If you’ve ever dreamed of having rich, velvety Indian curry waiting for you at the end of a busy day, then this Slow Cooker Butter Chicken Recipe is absolutely your new best friend. It’s an effortless way to achieve the deep, comforting flavors of traditional butter chicken with minimal hands-on time, perfect for those who love robust spices, tender chicken, and creamy sauce without standing over the stove. The magic lies in the slow cooker gently melding the spices and tomato base together while the chicken turns melt-in-your-mouth tender, making every bite a little celebration of flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Slow Cooker Butter Chicken Recipe is how it relies on simple, familiar ingredients that come together to create a dish bursting with flavor and color. Each element plays a key role — from spices that awaken the senses to creamy touches that balance heat and tang.
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs: These remain juicy and tender even after slow cooking.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Used to gently sauté aromatics and bloom spices.
- 1 small onion (finely chopped): Adds sweetness and depth to the sauce base.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Brings aromatic pungency essential for Indian flavors.
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger (grated): Gives a fresh, warm zing that brightens the dish.
- 1 tablespoon garam masala: The heart of the spice mix, balancing warmth and complexity.
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin: Adds an earthy, peppery undertone.
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric: Provides vibrant color and subtle bitterness.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Offers smoky depth without overwhelming heat.
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder: Adds a gentle kick of heat — adjust to taste.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the other flavors beautifully.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: For a subtle spiced sharpness.
- 1 can (14.5 oz) tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes: The rich base that ties the sauce together.
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt or heavy cream: Creates luscious creaminess to mellow spices.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds richness and classic buttery flavor.
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish): Brings fresh herbal brightness at the end.
- Cooked basmati rice or naan: Perfect vehicles to scoop up every bit of sauce.
How to Make Slow Cooker Butter Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics and Toast Spices
Start by heating olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, then add finely chopped onion and sauté for about 3 to 4 minutes until soft and translucent. This soft onion layer creates a subtle sweetness that balances all the spices you’re about to add. Next, stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for an additional minute to release their fragrances. Now comes the exciting part — sprinkle in garam masala, cumin, turmeric, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir constantly for about 30 seconds; this blooming step intensifies the spices’ aromas and flavors, ensuring that your Slow Cooker Butter Chicken Recipe has that unmistakable rich depth.
Step 2: Combine Chicken, Tomato Sauce, and Spices
Place the chicken thigh chunks right into the slow cooker. Pour the can of tomato sauce over the chicken, then add your sautéed onion and spice mixture. Give everything a good stir so every piece of chicken is beautifully coated with spices and tomato goodness. This is the core of what makes this Slow Cooker Butter Chicken Recipe so incredibly flavorful — slow cooking melds all these tastes into one delicious harmony.
Step 3: Slow Cook to Tender Perfection
Seal the slow cooker with its lid and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours, or if you are short on time, set it on high for 3 to 4 hours. The chicken will slowly become tender and juicy, soaking up every bit of spice and tomato essence. This slow, patient cooking process transforms humble ingredients into an irresistible meal that tastes like it simmered for hours on the stove, without any extra effort from you.
Step 4: Finish with Cream and Butter
Once the chicken is perfectly cooked, stir in the Greek yogurt or heavy cream along with the butter. Let the slow cooker sit uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes to warm the creamy additions and thicken the sauce slightly. This final step is what turns the dish silky, velvety, and just pure indulgence — a true hallmark of your Slow Cooker Butter Chicken Recipe.
Step 5: Adjust Seasoning and Garnish
Give the sauce a taste and adjust salt or spice according to your preference. Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro on top for a fresh, herbal contrast that enlivens every bite. Now your Slow Cooker Butter Chicken Recipe is ready to be spooned over steaming basmati rice or accompanied with soft, flaky naan bread — a complete meal straight from your slow cooker to your table.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Butter Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro at the end brings a burst of color and herbal freshness that cuts through the richness. You can also serve with a wedge of lemon or a dollop of yogurt on the side for an extra zing that elevates the dish wonderfully.
Side Dishes
Nothing pairs better with butter chicken than fragrant basmati rice — it soaks up the sauce perfectly. Alternatively, warm naan bread is delightful for scooping, soaking, and savoring every last bit. For some greens, a simple cucumber raita or lightly spiced sautéed spinach provides a cooling balance to the robust spices.
