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The Ultimate Hands-Off Crockpot Butter Chicken

A close-up of rich, orange-red Crockpot Butter Chicken served in a white bowl and garnished with fresh cilantro.
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Make tender, flavorful Butter Chicken easily in your slow cooker. This recipe requires minimal hands-on time for a rich weeknight curry.

Ingredients

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  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon garam masala
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 tablespoon dried fenugreek leaves (kasoori methi)
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Place the cut chicken pieces into the basin of your slow cooker.
  2. Add the crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, chopped onion, minced garlic, grated ginger, tomato paste, garam masala, turmeric, cumin, paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper to the slow cooker.
  3. Stir all ingredients together until the chicken is well coated in the sauce mixture.
  4. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken is very tender.
  5. About 30 minutes before serving, remove the lid. In a small bowl, mix the Greek yogurt or sour cream with the heavy cream. Stir this mixture into the slow cooker.
  6. Add the butter and dried fenugreek leaves. Stir gently until the butter melts and the sauce is smooth. Do not let the mixture boil after adding the dairy.
  7. Taste and adjust salt if needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro.

Notes

  • For best texture, shred the chicken slightly with two forks before stirring in the cream mixture in the final step.
  • If you prefer a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender carefully in the slow cooker before adding the cream.
  • Serve this curry over basmati rice or with warm naan bread.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://delishdiarist.com/crockpot-butter-chicken-recipe-easy-slow-cooker/