If you’ve ever craved a rich, flavorful curry that tastes like it simmered all day but took barely any effort, slow cooker butter chicken is your dream come true. It’s one of those dishes that fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma and makes you feel like you’ve mastered Indian takeout at home. The first time I made it, I was amazed by how tender the chicken became and how silky the sauce turned out—all without standing over the stove for hours. With the slow cooker doing most of the work, you can enjoy restaurant-level flavor while focusing on your day.
What Is Butter Chicken? Background & Flavor Profile
Butter chicken, known as “murgh makhani” in India, is a beloved North Indian curry made with tender chicken simmered in a buttery tomato-cream sauce. Traditionally, it’s cooked on the stovetop, but adapting it into a slow cooker version makes it even more accessible for busy American kitchens.
The sauce is the soul of the dish—creamy, tangy, and infused with spices like garam masala, cumin, turmeric, and a touch of chili powder. When cooked low and slow, these flavors deepen beautifully, coating every piece of chicken in a rich, velvety sauce that pairs perfectly with basmati rice or warm naan bread.
You might notice how the slow cooker takes away the fuss but keeps all the depth. It’s a comforting cross between Indian tradition and American convenience—a flavorful meeting point you’ll return to again and again.
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Slow Cooker Butter Chicken
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Halal
Description
This slow cooker butter chicken is a creamy, flavorful comfort dish made with tender chicken simmered in a rich tomato-butter sauce, perfect for easy weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts (cut into chunks)
3 tbsp unsalted butter
1 cup tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
1 medium onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
1½ tsp garam masala
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp turmeric
½ tsp chili powder
1 tsp salt
1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
2 tbsp plain Greek yogurt or sour cream (optional)
¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Melt butter in a skillet and sauté onion, garlic, and ginger until golden, then stir in spices.
2. Transfer mixture to the slow cooker and add chicken and tomato sauce; stir to coat evenly.
3. Cook on low for 4–6 hours or on high for 2–3 hours until chicken is tender.
4. Stir in cream and optional yogurt; cook uncovered for 15–20 minutes to thicken.
5. Garnish with cilantro and serve over basmati rice or with naan.
Notes
For a deeper flavor, sauté the aromatics before adding them to the slow cooker.
The sauce thickens as it cools, and leftovers taste even better the next day.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Indian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 5
- Sodium: 720
- Fat: 27
- Saturated Fat: 14
- Unsaturated Fat: 11
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 10
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 32
- Cholesterol: 115
Why Use a Slow Cooker? Advantages & Kitchen Tips
If you’ve ever thought you didn’t have time for homemade curries, the slow cooker butter chicken will change your mind. The low heat lets the chicken absorb the spices and stay juicy, while the sauce develops a slow, simmered complexity that’s hard to match.
Set-It-and-Forget-It Ease
All you do is combine your ingredients, set the temperature, and let the magic happen. Whether you’re at work or running errands, dinner is cooking itself in the background.
Pro Tip: Boost the Flavor
For an extra flavor punch, sauté your onions, garlic, and spices in butter before adding them to the slow cooker. It adds a roasted depth to the sauce that’s hard to replicate otherwise. You’ll notice a richer color and a more aromatic finish.
Perfect Timing
Cook on low for 4–6 hours or on high for 2–3 hours. When it’s done, the chicken should be tender enough to shred with a fork, and the sauce should have thickened into a silky, golden blanket.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make your kitchen smell like your favorite Indian restaurant:
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2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts (cut into chunks)
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3 tbsp butter (unsalted preferred)
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1 cup tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
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1 medium onion, finely chopped
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
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1½ tsp garam masala
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1 tsp ground cumin
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1 tsp turmeric
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½ tsp chili powder (adjust to taste)
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1 tsp salt
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1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
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2 tbsp plain Greek yogurt or sour cream (optional for extra richness)
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¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Everything in this list can be found at most grocery stores, making it perfect for weeknight cooking. The combination of cream, tomato, and butter creates that signature sauce—smooth, balanced, and slightly tangy.
Step-by-Step Preparation & Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Prep and Sauté (Optional but Recommended)
If you have 5 extra minutes, melt a little butter in a skillet, add your chopped onions, garlic, and ginger, and cook until golden. Sprinkle in your spices to bloom them—this quick step deepens the flavor dramatically.
