Name: Slow Cooker Butter Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-486927H20M41S
Total time: PT-486927H20M41S
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into chunks; 1 onion, finely chopped; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated; 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes; 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt; 1/4 cup butter; 1 tbsp garam masala; 1 tsp ground cumin; 1 tsp ground coriander; 1/2 tsp turmeric; 1 tsp paprika; 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional); Salt, to taste; 3/4 cup heavy cream or coconut milk; Fresh cilantro, for garnish; Cooked basmati rice or naan, for serving

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Slow Cooker Butter Chicken is a rich, creamy, and deeply flavorful dish that simmers gently all day in a fragrant tomato and spice sauce. Tender pieces of chicken soak up the bold, buttery flavors, making it a comforting Indian-inspired meal I can enjoy any night of the week—without standing over the stove.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this butter chicken because it delivers restaurant-quality flavor with almost no effort. I just toss everything into the slow cooker and let it do the work. The sauce is luscious and layered with spices, and the chicken comes out melt-in-your-mouth tender. It’s perfect over rice or scooped up with naan, and it reheats beautifully for leftovers.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into chunks
Onion, finely chopped
Garlic, minced
Fresh ginger, grated
Tomato sauce (or crushed tomatoes)
Heavy cream or coconut milk
Plain Greek yogurt
Butter
Garam masala
Ground cumin
Ground coriander
Turmeric
Paprika
Cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
Salt
Fresh cilantro (for garnish)
Cooked basmati rice or naan, for serving

directions

I add the chicken, onion, garlic, ginger, tomato sauce, yogurt, butter, and all the spices to the slow cooker.
I stir everything well to coat the chicken evenly.
I cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is tender and the sauce is rich.
About 30 minutes before serving, I stir in the cream (or coconut milk) and let it finish cooking uncovered to thicken slightly.
I taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
I serve it hot over basmati rice or with warm naan, garnished with fresh cilantro.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4–6 people. It takes about 10 minutes to prep and cooks for 6–7 hours on low or 3–4 hours on high.

Variations

Sometimes I use coconut milk instead of cream for a dairy-free version. I’ve also added peas or baby spinach near the end for a pop of color and nutrition. If I want to skip yogurt, I just increase the cream or use a plant-based alternative. For extra richness, I add a spoonful of almond or cashew butter into the sauce.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, I warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or cream if the sauce thickens too much. It also freezes well—just cool completely and store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, but I prefer thighs because they stay juicier. Breasts work fine—just be careful not to overcook.

Is this dish spicy?

It’s mild by default, but I can add cayenne pepper or chili powder to increase the heat.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Yes, I use coconut milk instead of cream and a plant-based yogurt or skip it altogether for a dairy-free version.

Do I need to marinate the chicken first?

Not for this version. Everything goes straight into the slow cooker, but marinating overnight with spices and yogurt can deepen the flavor if I have time.

What’s the best side to serve with butter chicken?

I usually go with basmati rice, jasmine rice, or naan bread to soak up the sauce.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Butter Chicken is one of my favorite hands-off dinners—full of rich spices, silky sauce, and tender chicken. It’s cozy, comforting, and easy enough for any night of the week. Whether I’m feeding my family or meal prepping for the week, this dish always satisfies.