Get ready to fall in love with a dish that’s both weeknight-friendly and dinner-party impressive: Slow Cooker Butter Chicken. Imagine bite-sized pieces of tender chicken, slow-simmered in a creamy tomato sauce and deeply spiced with aromatic Indian seasonings. Every spoonful delivers soft, juicy chicken enveloped in a velvety sauce that begs to be soaked up with rice or naan. Whether it’s your introduction to Indian-style curries or already a staple at your table, this Slow Cooker Butter Chicken recipe brings comfort and restaurant-quality flair right to your kitchen—effortlessly.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the wonderful things about Slow Cooker Butter Chicken is how it turns a handful of humble ingredients into something truly special. Each item plays a unique role, building layers of flavor, texture, and color that make this classic so irresistible.
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs: These stay juicy and tender throughout hours of slow cooking, soaking up all those fragrant spices.
- Olive oil: A quick sauté in olive oil helps the onions, garlic, and ginger bloom, unlocking their flavors for the sauce.
- Onion (finely chopped): Adds sweetness and body to the sauce, forming the base of your flavor profile.
- Garlic cloves (minced): Essential for that savory depth you expect in any great curry.
- Fresh ginger (grated): Brings a warm, zesty brightness that cuts through the richness of the sauce.
- Garam masala: This warming Indian spice blend is the signature flavor of butter chicken—don’t skip it!
- Ground cumin: Adds earthiness and a subtle nuttiness that complements the tomato and cream.
- Smoked paprika: Lends gentle warmth and a tip-of-the-tongue smokiness.
- Turmeric: Not just for that beautiful golden hue, turmeric gives a mild peppery note, too.
- Cayenne pepper (optional): For a chili kick that you can dial up or down—totally up to your spice preferences.
- Salt: Draws all the flavors together and balances out the acidity and richness.
- Tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes: Opt for a good-quality canned variety for the freshest, brightest sauce!
- Heavy cream: This is the secret to that luscious, silky-smooth texture.
- Plain Greek yogurt: Adds a subtle tang and helps achieve the classic butter chicken creaminess.
- Unsalted butter: The final flourish that makes the sauce “buttery” and luxurious.
- Chopped cilantro (for garnish): Provides a fresh, herbal lift right before serving.
- Cooked basmati rice or naan (for serving): These are the beloved sides that turn Slow Cooker Butter Chicken into a meal.
How to Make Slow Cooker Butter Chicken
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. You’ll want to toss in the finely chopped onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger and let them soften, stirring occasionally. This step only takes a few minutes but is absolutely worth it—it’s where deep, mellow flavor begins to build, setting the foundation for your Slow Cooker Butter Chicken sauce.
Step 2: Toast the Spices
Once the aromatics are looking translucent and your kitchen smells incredible, sprinkle in the garam masala, cumin, smoked paprika, turmeric, cayenne (if you like a kick), and salt. Let these spices cook for just about one minute. A quick toast helps release their essential oils, intensifying their flavors in the final dish.
Step 3: Transfer to the Slow Cooker
Scoop your fragrant onion and spice mixture straight into the slow cooker. Add the chicken pieces and pour in the tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes. Stir everything together really well, making sure each piece of chicken is coated in that gorgeous red sauce. This step ensures every bite is infused with the full spectrum of spice.
Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection
Place the lid on your slow cooker and let it work its magic. Cook on low for 5–6 hours, or on high for 2.5–3 hours, until the chicken is fall-apart tender and the house smells like heaven. This gentle cooking develops flavor and turns the chicken into something silky and utterly mouthwatering.
Step 5: Make It Creamy and Buttery
About 20 minutes before you plan to eat, stir in the heavy cream, Greek yogurt, and unsalted butter. Turn the slow cooker to high if it’s not already, and let everything meld into a rich, dreamy sauce. Don’t skip this final simmer—it’s where the magic happens for your Slow Cooker Butter Chicken.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Spoon your Slow Cooker Butter Chicken over steaming basmati rice or alongside fluffy naan. Finish with a sprinkle of chopped cilantro for a fresh, vibrant touch. Every bite combines sauce-soaked chicken, creamy tomato, and aromatic spice for a truly comforting meal.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Butter Chicken
Garnishes
A flourish of freshly chopped cilantro is the classic touch, but you can also add a dollop of yogurt or a drizzle of cream for a little extra creaminess (and dramatic swirls on the plate). A squeeze of lime brightens everything, especially if your curry runs rich.
