Easy Slow Cooker Butter Chicken Recipe: Tender Indian Comfort

Whipping up a mouthwatering slow cooker butter chicken delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Aromas of warm spices will drift through your kitchen, promising a delightful meal ahead.

Creamy tomato sauce mingles with tender chicken, creating a dish that feels like a warm embrace.

Indian-inspired comfort food comes alive with just a few simple ingredients and your trusty slow cooker.

Each bite promises a perfect balance of tangy and rich flavors that dance across your palate.

Minimal prep means you can savor more time with loved ones instead of standing over the stove.

Let this recipe become your new go-to for an effortless and delicious dinner that everyone will adore.

What Complements Slow Cooker Butter Chicken Best

• Serve this butter chicken over fluffy basmati rice to soak up the rich, creamy sauce and add a delicate, fragrant base that complements the spicy-sweet flavors.
• Pair with a side of refreshing cucumber raita or plain yogurt to balance the dish's warmth and provide a smooth, tangy counterpoint to the intense spices.
• Choose a chilled mango lassi or light Indian beer like Kingfisher to cut through the richness and refresh the palate between bites of the creamy chicken.
• Serve alongside soft, buttery naan bread to scoop up the luxurious sauce and add a comforting, traditional Indian touch to the meal.

New Twists to Try with Slow Cooker Butter Chicken

• Dairy-Free Version: Swap butter with coconut cream and use plant-based yogurt for a lighter, non-dairy alternative that maintains rich flavors.
• Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas, ensuring similar protein content and marinating thoroughly for maximum taste absorption.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Reduce tomato sauce quantity and serve over cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice, cutting down on carbohydrate intake while preserving authentic Indian spice profile.
• Gluten-Free Modification: Verify all spice blends are certified gluten-free and serve with rice noodles or quinoa for a safe, allergen-friendly meal option.

Slow Cooker Butter Chicken Questions, Answered

• What are the key spices used in this butter chicken recipe?

The main spices include garam masala, turmeric, cumin, and paprika, which create the classic Indian flavor profile and give the dish its warm, rich taste.

• Can I use frozen chicken for this slow cooker recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it’s recommended to thaw it first for more even cooking and better texture. If using frozen chicken, you may need to extend the cooking time slightly.

• Is this butter chicken recipe spicy?

The recipe has a mild to moderate spice level. You can adjust the heat by reducing or increasing the amount of paprika or adding red chili powder if you prefer more spiciness.

• Do I need any special equipment to make this dish?

A slow cooker is essential for this recipe. If you don’t have one, you can adapt the recipe to cook in a Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot on the stovetop with low, steady heat.

Why Slow Cooker Butter Chicken Is a Must-Make Meal

• This slow cooker butter chicken eliminates complex kitchen tasks, letting you toss ingredients together with minimal prep work and walk away while it cooks.
• The slow cooker does all the hard work, transforming simple ingredients into a rich, flavorful Indian-inspired dish without constant monitoring or stirring.
• Mild spices and tender chicken make this recipe appealing to both adults and kids, creating a crowd-pleasing meal that satisfies different taste preferences.
• With just 10 minutes of initial preparation, you can have a delicious, restaurant-quality meal ready in 4-6 hours without standing over the stove.

Everything You’ll Need for Slow Cooker Butter Chicken

• Chicken: Tender meat that absorbs the rich flavors of the sauce, boneless and skinless works best for even cooking.
• Onion, Garlic, Ginger: Aromatic base that builds depth of flavor and provides a classic Indian cuisine foundation.

• Tomato Sauce: Provides a smooth, rich liquid base for the curry.
• Tomato Paste: Concentrates tomato flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
• Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and helps balance the rich, creamy flavors.

• Spices: Essential for creating the signature butter chicken taste, typically including garam masala, turmeric, cumin, and other warming spices that give the dish its complex, aromatic profile.

How to Make Slow Cooker Butter Chicken with Ease

Step 1: Prepare Aromatic Base

Chop fresh onions, mince garlic cloves, and grate ginger. Toss these fragrant ingredients into your slow cooker, creating a flavorful foundation for the dish.

