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–+ servings

Slow Cooker Butter Chicken

This slow cooker butter chicken is creamy, flavorful, and packed with warm Indian spices. A set-it-and-forget-it dinner that’s better than takeout!
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours
Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients

  • 3 lbs boneless chicken thighs - chopped
  • 1 cup chopped onion
  • 14 oz can full-fat coconut milk - or heavy cream
  • 6 oz can tomato paste
  • 2 Tbsp butter
  • 2 Tbsp plain yogurt - optional
  • 3 cloves garlic - minced
  • 1 Tbsp fresh grated ginger
  • 1 Tbsp garam masala
  • 1 ½ tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp turmeric
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp cayenne pepper - optional

To Serve:

  • Chopped cilantro
  • Basmati rice or naan

Instructions

  • In a 4–6 quart slow cooker, add chopped onion, coconut milk, tomato paste, butter, plain yogurt (if using), garlic, ginger, and all spices. Stir to combine.
  • Add chopped chicken thighs and stir to fully coat in sauce.
  • Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until chicken is tender and sauce is rich.
  • Stir before serving. Garnish with cilantro and serve with rice or naan.

Recipe Notes:

  • Chicken thighs stay tender and juicy.
  • Don’t skip the tomato paste—it adds depth.
  • Coconut milk or cream both work—choose based on preference.
  • Leftovers are even more flavorful the next day.

Nutrition Info

Calories: 678kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 41g | Fat: 53g | Saturated Fat: 23g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 8g | Monounsaturated Fat: 16g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 224mg | Sodium: 806mg | Potassium: 987mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 830IU | Vitamin C: 10mg | Calcium: 69mg | Iron: 5mg

The nutritional information provided is an estimate and is per serving.

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