Slow Cooker Punjabi Butter Chicken Curry
Tender chicken simmered in a rich, buttery tomato-based curry with warm Punjabi spices, slow-cooked for deep flavor. This indian-inspired chicken ready in about 375 minutes pairs pounds boneless chicken thighs, tablespoons unsalted butter, medium, finely chopped onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 4, 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.
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds boneless chicken thighs
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 medium, finely chopped onion
- 4, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tablespoon, grated fresh ginger
- 1 cup tomato puree
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup, chopped for garnish fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tablespoons unsalted butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add 1 medium finely chopped onion and sauté for 5-6 minutes until translucent and fragrant. Stir in 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger, cooking for 1 minute until aromatic.
- Step 2: Add 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon ground coriander, 1 teaspoon garam masala, 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder, 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder, and 1 teaspoon salt to the skillet. Cook the spices with the onion mixture for 1 minute until they release their aroma.
- Step 3: Pour in 1 cup tomato puree and stir well. Simmer the sauce for 5 minutes until it thickens slightly and the oil begins to separate from the tomato base.
- Step 4: Transfer the sauce mixture to a slow cooker. Add 1.5 pounds boneless chicken thighs cut into chunks, 1/2 cup water, and the remaining 2 tablespoons unsalted butter. Stir gently to coat the chicken.
- Step 5: Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
- Step 6: Thirty minutes before serving, stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream, cover, and continue cooking to warm through.
- Step 7: Garnish with 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro before serving. Serve with basmati rice or naan for a complete meal.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Slow Cooker Punjabi Butter Chicken Curry take to make?
Total time is about 375 minutes (15 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 Punjabi 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 tablespoons unsalted butter from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Slow Cooker Punjabi 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 Punjabi Butter Chicken Curry for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Punjabi Butter Chicken Curry?
Indian chicken 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.