Step 2: Create Luxurious Sauce

• Tomato sauce
• Tomato paste
• Fresh lemon juice
• Garam masala
• Ground cumin
• Ground turmeric
• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Whisk these ingredients together until smooth and well-blended.

Step 3: Marry Chicken and Sauce

Pour the vibrant sauce over the chicken, ensuring every piece gets a delicious coating. Use a spatula or spoon to gently mix and spread the sauce evenly.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the slow cooker and set to low heat. Let the chicken simmer for several hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the meat to become incredibly tender.

Step 5: Add Creamy Finish

In the last hour of cooking, stir in heavy cream or coconut milk. This adds a rich, velvety texture that transforms the dish into a restaurant-quality meal.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro on top. Serve hot over steamed basmati rice or with warm naan bread for a complete, mouthwatering meal.

Tips to Make Slow Cooker Butter Chicken Even Better

• Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Let the chicken soak in the spice mixture for 30 minutes before cooking to enhance the depth of taste and tenderness.
• Prevent Dry Chicken: Choose chicken thighs instead of breasts for juicier, more succulent meat that won't dry out during slow cooking.
• Adjust Spice Level: Customize the heat by reducing or increasing the amount of garam masala and chili powder to suit your personal spice tolerance.
• Creamy Texture Trick: Stir in full-fat Greek yogurt or heavy cream during the last 30 minutes of cooking for a richer, smoother sauce consistency.
• Dairy-Free Option: Substitute coconut milk for cream to make the dish suitable for lactose-intolerant or vegan diners while maintaining a creamy texture.

How to Store and Reheat Leftover Butter Chicken

• Store leftover butter chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Transfer cooled chicken to freezer-safe containers or bags. Seal tightly and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Place chicken in a microwave-safe dish. Cover and heat on medium power, stirring occasionally, until thoroughly warmed. Add a splash of water to prevent drying.
• Pour chicken into a skillet over medium-low heat. Stir gently and add a little chicken broth or water to maintain moisture. Warm until heated completely, stirring occasionally.

Slow Cooker Butter Chicken Recipe

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4.8 from 25 reviews

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

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Description

Creamy, aromatic butter chicken emerges as a delightful journey through Indian culinary traditions, bringing comfort and rich flavors to your dinner table. Tender chicken simmered in a velvety tomato-based sauce promises a satisfying meal you’ll savor with every delectable bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 ½ lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into chunks

Main Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated

Sauce and Spices:

• 1 can (14 ounces/400g) tomato sauce (or pureed tomatoes)
• 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut milk for dairy-free option)
• 3 tablespoons butter (or ghee)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• ½ teaspoon turmeric
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon chili powder (optional, for heat)
• ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Serving Suggestions:

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

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Instructions

1. Nestle trimmed chicken pieces into the slow cooker’s base, layering them with finely diced onions, minced garlic, and freshly grated ginger for a robust flavor foundation.
2. Drizzle tomato sauce and paste over the chicken, ensuring complete coverage with a thorough coating technique that distributes flavors evenly.
3. Splash tangy lemon juice across the mixture, creating a bright acidic undertone that will tenderize the meat during slow cooking.
4. Sprinkle a harmonious blend of aromatic spices – including garam masala, cumin, and turmeric – massaging them gently into the chicken to maximize flavor penetration.
5. Cover the slow cooker and set to low heat, allowing the ingredients to meld and transform over 4-6 hours into a rich, creamy sauce that infuses every chicken morsel.
6. Thirty minutes before serving, stir in heavy cream to create a luxurious, silky texture that elevates the dish’s overall complexity and visual appeal.
7. Once cooking completes, gently shred or slice the chicken, ensuring each piece is lavishly coated in the luxurious, spice-laden sauce.
8. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and serve alongside fluffy basmati rice or warm naan bread to complement the dish’s intricate flavor profile.

Notes

• Marinate chicken beforehand in yogurt and spices for deeper, more intense flavor absorption.
• Choose boneless, skinless chicken thighs for extra tenderness and richness compared to chicken breasts.
• Adjust spice levels by reducing or increasing garam masala and cayenne pepper according to personal heat preference.
• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or Greek yogurt to lower calories and create a dairy-free alternative.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 640
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 48g
• Saturated Fat: 29g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16g
• Trans Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 34g
• Cholesterol: 150mg