Creative Ways to Present
For a more festive touch, serve your butter chicken in mini clay pots or small individual bowls with a garnish of toasted nuts like cashews or sliced almonds for added texture. You can even pile it onto naan tacos topped with fresh salad greens for a fun twist that kids and adults will adore alike.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your leftover Slow Cooker Butter Chicken Recipe keeps wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen and improve after resting, making it a perfect make-ahead option for quick meals later in the week.
Freezing
This dish freezes beautifully, either in portions or as a whole batch. Be sure to cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers or bags, where it can last up to 3 months. Just remember to avoid freezing with the fresh cilantro garnish so it stays bright and fresh when reheated.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring frequently until warmed through to prevent the cream from separating. If the sauce thickens too much in the fridge or freezer, splash in a little water or broth to loosen it back up to that perfect buttery consistency.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts can be used, but they tend to dry out more easily during slow cooking, so check for doneness a little earlier and consider using slightly less cooking time or higher moisture content to keep them tender.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, simply swap the Greek yogurt or heavy cream for full-fat coconut milk. This will keep the sauce creamy while adding a subtle coconut flavor that complements the spices beautifully.
Can I prepare this recipe without sautéing the onions and spices first?
While you can skip the sauté step, doing so really ramps up the flavor and allows the spices to open up and deepen. It’s worth the extra few minutes to sauté for that authentic taste that makes this slow cooker butter chicken recipe so irresistible.
How spicy is this recipe?
This recipe has a gentle, balanced heat thanks to the chili powder and pepper. You can easily adjust the spice level by reducing or increasing the chili powder according to your heat preference.
What can I do if my sauce is too thin after cooking?
To thicken, cook the sauce uncovered on high for an extra 10–15 minutes after adding cream and butter, or stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water) and let it simmer until thickened.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Butter Chicken Recipe is truly a game changer for anyone craving rich, restaurant-quality curry with minimal effort. It wraps you in the warmth of traditional Indian spices and satisfying creaminess that’s perfect for family dinners or special occasions alike. Once you try it, I guarantee it’ll become one of your go-to slow cooker favorites, offering comfort and flavor in every forkful. So grab your slow cooker, gather your ingredients, and get ready to fall in love with this blissfully easy butter chicken masterpiece!
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Slow Cooker Butter Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Slow Cooker Butter Chicken is a rich and creamy Indian-inspired dish made with tender chicken thighs simmered in a flavorful blend of spices, tomato sauce, and creamy yogurt or heavy cream. Perfect for a comforting weeknight meal, it delivers the authentic taste of butter chicken with minimal effort using a slow cooker.
Ingredients
Chicken and Main Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into chunks
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 can (14.5 oz) tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt or heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish
- Cooked basmati rice or naan, for serving
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until softened and translucent. Then add the minced garlic and grated ginger and cook for an additional minute to release their aroma.
- Bloom the Spices: Stir in garam masala, ground cumin, turmeric, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly to bloom the spices and enhance their flavors. Remove the skillet from heat to prevent burning the spices.
- Assemble in Slow Cooker: Place the chicken thigh chunks into the slow cooker. Pour in the can of tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes and add the sautéed onion and spice mixture. Stir thoroughly to ensure all chicken pieces are coated evenly with the sauce and spices.
- Cook the Chicken: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. The chicken should become very tender and fully cooked through during this time.
- Finish the Sauce: Once cooking is done, stir in the Greek yogurt or heavy cream along with the unsalted butter. Leave the lid off and let the butter chicken warm through for 10 to 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Taste the butter chicken and adjust salt or spices as desired. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and serve hot over basmati rice or with warm naan bread for a complete meal.
Notes
- For a dairy-free alternative, substitute the yogurt or heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk, which produces a similarly creamy texture.
- To achieve a smoother sauce, blend the tomato and spice mixture before adding the chicken to the slow cooker.
- Chicken thighs are preferred for their juiciness and tenderness, but chicken breasts can be used with a slightly reduced cooking time to avoid drying out.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours on low or 3 hours on high
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Indian-Inspired
