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 minutesminutes
Cook Time 6 hourshours
Total Time 6 hourshours30 minutesminutes
Serving Size 4servings
Ingredients
For the chicken and marinade
800gboneless, skinless chicken thighs or breastsThighs recommended for juiciness
150gplain yogurtFull-fat is best
2tbsplemon juice
2tspgaram masala
1tspground cumin
1tsppaprika
¼-½tspchili powderAdjust to taste
1tspturmeric
1tspsaltAdjust to taste
For the curry
200gcanned tomatoes or passataAbout 1 cup
1mediumonion, finely chopped
3clovesgarlic, minced
1tbspginger, grated
50gbutter
100mldouble creamOr ¾ cup cashew cream for dairy-free version
1tspkasuri methi, crushedOptional but gives signature flavor
fresh cilantrofor garnishUse 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.