Side Dishes
Pile your Slow Cooker Butter Chicken high atop basmati rice or warm, pillowy naan. Cucumber raita, a crunchy kachumber salad, or roasted veggies are excellent sides that balance the richness. If you want a real feast, add sautéed spinach or some lightly pickled red onions for a pop of color and flavor.
Creative Ways to Present
Set up a DIY butter chicken bowl bar—let everyone scoop rice, top with the chicken, sprinkle with herbs, and finish with crispy chickpeas. Or, ladle the saucy chicken over cauliflower rice for a lighter twist, or even serve as a party dip with toasted pita chips for a surprise appetizer. Slow Cooker Butter Chicken is endlessly versatile!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To save leftovers, let your Slow Cooker Butter Chicken cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Stored in the fridge, it tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld, and it’ll last up to 4 days.
Freezing
Butter chicken freezes like a dream! Portion into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little room for expansion. It’ll keep for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture and taste.
Reheating
For gentle and creamy results, reheat your Slow Cooker Butter Chicken slowly on the stove over low heat, stirring now and then until warmed through. A splash of water or cream can help revive the sauce if it’s thickened a bit. Microwave works in a pinch, but stir halfway to avoid hot spots!
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts work well, though they can be a little leaner and might not be quite as juicy as thighs. Keep an eye on the cook time to make sure they don’t dry out, especially if using high heat.
Is Slow Cooker Butter Chicken spicy?
It has gentle warmth, but nothing overwhelming. The cayenne pepper is optional, so you can easily dial down the heat for a milder version or add a little extra if you love some spice.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Swap the cream and yogurt for full-fat coconut milk, and use a quality vegan butter or a little extra olive oil. The result is still lusciously creamy with a hint of coconut in the background.
What if I don’t have garam masala?
You can mix your own by combining ground cumin, coriander, cardamom, cinnamon, pepper, and cloves. If you enjoy Indian food, garam masala is worth seeking out—it’s a game-changer for Slow Cooker Butter Chicken!
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Yes, it doubles beautifully. Just be sure not to overfill your slow cooker (no more than three-quarters full) and extend the cook time if needed. Leftovers are always a bonus!
Final Thoughts
There’s a certain magic in coming home to the heady aroma of Slow Cooker Butter Chicken waiting for you. It’s cozy, crowd-pleasing, and wonderfully simple—so why not bring this favorite into your own kitchen this week? Whether for a family dinner or an impressive feast with friends, you’ll be hooked on the rich, comforting flavors. Enjoy every saucy bite!
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Slow Cooker Butter Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 5 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Slow Cooker Butter Chicken recipe is a delicious and creamy Indian-inspired dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. Tender chicken thighs are cooked in a flavorful tomato-based sauce with aromatic spices, then finished with cream and yogurt for a rich and satisfying meal. Serve over rice or with naan for a complete and comforting dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)
Spices:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion (finely chopped)
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 tablespoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Sauce:
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Garnish and Serving:
- Chopped cilantro (for garnish)
- Cooked basmati rice or naan (for serving)
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a skillet and sauté onion, garlic, and ginger until fragrant.
- Add Spices: Stir in garam masala, cumin, paprika, turmeric, cayenne, and salt; cook briefly.
- Transfer to Slow Cooker: Place the mixture in the slow cooker and add chicken and tomato sauce; cook until tender.
- Finish with Cream and Butter: Stir in cream, yogurt, and butter; cook until creamy.
- Serve: Serve hot over rice or naan, garnished with cilantro.
Notes
- For a dairy-free version, use full-fat coconut milk instead of cream and yogurt, and olive oil instead of butter.
- Adjust spice level by adding more or less cayenne to suit your taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
