Try This Irresistible Slow Cooker Butter Chicken Recipe Today

Culinary magic happens when butter chicken simmers gently in a slow cooker, creating an aroma that dances through your kitchen.

Warm spices swirl and meld, promising a meal that feels like a cozy embrace from india.

Tender chicken pieces soak up a rich, velvety sauce that whispers comfort with every bite.

Minimal effort yields maximum flavor in this delightful dish that seems to cook itself.

Fragrant garam masala and smooth tomato cream blend into a sauce so luxurious you’ll want to savor every spoonful.

Weeknight dinners transform into something extraordinary with just a few simple ingredients and a trusty slow cooker.

Let this recipe be your ticket to a delicious adventure that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Why Slow Cooker Butter Chicken Is So Creamy And Effortless

• Unlock Effortless Flavor: This slow cooker butter chicken recipe transforms complex Indian cuisine into a hands-off, stress-free cooking experience that delivers maximum taste with minimal effort.
• Customize Your Comfort: Perfect for busy families and meal preppers, the recipe offers flexible cooking times and adaptable ingredient substitutions like coconut milk, making it versatile for different dietary preferences.
• Weeknight Dinner Hero: With just 10 minutes of prep time and simple ingredients, this recipe rescues hectic evenings by providing a restaurant-quality meal that's ready when you walk through the door.
• Sensational Spice Journey: Packed with aromatic spices and a creamy finish, this dish introduces home cooks to authentic Indian flavors without requiring advanced culinary skills or hard-to-find ingredients.

What You’ll Need For Slow Cooker Butter Chicken

• Chicken: Tender meat that forms the core of the dish, boneless and skinless chicken thighs work best for maximum flavor and moisture.

• Onion, Garlic, Ginger: Classic flavor base that adds depth and traditional Indian cooking nuance, fresh ingredients provide the most robust taste.

• Tomato Sauce, Tomato Paste: Creates rich, smooth foundation for the curry, look for high-quality, low-sodium varieties.
• Lemon Juice: Bright acid that balances and enhances overall flavor profile.

• Garam Masala, Turmeric, Cumin, Paprika, Salt, Pepper: Authentic Indian spice combination that delivers complex, warm flavor notes, whole spices are preferable when possible.

• Heavy Cream, Butter: Transforms sauce into luxurious, velvety texture, full-fat versions provide best results.
• Coconut Milk: Excellent dairy-free alternative with subtle tropical undertone.

• Fresh Cilantro: Adds fresh, herbaceous final touch to the dish, bright green color provides visual appeal.

• Rice, Naan: Traditional accompaniments that complement the rich butter chicken sauce.

How To Cook Slow Cooker Butter Chicken The Easy Way

Step 1: Prepare Aromatic Base

• Chicken pieces
• Onion, finely chopped
• Garlic, minced
• Fresh ginger, grated

Place all ingredients into the slow cooker, creating a flavorful foundation for the dish.

Step 2: Create Spice Explosion

• Tomato sauce
• Tomato paste
• Lemon juice
• Garam masala
• Curry powder
• Turmeric
• Cumin
• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Pour all ingredients over the chicken and mix thoroughly, ensuring every piece is generously coated with the spice mixture.

Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection

• Low setting: Cook for 6 hours
• High setting: Cook for 4 hours

Allow the chicken to become tender and absorb all the rich, complex flavors.

Step 4: Transform into Creamy Delight

• Heavy cream
• Unsalted butter

Continue simmering until the sauce reaches a luxurious, velvety consistency.

Step 5: Elevate and Serve

• Fresh cilantro leaves
• Optional extra melted butter

Serve over steamed basmati rice or warm naan bread, creating a mouthwatering meal that transports you to the streets of India.

Tips To Make Slow Cooker Butter Chicken Even Better

• Maximize Flavor Depth: Toast whole spices briefly before adding to the slow cooker to release their intense aromatics and enhance the overall taste profile of the butter chicken.
• Control Sauce Consistency: If the sauce seems too thin, remove the lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow natural reduction and thicken the sauce without added cornstarch.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Swap heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk for a lactose-free version that maintains the creamy texture and rich flavor of traditional butter chicken.
• Protein Variation: Substitute chicken thighs for boneless chicken breasts to ensure more tender, juicy meat that won't dry out during the long, slow cooking process.
• Meal Prep Magic: This recipe freezes exceptionally well – store in airtight containers for up to 3 months, allowing you to enjoy authentic butter chicken anytime without extensive preparation.

How To Store Slow Cooker Butter Chicken The Smart Way

• Refrigerate leftover butter chicken in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Cool the dish completely before storing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer to a sealed glass or plastic container, ensuring the sauce covers the chicken to maintain moisture and flavor.
• Reheat gently in a microwave or stovetop, adding a splash of water or cream to restore the sauce's creamy consistency.
• Freezing works wonderfully for this dish – store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
• When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat thoroughly.
• Pro tip: Separate the sauce and chicken before freezing to prevent texture changes.
• Always check for any signs of spoilage before consuming stored meals, and enjoy your delicious butter chicken within the recommended timeframe.

