Description
This easy slow cooker butter chicken (murgh makhani) features tender chicken simmered in a creamy tomato-based sauce infused with aromatic Indian spices—perfect for cozy meals with minimal effort.
Ingredients
- 3 pounds (5–6 large) boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup (1 small) diced onion
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1¼ cups heavy cream (room temperature & divided)
- 6 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 1 tbsp grated ginger
- 2½ tsp curry powder
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 2 tsp garam masala
- ½ tsp cumin
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 4 cups cooked jasmine rice (per package directions)
- Fresh cilantro (for garnish)
Instructions
- Melt butter in a sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add onion, garlic, ginger, curry powder, chili powder, garam masala, cumin, and salt. Sauté until onions are tender and spices are fragrant (2–3 minutes).
- In a blender, blend the sautéed aromatics with tomato sauce, tomato paste, and ¾ cup heavy cream until smooth.
- Place the chicken in the slow cooker insert and pour the blended sauce over it. Cook on High for 2½–3 hours.
- Once the chicken is cooked, remove and cut into 1‑inch pieces.
- Mix remaining ½ cup heavy cream with cornstarch to form a slurry, then stir into the sauce in the slow cooker. Allow it to thicken.
- Place the chicken pieces back into the sauce and coat well—turn off the slow cooker once everything is ready.
- Serve by placing about ¾ cup of jasmine rice to one side of a bowl and spooning the butter chicken beside it. Garnish with cilantro.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken breasts with boneless chicken thighs for juicier meat.
- For a vegan version, use cauliflower and chickpeas, and substitute cream and butter with coconut milk and vegan alternatives.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- To reheat, microwave or warm on stove until heated through.
- Cooking on LOW setting takes about 6 hours.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (with rice)
- Calories: 570
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 33g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 37g
- Cholesterol: 155mg
