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Flavorful Crockpot Butter Chicken

Flavorful Crockpot Butter Chicken

Enjoy a restaurant-quality, creamy, and flavorful butter chicken made effortlessly in your slow cooker. This family-friendly recipe delivers tender, juicy chicken in a rich, aromatic sauce perfect for weeknight dinners.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Optional Simmer Time 30 minutes
Total Time 6 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: dinner
Cuisine: Indian
Calories: 540
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

Chicken
  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs cut into 1-inch pieces
Spices
  • 2 tbsp garam masala divided
  • 1 tsp turmeric powder
  • 1 tsp cumin powder
  • 0.5 tsp chili powder adjust to taste
  • 0.5 tsp salt adjust to taste
  • 0.25 tsp cayenne pepper optional, for extra heat
Vegetables & Aromatics
  • 1 large onion chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 inch ginger grated
Tomatoes & Sauces
  • 14.5 oz can crushed tomatoes
  • 10 oz can tomato sauce
Dairy & Fats
  • 1 cup heavy cream or coconut cream for dairy-free option
  • 0.5 cup butter melted, or ghee for authentic flavor
Garnish
  • fresh cilantro chopped, for garnish

Equipment

  • Crockpot
  • Mixing bowl
  • Forks

Method
 

  1. In a large bowl, toss chicken pieces with 1 tbsp garam masala, turmeric, cumin, chili powder, salt, and optional cayenne pepper until evenly coated.
  2. Layer chopped onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger evenly across the bottom of the crockpot.
  3. Pour crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and melted butter (or ghee) into the crockpot, and stir gently to combine.
  4. Place the spiced chicken pieces on top of the tomato mixture in the crockpot.
  5. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender and can be shredded easily.
  6. Shred the cooked chicken directly in the crockpot using two forks.
  7. Stir in the heavy cream (or coconut cream) and remaining 1 tbsp garam masala until sauce is creamy and well mixed.
  8. Optional: Remove the lid and simmer on low for 30-60 minutes for a thicker sauce.
  9. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and serve hot with rice, naan, or your preferred sides.

Nutrition

Calories: 540kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 45gFat: 35gSaturated Fat: 18gCholesterol: 135mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 700mgFiber: 3gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 700IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 80mgIron: 4.5mg

Notes

For extra flavor, brown the chicken in a skillet before adding to the crockpot. Adjust spice levels or try vegan substitutions with chickpeas or cauliflower and vegan butter.
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