If you’ve ever wished for restaurant-quality Indian food without the fuss, this slow cooker butter chicken recipe is about to become your new favorite. It’s rich, creamy, and unbelievably simple — perfect for weeknights or cozy weekends. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, simmering tender chicken in a luscious sauce infused with garam masala, ginger, and creamy coconut milk. By the time dinner rolls around, your kitchen smells divine, and the only thing left is to scoop this flavorful butter chicken slow cooker masterpiece over fluffy basmati rice or dip in warm naan. Let’s dive into this flavorful comfort dish.
The Story Behind Slow Cooker Butter Chicken
A Family Comfort with an Indian Twist
The first time I tried slow cooker butter chicken, it wasn’t at a fancy Indian restaurant but in my own kitchen on a chilly Sunday. I craved something comforting but effortless — something that filled the house with irresistible aromas. As the sauce slowly bubbled, the scent of spices—garam masala, cumin, and paprika—wrapped around me like a warm blanket. By dinner time, the tender chicken practically melted in the creamy tomato sauce. I knew instantly this was the kind of meal that wins hearts.
Print
Slow Cooker Butter Chicken
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Rich, creamy, and full of flavor, this Slow Cooker Butter Chicken is an easy Indian-inspired dinner everyone will love.
Ingredients
2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into pieces
1 large onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
1 can tomato sauce (15 oz)
1 can coconut milk (14 oz)
½ cup plain Greek yogurt
¼ cup heavy cream
¼ cup unsalted butter
3 tbsp garam masala
1 tbsp curry powder
1 tbsp ground cumin
1 tbsp paprika
1 tsp turmeric
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp cinnamon
¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
Fresh cilantro for garnish
Cooked basmati rice
Naan bread
Instructions
1. Add onion, garlic, and ginger to the slow cooker.
2. Pour in tomato sauce, coconut milk, yogurt, and cream. Stir in all spices.
3. Add chicken pieces and stir to coat evenly.
4. Cover and cook on low 6–8 hours or high 3–4 hours.
5. Stir in butter 15 minutes before serving.
6. Serve with rice, garnish with cilantro, and enjoy!
Notes
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for 3 months.
Add extra cream when reheating to restore creaminess.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 411
- Fat: 26g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Protein: 32g
Why the Slow Cooker Method Wins Every Time
Traditional Indian butter chicken crock-pot recipes require simmering sauce for hours on the stovetop. But with a slow cooker, all that rich flavor develops while you go about your day. The low, steady heat gently coaxes the spices into the sauce, creating layers of flavor you can’t rush. Plus, cleanup is minimal, making it ideal for busy cooks who still crave homemade comfort. Every spoonful tastes like it took all day, yet your hands were free. That’s the magic of slow cooking — deep flavor, zero stress.
What Makes This Butter Chicken So Irresistible
A Creamy, Dreamy Texture You’ll Crave
One of the secrets behind this creamy butter chicken is the combination of Greek yogurt, coconut milk, and a touch of heavy cream. These create a sauce that’s luxuriously smooth without feeling heavy. The yogurt tenderizes the chicken, the coconut milk adds subtle sweetness, and the butter brings everything together with silky perfection. The sauce clings lovingly to each piece of chicken — pure comfort in every bite.
Spices That Tell a Story
Indian cuisine celebrates spice, not heat. The spice blend here — garam masala, cumin, paprika, turmeric, and cinnamon — transforms the sauce into something deeply aromatic. Add just a hint of cayenne pepper for gentle warmth. Every spice plays its part, creating a sauce that’s rich, fragrant, and balanced. This harmony is what makes butter chicken slow cooker recipes so timeless — it’s all about coaxing flavor rather than overpowering it.
How to Make Slow Cooker Butter Chicken Step-by-Step
Step 1: Prepare and Layer the Base
Start by chopping one large onion and mincing garlic and fresh ginger. Add them to your slow cooker — this is the aromatic foundation. Pour in the tomato sauce, coconut milk, Greek yogurt, and cream. Then stir in the spices: garam masala, curry powder, cumin, paprika, turmeric, chili powder, salt, pepper, cinnamon, and cayenne. This fragrant mixture becomes the sauce that gently bathes the chicken.
Step 2: Add the Chicken and Cook to Perfection
Cut the boneless, skinless chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces and add them to the slow cooker. Stir well so the sauce coats each piece. Cover with the lid and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours until the chicken turns tender and the sauce thickens. Fifteen minutes before serving, stir in small cubes of butter to enrich the sauce and bring everything together in a glossy finish. The result: tender, juicy chicken in the most flavorful sauce imaginable.
Serving and Enjoying Your Butter Chicken
The Perfect Pairings
There’s no wrong way to enjoy slow cooker butter chicken, but a few sides make it even more delightful. Serve it over fluffy basmati rice that soaks up all that creamy sauce. Or scoop it up with warm, soft naan — the buttery edges and crisp bubbles are perfect for wiping the plate clean. If you’re feeling extra cozy, a side of cucumber raita or pickled onions adds a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors.
How to Store and Reheat
Leftovers are pure gold. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days or freeze for up to three months. When reheating, do it gently on the stove or microwave to keep the sauce creamy. Add a splash of cream or coconut milk if it thickens too much. The flavor deepens overnight, making it even better the next day — just another reason to double the batch!
Tips for Making the Best Slow Cooker Butter Chicken
Choose the Right Chicken
Thighs are best for this dish because they stay tender and juicy during the long slow cooking process. Breasts can be used but may dry out more easily. Cut the chicken evenly so it cooks uniformly.
Balance the Sauce
Don’t skip the finishing butter — it’s what gives Indian butter chicken crock-pot recipes their signature velvety texture. If you like it spicier, increase cayenne. For a lighter sauce, swap heavy cream with half-and-half. Taste as you go — the sauce should feel balanced between creamy, spicy, and slightly sweet.
Make It a Meal
Round out the meal with warm naan, a quick cucumber salad, and a sweet mango lassi. These simple touches make your creamy butter chicken dinner feel like an Indian feast, yet everything stays approachable. That’s the beauty of slow cooking — it’s indulgent food without the overwhelm.
FAQs About Slow Cooker Butter Chicken
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, but be cautious not to overcook them. Breasts cook faster and can become dry. Reduce cook time by about 30–45 minutes.
Is coconut milk necessary?
It adds richness and a mild sweetness. You can substitute with heavy cream or full-fat evaporated milk, but the flavor will differ slightly.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Absolutely. Swap yogurt and cream for coconut yogurt and extra coconut milk. The result remains creamy and flavorful.
Can I freeze slow cooker butter chicken?
Yes. Cool completely, then freeze in portions. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of cream to restore the sauce’s smoothness.
What’s the best way to thicken the sauce?
Leave the lid off for the last 30 minutes to let excess moisture evaporate, or stir in a spoonful of Greek yogurt or cream at the end.
Conclusion
This slow cooker butter chicken is comfort food at its best — aromatic, creamy, and effortless. Whether it’s a family dinner or meal prep for the week, it delivers restaurant-level flavor with minimal effort. Every bite brings the warmth of Indian spices and the satisfaction of homemade love. So go ahead — set it, forget it, and enjoy your most flavorful dinner yet.
Discover more delicious recipes by following me on Facebook and Pinterest.