Description

This Easy Slow Cooker Butter Chicken & Rice Meal is a comforting and flavorful Indian-inspired dish made with tender chicken thighs simmered in a rich, creamy tomato and coconut milk sauce. Prepared conveniently in a slow cooker, it’s perfect for busy days, delivering a deliciously spiced, aromatic meal served over fluffy basmati or jasmine rice. The recipe is gluten-free, making it suitable for various dietary preferences, and yields tender, juicy chicken infused with traditional Indian spices.

Ingredients

Chicken and Spices

1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into chunks
1 tablespoon garam masala
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon turmeric
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

Vegetables and Aromatics

1 small onion, finely diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated

Sauce Ingredients

1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
1 (13.5 oz) can full-fat coconut milk
½ cup plain Greek yogurt
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons lemon juice

To Serve

3 cups cooked basmati or jasmine rice
Chopped cilantro for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Season the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the chicken chunks with garam masala, ground cumin, paprika, turmeric, salt, and cayenne pepper if using. Toss thoroughly to coat all pieces evenly with the spices.
Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Transfer the seasoned chicken to the slow cooker. Add the finely diced onion, minced garlic, grated ginger, tomato paste, and full-fat coconut milk. Stir everything together gently to combine well.
Slow Cook the Chicken: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours. Cook until the chicken is tender and fully cooked through.
Add Finishing Ingredients: About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the plain Greek yogurt, butter, and lemon juice. Cover again and continue cooking on low for an additional 20–30 minutes to heat through and allow the sauce to thicken slightly.
Serve the Meal: Spoon the creamy butter chicken over cooked basmati or jasmine rice. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro if desired, and serve hot.

Notes

For extra richness, you can stir in a splash of cream or an additional tablespoon of butter at the end of cooking.
Greek yogurt can be substituted with heavy cream if you prefer a creamier texture.
While chicken thighs remain juicier, you may use chicken breasts as an alternative.