06/05/2026
While many people are starting their day with sugary cereal, muffins, or bagels, I’m enjoying leftover slow-cooker Indian Butter Chicken over rice. A much better way to fuel the day ahead.
One of my favorite things about making meals in the crock pot is that they require very little hands-on effort, and the leftovers make for an incredibly easy breakfast—just a quick warm-up on the stovetop and it’s ready to go.
This meal provides plenty of protein for steady energy, is filling enough to keep me satisfied for hours, and helps me start the day nourished instead of reaching for snacks a couple of hours later.
Before eating, I like to start with a digestive bitter, such as arugula, to help prepare my digestive system for the meal ahead. Supporting digestion is just as important as choosing quality foods.
If you’d like to try the recipe, here ya go!
Healthy Slow Cooker Butter Chicken
Serves: 6
Ingredients:
2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into chunks
1 medium onion, finely diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
1 cup full-fat coconut milk (or plain Greek yogurt added at the end)
2 tablespoons butter or ghee
1 tablespoon garam masala
1 teaspoon turmeric
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon cumin
½ teaspoon coriander
½ teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon sea salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
Optional: ¼–½ teaspoon cayenne for heat
Place the chicken, onion, garlic, and ginger in the slow cooker.
In a bowl, mix together:
Tomato sauce, Tomato paste, spices, salt and pepper. Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken and stir. Add the butter or ghee on top.
Cook:
Low: 6–7 hours
Or high: 3–4 hours
During the last 30 minutes, stir in the coconut milk.
If using Greek yogurt instead, allow the chicken to cool slightly and stir it in after cooking to prevent curdling.
Taste and adjust seasonings.
Goes great with basmati rice, cauliflower rice, or steamed vegetables, cilantro and a squeeze of lime.
The flavors are even better the next day, making this an excellent meal-prep recipe. 🍛✨
