Butter Chicken, or Murgh Makhani, is a beloved comfort food that hails from India, specifically Delhi. Legend has it that this iconic dish was invented in the 1950s by a clever chef at the famous Moti Mahal restaurant, who combined leftover chicken with a rich, creamy sauce. The result was a silky-smooth dish that quickly became a worldwide favorite.

Whether you enjoy it on a busy weeknight or serve it to guests for a cozy dinner, Butter Chicken’s creamy, mildly spiced sauce makes it a universally adored dish. It’s perfect with steamed rice or warm naan to soak up every drop of that indulgent sauce.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

This version of Butter Chicken, made in a slow cooker, is as easy as it is flavorful. You’ll love the creamy texture and the balance of spices, all without the need for constant attention in the kitchen. Just set it and forget it, and let your crockpot work its magic.

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:

2 medium yellow onions, peeled, cut in half, and sliced (~13 oz)
2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast, cubed
1 medium red bell pepper, diced
3 medium carrots, diced (5-6 oz)
1 (15-oz) can tomato sauce
1 (6-oz) can tomato paste
Juice of ½ lemon
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger (~2-inch piece)
3 tablespoons curry powder
2 teaspoons garam masala
½ teaspoon fine salt
1 tablespoon salted butter, chilled, cut into pieces
½ cup plain Greek yogurt (whole, low-fat, or fat-free)
½ cup half-and-half

HOW TO MAKE Butter Chicken:

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:

Prepare the Vegetables: Place the sliced onions at the bottom of your slow cooker. This will help create a flavorful base for the sauce.
Mix the Chicken & Veggies: In a large bowl, combine the cubed chicken, diced bell pepper, carrots, tomato sauce, tomato paste, lemon juice, minced garlic, grated ginger, curry powder, garam masala, and salt. Toss everything until evenly mixed.
Add to Slow Cooker: Pour the chicken mixture over the onions in your slow cooker.
Dot with Butter: Scatter pieces of butter over the top of the chicken and vegetables. The butter will melt into the sauce, enriching the flavors.
Cook: Cover and cook on high for 4 ½ hours or on low for 6 ½ hours.
Finish the Sauce: Once cooking is complete, remove the lid and allow the mixture to cool for 5-10 minutes. Stir in the yogurt and half-and-half to create a creamy, rich sauce.
Serve: Serve your Butter Chicken over hot cooked rice, cauliflower rice, or with naan. Garnish with fresh cilantro, toasted sesame seeds, and a squeeze of lime.

HELPFUL TIPS:

Ensure the Dairy Doesn’t Curdle: Let the mixture cool slightly before adding the yogurt and half-and-half to prevent curdling. This step helps maintain that perfect creamy texture.
Make Ahead: You can prep all ingredients a day in advance to save time on the day you plan to cook.
Freezer-Friendly: This dish can be made ahead, frozen, and then slow-cooked. Just thaw before reheating for a quick dinner solution.

DETAILS:

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 4 ½ hours (high) / 6 ½ hours (low)
Total Time: 4 hours 50 minutes
Yield: 6-8 servings
Category: Main dish
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: Indian
Diet: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free (if you substitute yogurt with a non-dairy option)

NOTES:

Feel free to adjust the spiciness by reducing the amount of curry powder if you’re serving it to kids. If you prefer a more intense flavor, add a bit of extra garam masala towards the end of cooking.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION:

Calories: 298 per serving
Fat: 6g (Sat Fat: 3g)
Carbohydrates: 21g (Fiber: 4g, Sugar: 13g)
Protein: 38g
Sodium: 415mg

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?
Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs will work just as well, offering a slightly richer flavor.

How can I make this dish spicier?
Add some red chili flakes or a chopped jalapeño when mixing the chicken and spices.

STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS:

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To freeze, store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.

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CONCLUSION:

This slow-cooked Butter Chicken recipe is the perfect meal to bring comfort and warmth to your table. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned pro, this dish’s ease of preparation and deep, flavorful sauce will make it a family favorite.