There’s nothing quite like coming home to the incredible aroma of a slow-cooked meal, and this creamy chicken dish is the absolute pinnacle of comfort. The magic happens as the chicken thighs become melt-in-your-mouth tender, soaking up a delicate, full-bodied spice blend that is rich without being overwhelming. The final swirl of heavy cream creates a luxurious sauce that’s simply divine. We love serving these saucy chicken bites over a bed of simple cauliflower rice, which perfectly soaks up every last delicious drop.
Ingredients
• 3 tablespoons / 45 ml olive oil, divided
• 2½ pounds / 1.1 kg boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1½-inch cubes
• ½ cup / 120 g plain full-fat yogurt
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons garam masala
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 (14.5-ounce) / 411 g can petite diced tomatoes, drained
• ¾ cup / 180 ml heavy whipping cream
• Minced fresh cilantro, for garnish
Instructions
1. Prep the Slow Cooker: Rub the sides and bottom of a medium slow cooker with 1 tablespoon of the olive oil. Place the chicken and yogurt inside and stir well to coat the chicken completely.
2. Sauté Aromatics: Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook until tender, stirring frequently, for 3 to 5 minutes. Add the garlic, ginger, turmeric, cumin, garam masala, paprika, and cayenne. Cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
3. Combine and Cook: Pour the onion and spice mixture into the slow cooker. Add the drained tomatoes and stir everything together well. Cover and cook on Low for 4 to 6 hours, or until the chicken is tender.
4. Finish the Sauce: Stir in the heavy cream. Cover and cook on High for 10 more minutes to heat through. Sprinkle generously with fresh cilantro just before serving. Serve warm.
Nutritional Information
• PER SERVING: 409 CALORIES ★ FAT 26 G (57%) ★ NET CARBS 6 G (6%) ★ PROTEIN 38 G (37%)
Pro Tips
• For a richer flavor, brown the chicken cubes in the hot skillet before adding them to the slow cooker. This extra step helps develop a deeper, more savory base.
• To make this dairy-free, substitute the plain yogurt with a dairy-free yogurt and swap the heavy cream for full-fat canned coconut milk.
• The flavors in this dish meld and deepen overnight, making it a fantastic option for meal prep. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Adjust the spice level to your preference. For a milder sauce, omit the cayenne pepper. For a spicier kick, increase the cayenne to ½ teaspoon.
FAQ
Q: Can I make this creamy chicken dairy-free
A: Yes, this recipe can easily be made dairy-free. Substitute the plain yogurt with a dairy-free yogurt alternative and swap the heavy cream for full-fat canned coconut milk to achieve a similar creamy consistency.
Q: What should I serve with this slow cooker chicken
A: This dish is excellent served over a bed of cauliflower rice, which perfectly soaks up the luxurious sauce. Other great options include steamed vegetables, zucchini noodles, or a simple side salad.
Q: Is this creamy chicken recipe good for meal prep
A: Absolutely. The flavors in this dish meld and become even richer overnight, making it a fantastic choice for meal prep. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Q: How can I adjust the spice level of this dish
A: You can easily customize the heat to your preference. For a milder sauce, omit the cayenne pepper entirely. For a spicier kick, increase the amount of cayenne pepper to ½ teaspoon or more.
