If you have ever dreamed of capturing the rich, velvety flavors of Indian comfort food without standing over a hot stove for hours, this Slow Cooker Butter Chicken Recipe is exactly what you need. Tender chunks of chicken thighs slowly simmered with a fragrant blend of spices, tangy tomatoes, and a luscious, creamy sauce create a dish that’s both deeply satisfying and incredibly easy to prepare. Whether you’re cooking for family or hosting friends, this butter chicken elevates your dinner table with its comforting, indulgent flavors made effortlessly in the slow cooker.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Slow Cooker Butter Chicken Recipe is carefully chosen to build layers of flavor, texture, and color. These essentials are simple yet powerful, coming together to create the signature creamy and aromatic profile that makes this dish so unforgettable.
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs: Their richness and tenderness hold up beautifully during slow cooking, giving you juicy bites every time.
- 1 onion (finely chopped): Adds a natural sweetness and depth as it cooks down.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Provides that fundamental aromatic base essential to Indian cuisine.
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger (grated): Brings warmth and a slight zing to balance the creaminess.
- 1 tablespoon garam masala: A fragrant spice mix that forms the heart of the butter chicken’s flavor.
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric: Gives a gorgeous golden hue along with subtle earthiness.
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin: Adds a smoky, nutty richness to deepen the spices.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Introduces a mild sweetness and vibrant red color.
- ½ teaspoon chili powder: Just enough heat to keep things interesting without overpowering.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Balances the spices and enhances overall flavor.
- 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste: Concentrates the tomato taste and thickens the sauce beautifully.
- 1 (14 oz) can crushed tomatoes: Brings fresh acidity and body to the dish.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Adds the luxurious, silky texture butter chicken is famous for.
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt: Offers a tangy richness and helps mellow the spices.
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (cubed): Infuses richness and rounds out the flavors perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: A bright splash that lifts and balances the creamy sauce.
- Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional): Adds a fresh, herbaceous note and vibrant color when serving.
How to Make Slow Cooker Butter Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker
Start by placing the chicken chunks, chopped onion, minced garlic, grated ginger, and all the spices—garam masala, turmeric, cumin, paprika, chili powder, and salt—directly into your slow cooker. Add the tomato paste and crushed tomatoes on top, then give everything a good stir to coat each piece of chicken with the vibrant spices and rich tomato base. This is where the magic begins as the slow cooker starts infusing the flavors together low and slow.
Step 2: Slow Cook Until Tender
Cover the slow cooker and cook the mixture on low for 6 to 7 hours, or if you’re short on time, set it on high for 3 to 4 hours. The long, gentle cooking breaks down the chicken into tender perfection while allowing the spices to develop a deep, luscious flavor. By the end, your kitchen will be filled with the irresistible aroma of familiar Indian spices in a creamy tomato sauce.
Step 3: Add Creamy Elements
About 30 minutes before you’re ready to eat, stir in the heavy cream, Greek yogurt, butter cubes, and lemon juice. These ingredients soften the acidity from the tomatoes and gift the sauce with its iconic rich, velvety texture. Cover the slow cooker again and let it cook on low until everything is warmed through and gorgeously combined.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Butter Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Finishing touches can make all the difference when you serve your Slow Cooker Butter Chicken Recipe. Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro on top to add a bright, herbal punch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy sauce. If you love extra richness, a small dollop of plain yogurt or a few more butter cubes melted over the dish right before serving will take it over the top.
Side Dishes
This butter chicken shines when paired with light, complementary sides. Steamed basmati rice is the classic choice, soaking up the flavorful sauce perfectly. Warm naan bread is another warm and inviting companion that lets you scoop up every bit of the creamy curry. For a lighter meal, consider serving it with a side of roasted vegetables or a simple cucumber salad to add crunch and freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to elevate the presentation and impress guests, serve the Slow Cooker Butter Chicken Recipe in individual shallow bowls drizzled with a swirl of cream or yogurt. Garnish with a wedge of lemon on the side for added color and that final touch of freshness. Alternatively, layer it over a bed of fluffy cauliflower rice for a low-carb twist or stuff into warm pita pockets for a delicious Indian-inspired sandwich.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This butter chicken is just as wonderful the next day as the first, making it a stellar candidate for leftovers. Store any uneaten portions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to meld beautifully overnight, making it an excellent make-ahead meal for busy weeknights.