What Pairs Well With Slow Cooker Butter Chicken

• Pair with Fragrant Basmati Rice: Serve the butter chicken over fluffy basmati rice to soak up the rich, creamy sauce. The delicate rice grains perfectly complement the robust spices and creamy texture of the dish.
• Match with Crisp Cucumber Raita: Cool down the warmth of the butter chicken with a refreshing cucumber raita. The yogurt-based side dish provides a tangy, cooling contrast that balances the dish's intense flavors.
• Complement with Chilled Indian Lager: Enjoy a cold Kingfisher or Taj Mahal beer alongside the butter chicken. The light, crisp beer cuts through the richness of the sauce and cleanses the palate between bites.
• Enhance with Garlic Naan Bread: Tear pieces of warm, buttery garlic naan to scoop up the creamy sauce. The soft, slightly charred bread adds a delightful texture and extra dimension to the meal.

Fun Ways To Change Up Slow Cooker Butter Chicken

• Spicy Tandoori Kick: Replace regular chicken with tandoori-spiced chicken thighs, adding extra red chili powder and garam masala for a more intense, fiery flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Garden Blend: Swap chicken with firm tofu or mixed vegetables like cauliflower, chickpeas, and bell peppers, adjusting cooking time to prevent overcooking delicate ingredients.
• Coconut Coastal Remix: Use full-fat coconut milk instead of heavy cream, incorporate fresh curry leaves, and sprinkle toasted coconut flakes on top for a tropical southern Indian inspired version.
• Green Herb Fusion: Add fresh chopped mint and extra green chilies, reducing tomato sauce quantity and increasing yogurt content for a lighter, herbaceous interpretation of the classic butter chicken recipe.

FAQs About Slow Cooker Butter Chicken

• What makes this butter chicken different from traditional restaurant versions?

This slow cooker method allows deeper spice infusion and creates more tender chicken by cooking slowly, letting ingredients meld naturally without constant monitoring.

• Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts or thighs. Just increase cooking time by 1-2 hours and ensure chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature for food safety.

• How spicy is this butter chicken recipe?

The recipe offers mild to medium heat. If you prefer less spice, reduce the amount of garam masala and cayenne pepper. For more heat, add extra red chili powder or fresh chopped green chilies.

• Is this recipe authentic Indian cuisine?

While inspired by traditional butter chicken, this slow cooker version is an Americanized adaptation that simplifies cooking process while maintaining classic flavor profiles and key ingredients like tomato sauce, cream, and aromatic spices.

Slow Cooker Butter Chicken Recipe

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4.7 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 4-6 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy, aromatic butter chicken from India brings comfort to dinner tables with minimal effort. Tender chicken simmers in a rich, spiced tomato sauce that promises to delight spice lovers and deliver pure culinary satisfaction you can easily savor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 1.5 pounds (680 grams) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into chunks

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 tablespoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 0.5 teaspoon turmeric
• 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon chili powder (optional, for heat)
• 0.5 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Base and Liquid Ingredients:

• 1 can (14 ounces) tomato sauce (or pureed tomatoes)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut milk for dairy-free option)
• 3 tablespoons butter (or ghee)
• 1 small onion, diced

Serving Suggestions:

• Cooked basmati rice or naan bread
• Fresh cilantro, chopped
• Extra butter or ghee for drizzling (optional)

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Instructions

1. Combine chopped onions, minced garlic, and grated ginger in the ceramic slow cooker insert, creating an aromatic base for the classic Indian-inspired dish.
2. Layer chicken pieces over the fragrant mixture, ensuring an even distribution across the cooking surface.
3. Drizzle tomato sauce and paste over the chicken, allowing the liquid to cascade and coat each piece thoroughly.
4. Sprinkle cumin, garam masala, turmeric, and paprika across the surface, creating a vibrant spice layer that will infuse the meat with complex flavors.
5. Add a splash of lemon juice to brighten the sauce and tenderize the chicken, whisking the ingredients gently to ensure complete coverage.
6. Cover the slow cooker and set to low temperature, allowing the chicken to simmer and develop deep, rich flavors over 6-7 hours.
7. During the final 45 minutes of cooking, gently stir in heavy cream and unsalted butter, watching the sauce transform into a luxurious, velvety consistency.
8. Test the chicken for tenderness, ensuring it pulls apart effortlessly and has absorbed the intricate spice blend.
9. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro leaves, adding a burst of green freshness and herbaceous aroma.
10. Serve alongside steamed basmati rice or warm, pillowy naan bread, inviting diners to experience the full depth of this comforting dish.

Notes

• Customize the spice level by adjusting the amount of garam masala and chili powder to suit your taste preferences.
• Use chicken thighs for a more tender and flavorful result, as they remain juicier during slow cooking compared to chicken breasts.
• Substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt or coconut milk for a lighter, dairy-free alternative that still maintains a creamy texture.
• Prep ingredients the night before by mixing spices and chopping vegetables, then store in the refrigerator to save time on cooking day.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 4-6 hours
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Indian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Fat: 38 g
• Saturated Fat: 22 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 160 mg