Slow Cooker Maharaj Indian Grill Butter Chicken Curry

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A rich and fragrant butter chicken curry slow-cooked to tender perfection with a blend of Indian spices and creamy tomato sauce. This indian-inspired curry ready in about 380 minutes pairs unsalted butter, large onion, finely chopped, garlic cloves, minced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 360 min Serves 6 Indian cuisine 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 4 tbsp unsalted butter. Add 1 finely chopped large onion and sauté for 5-6 minutes until golden brown.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 4 minced garlic cloves and 2 tbsp grated fresh ginger, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Transfer onion mixture to a slow cooker. Add 2 lbs boneless chicken thighs cut into 1-inch pieces, 1 cup tomato puree, 2 tsp garam masala, 1 tsp ground coriander, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp turmeric powder, 1 tsp red chili powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 cup water. Stir to combine.
  4. Step 4: Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until chicken is tender.
  5. Step 5: 30 minutes before serving, stir in 1 cup heavy cream and continue cooking uncovered on low to thicken the sauce.
  6. Step 6: Garnish with 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro before serving with basmati rice or naan bread.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow Cooker Maharaj Indian Grill Butter Chicken Curry take to make?

Total time is about 380 minutes (20 min prep + 360 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Slow Cooker Maharaj Indian Grill Butter Chicken Curry?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep unsalted butter from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow Cooker Maharaj Indian Grill Butter Chicken Curry?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Slow Cooker Maharaj Indian Grill Butter Chicken Curry for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Slow Cooker Maharaj Indian Grill Butter Chicken Curry?

Indian curry like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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