Freezing
If you want to save some for longer, this Slow Cooker Butter Chicken Recipe freezes exceptionally well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, preserving all the creamy goodness and bold flavors.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the butter chicken slowly on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to ensure it heats evenly. Add a splash of cream or water if the sauce has thickened too much in storage. This method helps maintain that fresh-from-the-crock softness and richness we all adore.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! While chicken thighs give you juicier, more flavorful results due to their higher fat content, chicken breasts can be used for a leaner option. Just keep in mind they may dry out more easily if overcooked, so watch your slow cooker times accordingly.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this Slow Cooker Butter Chicken Recipe is naturally gluten-free as none of the ingredients contain gluten. Just be sure any sides or naan you serve alongside are also gluten-free if you are cooking for those with gluten sensitivities.
Can I make a lighter version of this butter chicken?
Of course! For a lighter take, consider substituting coconut milk for heavy cream and using light Greek yogurt. This swaps out some of the saturated fat without sacrificing the creamy texture and delicious flavor.
How spicy is this butter chicken?
This version is mildly spiced with just a touch of chili powder to add warmth without overpowering. If you love heat, feel free to increase the chili or add fresh green chilies when preparing. If you prefer milder flavors, reduce or omit the chili powder altogether.
Can I prepare it in advance and reheat later?
Definitely! In fact, the flavors often improve after resting as the spices continue to meld. Prepare the Slow Cooker Butter Chicken Recipe ahead of time, store it in the fridge, and gently reheat before serving. It’s a great make-ahead meal that tastes like you cooked it fresh.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Slow Cooker Butter Chicken Recipe enough for anyone who loves bold, creamy Indian flavors without the fuss. It’s comforting, approachable, and perfect for those days when you want a delicious homemade meal that practically cooks itself. Once you try it, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation—so go on, treat yourself and your loved ones to a bowl of this amazing butter chicken soon!
Print
Slow Cooker Butter Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Indian-Inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Slow Cooker Butter Chicken recipe offers a rich and creamy Indian-inspired dish made effortlessly in a slow cooker. Tender chicken thighs are simmered in a blend of aromatic spices, tomato paste, and crushed tomatoes, then enriched with heavy cream, Greek yogurt, and butter for a velvety sauce. Perfect for a comforting weeknight meal, it pairs wonderfully with rice or naan.
Ingredients
Chicken and Spices
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (cut into large chunks)
- 1 onion (finely chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger (grated)
- 1 tablespoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
Tomato Base
- 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
- 1 (14 oz) can crushed tomatoes
Dairy and Finishing Touches
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (cubed)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Place the chicken chunks, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, grated fresh ginger, garam masala, turmeric, cumin, paprika, chili powder, salt, tomato paste, and crushed tomatoes into the slow cooker. Stir thoroughly to ensure the chicken is evenly coated with the spices and tomato base.
- Slow Cook the Chicken: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. This slow cooking process allows the chicken to become tender and fully infused with the rich flavors of the spices and tomatoes.
- Add Creamy Ingredients: About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the heavy cream, plain Greek yogurt, cubed unsalted butter, and lemon juice. These ingredients will enrich the sauce and bring a smooth, creamy texture to the dish.
- Finish Cooking and Heat Through: Cover the slow cooker again and continue cooking on low for the remaining 30 minutes. This ensures that the dairy blends well with the sauce, warming through and creating a luscious consistency.
- Serve and Garnish: Once done, garnish with freshly chopped cilantro if desired. Serve the butter chicken hot alongside rice or naan bread for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- For a lighter alternative, substitute coconut milk for the heavy cream and use light yogurt instead of Greek yogurt.
- Chicken breasts can be used as a substitute for thighs, but thighs provide a more tender and flavorful result.
- Leftovers freeze well and can be stored for up to 3 months, making this dish great for meal prep.
