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Creamy Slow Cooker Butter Chicken Recipe with Easy Naan Bread Dippers

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A cozy and comforting slow cooker butter chicken recipe that delivers tender chicken in a rich, creamy tomato-based sauce, perfect for busy weeknights and casual gatherings. Served with soft naan bread dippers for an indulgent, utensil-free meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 1/2 cups crushed tomatoes (canned)
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup plain full-fat yogurt
  • 2 teaspoons garam masala
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • A handful fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Naan bread, store-bought or homemade, for dipping

Instructions

  1. Trim any excess fat from chicken thighs and cut into 1½-inch pieces. Set aside.
  2. Finely chop one medium onion, mince four cloves of garlic, and grate one tablespoon of fresh ginger.
  3. Optional: In a skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons butter. Add onions, garlic, and ginger, cooking until softened and fragrant (about 5 minutes).
  4. In a small bowl, mix together 2 tsp garam masala, 1 tsp turmeric, 1 tsp chili powder, 1 tsp cumin, ½ tsp smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
  5. Place chicken pieces into the slow cooker. Add the sautéed onion mixture (or raw chopped onion, garlic, and ginger if skipping the sauté), crushed tomatoes, and spice mix. Stir gently to combine.
  6. Cover and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours, or on high for 2 to 3 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
  7. About 15 minutes before serving, stir together ½ cup heavy cream and ½ cup plain yogurt in a bowl.
  8. Gently fold the cream and yogurt mixture into the slow cooker, stirring to combine. Let it cook uncovered for another 15 minutes on low to thicken slightly.
  9. Stir in 1 tablespoon lemon juice and 2 tablespoons unsalted butter for richness. Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
  10. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro.
  11. Warm the naan bread in the oven or on a skillet until soft and slightly toasted.
  12. Ladle the creamy slow cooker butter chicken into bowls and serve with naan bread dippers on the side.

Notes

If sauce is too thin near the end, simmer uncovered for 10-15 minutes to thicken. Use chicken thighs for juiciness. Add cream and yogurt at the end to prevent curdling. Optional sauté of aromatics adds extra flavor but can be skipped. Naan bread is perfect for dipping but can be substituted with rice or gluten-free naan. For dairy-free, substitute heavy cream and yogurt with coconut cream or full-fat coconut milk.

Nutrition

Keywords: butter chicken, slow cooker, crockpot, creamy curry, naan bread, easy dinner, weeknight meal, Indian recipe, comfort food

Find it online: https://fizzlefork.com/creamy-slow-cooker-butter-chicken-recipe-with-easy-naan-bread-dippers/