Step 2: Add Everything to the Slow Cooker
Place the chicken, tomato sauce, sautéed mixture (if used), and butter into your slow cooker. Give it a quick stir to coat everything evenly.
Step 3: Cook Low and Slow
Set your slow cooker to low for 4–6 hours or high for about 2–3 hours. When the chicken is fully cooked and tender, stir in the cream and optional yogurt. Let it simmer another 15–20 minutes with the lid off to thicken the sauce.
Step 4: Serve Warm
Spoon your slow cooker butter chicken over basmati rice or scoop it up with naan bread. Sprinkle cilantro on top, and you’re ready for a comforting, flavor-packed dinner that feels like a treat.
Serving Suggestions & Side Pairings
This dish loves good company. Try serving it with:
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Steamed basmati rice or jasmine rice for a fluffy base
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Warm garlic naan or roti to soak up every drop of sauce
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A side of cucumber yogurt raita to balance the richness
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Roasted vegetables or a simple green salad if you want something lighter
If you’re short on time, microwave rice packets or store-bought naan work great. You can even turn leftovers into wraps or rice bowls for quick lunches.
Dietary Variations & Substitutions
Whether you follow a specific diet or are cooking for guests with different needs, this recipe adapts beautifully:
Vegan or Dairy-Free
Swap the butter for vegan butter or coconut oil and use coconut milk instead of cream. Replace the chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas for a satisfying plant-based twist.
Gluten-Free
This dish is naturally gluten-free—just double-check your spice blends to ensure they contain no hidden additives. Serve it with rice or gluten-free naan.
Low-Calorie
Use chicken breasts instead of thighs and substitute half the cream with low-fat Greek yogurt or light coconut milk. The sauce will stay creamy but lighter.
Halal-Friendly
Use halal-certified chicken and dairy. The ingredients remain authentic while meeting dietary standards.
These variations keep the recipe inclusive without losing its signature comfort or flavor.
How to Store, Reheat & Make Ahead
One of the best parts about slow cooker butter chicken is how well it stores and reheats.
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Refrigerator: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The sauce actually gets better as it sits, soaking deeper into the chicken.
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Freezer: Freeze portions in sealed containers for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight and warm gently on the stove, adding a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce.
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Make-Ahead Tip: Prepare everything the night before and store it in your slow cooker insert in the fridge. In the morning, pop it into the cooker and set it to low. Dinner will be ready when you walk through the door.
When you need something effortless yet deeply satisfying, slow cooker butter chicken never disappoints. It’s comfort food at its best—simple, cozy, and bursting with flavor that makes every bite feel like home.
FAQ
What cut of chicken is best for slow cooker butter chicken?
For best results, use boneless, skinless chicken thighs since they stay juicy and absorb the sauce well. You can also use chicken breasts if you prefer leaner meat, but be careful not to overcook them—thighs handle the low-and-slow method more reliably.
How spicy will this butter chicken be, and how can I adjust the heat?
This recipe is designed for mild to medium spice—ideal for most U.S. households. If you like it milder, reduce or skip the chili powder. For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped fresh jalapeño. The flavor stays rich and creamy either way.
Can I make slow cooker butter chicken ahead of time or freeze it for later?
Absolutely. Once cooked, you can refrigerate leftovers in a sealed container for up to 4 days. For long-term storage, freeze portions for up to 3 months. When reheating, add a splash of cream or water to keep the sauce smooth and avoid drying out the chicken.
What’s the difference between butter chicken and chicken tikka masala?
While both are creamy tomato-based curries with Indian origins, butter chicken tends to be creamier and milder with a smoother sauce. Chicken tikka masala often has a more tangy or smoky taste and sometimes a firmer texture. Both are delicious—just slightly different in flavor profile.
Can I substitute ingredients to fit a vegan, gluten-free, or low-calorie diet?
Yes! You can swap chicken for tofu or chickpeas, butter and cream for vegan butter and coconut milk, and serve with cauliflower rice for a low-carb twist. It’s easy to adapt this version to your diet without losing its signature flavor.
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