This Slow Cooker Butter Chicken is a rich, creamy, and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken simmered in a spiced tomato-based sauce. With minimal prep and slow cooking magic, this meal delivers authentic Indian flavors with ease. Serve it over rice or with naan for a comforting and delicious meal!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy & Hands-Off – The slow cooker does all the work!
- Rich & Creamy – A luscious, velvety butter chicken sauce.
- Full of Flavor – Bold Indian spices with a perfect balance of heat and creaminess.
- Great for Meal Prep – Tastes even better the next day!
- Customizable – Adjust spice levels, make it dairy-free, or add veggies.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Butter Chicken:
- 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into chunks
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1 can (14 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tsp garam masala
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp coriander
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp turmeric
- ½ tsp chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ cup butter (unsalted)
- ½ cup heavy cream (or coconut milk for dairy-free)
- ½ cup plain yogurt (optional, for extra creaminess)
For Serving:
- Cooked basmati rice
- Naan bread
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Extra cream or yogurt, for garnish
Directions
1. Prepare the Chicken & Spices
- Place chicken chunks in the slow cooker.
- Add onion, garlic, ginger, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, garam masala, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, chili powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Stir everything to coat the chicken evenly in the sauce.
2. Slow Cook the Butter Chicken
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours, until chicken is tender.
3. Add Butter & Cream
- Stir in butter and heavy cream (or coconut milk).
- Let cook for another 10-15 minutes on LOW.
4. Serve & Enjoy
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and a drizzle of extra cream.
- Serve over basmati rice or with warm naan.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4-6
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-7 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
- Total Time: ~7 hours
Variations
- Spicy Version – Add extra chili powder or cayenne.
- Dairy-Free Option – Use coconut milk instead of cream and vegan butter.
- Extra Veggies – Add peas, bell peppers, or spinach.
- Low-Carb Option – Serve with cauliflower rice instead of basmati.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream if needed.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Thighs stay extra juicy and flavorful.
How do I make this milder?
Reduce chili powder and paprika, or add extra cream.
Can I make this on the stovetop?
Yes! Simmer everything on low for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Can I use store-bought butter chicken sauce?
Yes, but homemade tastes much better!
What’s the best side dish for butter chicken?
Rice, naan, or roasted vegetables pair perfectly.
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream?
Yes! It adds creaminess with a tangy twist.
Do I need to brown the chicken first?
No, but you can sear it for extra depth of flavor.
How do I make it richer?
Add an extra 1 tbsp butter and ¼ cup cream.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes! Just use a larger slow cooker.
What’s the best way to thicken the sauce?
Simmer uncovered for 10 minutes or add a cornstarch slurry.
Conclusion
This Slow Cooker Butter Chicken is rich, creamy, and packed with flavor—all with minimal effort! Perfect for a cozy dinner, meal prep, or a family feast, this easy slow cooker meal will quickly become a favorite. Try it today and enjoy a homemade version of this Indian classic!
Print
Slow Cooker Butter Chicken
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-6 hours
- Total Time: 4-6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 people 1x
- Category: Main Course, Slow Cooker
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Indian
Description
This rich and creamy Butter Chicken is slow-cooked to perfection with tender chicken, warm Indian spices, and a velvety tomato-based sauce. A set-it-and-forget-it meal, perfect for busy weeknights, served over rice or with warm naan!
Ingredients
For the Butter Chicken:
- 1 1/2 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into chunks
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1 can (14 oz) tomato sauce (or pureed tomatoes)
- 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut milk for dairy-free option)
- 3 tbsp butter (or ghee)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Spices:
- 1 tbsp garam masala
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp turmeric
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp chili powder (optional, for heat)
- 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
For Serving:
- Cooked basmati rice or naan bread
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Extra butter or ghee for drizzling (optional)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Slow Cooker
- Place chicken, onion, garlic, and ginger in the slow cooker.
- Add tomato sauce, tomato paste, lemon juice, and all spices. Stir to coat the chicken evenly.
2. Slow Cook the Chicken
- LOW: Cook for 6 hours
- HIGH: Cook for 4 hours
3. Add the Cream & Butter
- Stir in heavy cream (or coconut milk) and butter during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Let it simmer until the sauce thickens and becomes rich and creamy.
4. Serve & Enjoy
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve over rice or naan.
- Drizzle with extra melted butter or ghee for extra richness!
Notes
- Make it dairy-free: Use coconut milk instead of cream and ghee or coconut oil instead of butter.
- For extra richness, stir in ¼ cup Greek yogurt before serving.
- Meal prep tip: Keeps well in the fridge for 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months!