiciness
  • 150 g plain yogurt Full-fat is best
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 2 tsp garam masala
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • ¼-½ tsp chili powder Adjust to taste
  • 1 tsp turmeric
  • 1 tsp salt Adjust to taste

For the curry

  • 200 g canned tomatoes or passata About 1 cup
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp ginger, grated
  • 50 g butter
  • 100 ml double cream Or ¾ cup cashew cream for dairy-free version
  • 1 tsp kasuri methi, crushed Optional but gives signature flavor
  • fresh cilantro for garnish Use with extra butter for finishing

Instructions

Marinate

  • In a bowl, mix yogurt, lemon juice, 1 tsp garam masala, ½ tsp cumin, ½ tsp paprika, and a pinch of salt. Add chicken, toss to coat, and refrigerate 30 minutes to overnight.

Sauté Aromatics

  • Heat 1 tbsp oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook onion until translucent and beginning to brown (~7 minutes). Add garlic and ginger and cook for 1 additional minute. Stir in remaining spices for 30 seconds to toast them.

Combine in Slow Cooker

  • Transfer the sautéed aromatics to the slow cooker. Add canned tomatoes, marinated chicken (and any leftover marinade), 1 tsp salt, and 1 tsp garam masala. Stir gently.

Cook

  • Cover and cook on LOW for 4–6 hours or on HIGH for 2–3 hours until chicken is tender and shreds easily.

Finish the Sauce

  • Remove chicken, shred it, and return it to the pot. Stir in butter and cream over LOW heat until fully melted. Simmer uncovered for 10–15 minutes.
  • Crush in kasuri methi and adjust salt and lemon if needed.

Serve

  • Garnish with cilantro and a drizzle of melted butter. Serve over rice or with naan.

Notes

Chicken thighs are more forgiving in the slow cooker and stay moist. If dairy-free, replace butter with oil and cream with cashew or coconut cream.