Name: Slow Cooker Butter Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 6 h
Total time: 6 h 5 min
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 1 14-ounce canned tomatoes; 5-6 cloves garlic; 1-2 teaspoons minced ginger; 1 teaspoon turmeric; 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 1 teaspoon garam masala; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs (or breast, bone-in, etc.); 4 ounces butter, cut into cubes (use coconut oil if dairy free); 4 ounces heavy cream (use full-fat coconut milk if dairy free); 1 teaspoon garam masala; 1/4 to 1/2 cup chopped cilantro

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 34 reviews

If you’ve ever dreamed of diving into a dish filled with rich, creamy tomato sauce paired with tender, juicy chicken, this Slow Cooker Butter Chicken Recipe is going to be your new best friend. It’s a beautifully simple way to infuse classic Indian flavors into your kitchen without hours of fuss, thanks to the wonder of slow cooking. The blend of spices, luscious butter, and creamy finish creates a perfectly balanced meal that comforts the soul and excites the taste buds. Whether you’re new to Indian cuisine or a seasoned fan, this recipe guarantees a flavorful adventure you’ll want to repeat again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a black slow cooker filled with a creamy orange curry with chunks of tender chicken evenly mixed throughout. The sauce has a smooth texture and is topped with small green cilantro leaves scattered on the surface. A black spoon is partially submerged on the right side, slightly lifting some of the curry. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the ingredients for this Slow Cooker Butter Chicken Recipe is straightforward, but each one plays an essential role in delivering that signature warm, aromatic, and creamy flavor. From the spices that build the complex foundation to the creamy elements that finish the sauce, these simple components come together to create magic.

14-ounce canned tomatoes: The base of your sauce, providing tanginess and a beautiful red color.
5-6 cloves garlic: Adds a deep, savory pungency that enriches the overall flavor.
1-2 teaspoons minced ginger: Gives a fresh, zesty warmth typical in Indian dishes.
1 teaspoon turmeric: Offers vibrant color and subtle earthiness to the sauce.
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper: Brings just the right kick of heat to balance richness.
1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Provides smoky depth without overpowering.
1 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances and rounds out all other flavors perfectly.
1 teaspoon garam masala: A fragrant spice blend that ties the dish together with warmth and complexity.
1 teaspoon ground cumin: Adds earthiness and a hint of nuttiness to the flavor profile.
1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs: Tender, juicy, and ideal for slow cooking; you can also substitute breast or bone-in pieces as you prefer.
4 ounces butter (cut into cubes): The luscious richness that defines the “butter” in butter chicken. Use coconut oil for a dairy-free twist.
4 ounces heavy cream: Creates that silky, smooth finish; full-fat coconut milk works well as a dairy-free alternative.
1 teaspoon garam masala (to finish): A final sprinkle for an extra pop of fragrant flavor.
1/4 to 1/2 cup chopped cilantro: Freshness and a burst of herbal brightness to balance the richness.

How to Make Slow Cooker Butter Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Blend the Sauce

Begin by tossing the canned tomatoes, garlic, minced ginger, turmeric, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, ground cumin, garam masala, and kosher salt into a blender. Blend these aromatics until they transform into a smooth sauce. This blend is not only the flavor foundation but also fills your kitchen with an irresistible fragrance that hints at the delicious meal to come.

Step 2: Layer the Slow Cooker

Pour the vibrant blended sauce into your slow cooker and gently nestle the chicken thighs on top. This layering ensures the chicken steeps in the spices as it cooks low and slow, absorbing all that wonderful flavor.

Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection

Place the lid on your slow cooker and let the magic happen. Cook for 4-5 hours on high or 8 hours on low. The long cooking time tenderizes the chicken beautifully, allowing it to fall apart delicately while the sauce thickens and intensifies in flavor.

Step 4: Finish with Butter and Cream

Carefully remove the cooked chicken and set it aside. Now, add the cubed butter and heavy cream to the sauce. Stir gently until fully incorporated, taking care to let the sauce cool slightly first — this prevents it from becoming too thin. This finishing touch is what gives the dish its signature velvety texture and rich, indulgent taste.

Step 5: Combine and Garnish

Return the chicken to the silky sauce and heat through gently. Toss in the remaining garam masala and fresh cilantro for that final aromatic lift. If you like, break the chicken into smaller pieces, but avoid shredding to keep the tender bites intact.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Butter Chicken Recipe

This image shows a white bowl filled with two main parts: on the left, there is a layer of fluffy white rice with loose grains visible, and on the right, there is a thick orange curry with pieces of cooked chicken covered in creamy sauce. The curry has small green herbs sprinkled on top and has a smooth texture mixing lightly with the rice. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, and part of a woman's hand holding a dark cup is visible in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro adds a vibrant green pop and fresh herbal note to your Slow Cooker Butter Chicken Recipe. You can also add a drizzle of cream or a few extra butter cubes melting on top for a truly decadent presentation that invites everyone to dig right in.

Side Dishes

This butter chicken shines when paired with fluffy basmati rice or warm naan bread to soak up every drop of that luscious sauce. For lighter options, try zucchini noodles or steamed vegetables to balance the richness while still enjoying every bite.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve your butter chicken inside warm pita pockets or atop roasted cauliflower steaks for a low-carb option. You can also transform it into a comforting butter chicken stew by adding potatoes or mixed vegetables right in the slow cooker, making each meal uniquely your own.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Slow Cooker Butter Chicken Recipe stores wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. The flavors deepen with time, making for an even more satisfying second meal that heats up beautifully without losing any creaminess.

Freezing

This dish freezes very well — simply freeze half the sauce separately or with the chicken in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge for easy reheating and a quick dinner on busy days.

Reheating

Gently warm your leftovers on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to loosen the sauce and maintain its creamy texture. Avoid microwaving at high power to keep the butter chicken smooth and luscious without separating.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Absolutely! While thighs tend to stay juicier during the long cooking process, chicken breast works fine too. Just keep an eye on the cooking time to prevent drying out, and consider adding a bit of extra sauce to keep it moist.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Swap the butter with coconut oil and the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk. These substitutes maintain the rich, creamy texture while keeping it dairy-free and delicious.

Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?

You can blend the sauce ingredients up to a day in advance and refrigerate. This is a great time saver. Just add the sauce to the slow cooker along with the chicken when you’re ready to cook.

How spicy is this recipe?

The heat from cayenne pepper is mild to moderate and easily adjustable. Feel free to tweak the amount according to your spice tolerance, adding more for heat or less if you prefer a softer warmth.

What’s the best way to serve leftovers?

Reheat and serve over fresh rice with a sprinkle of cilantro. Alternatively, use the sauce for a vegetarian twist by simmering it with paneer or peas, creating a new dish with the same irresistible flavors.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Butter Chicken Recipe is a true game-changer for anyone craving a cozy, flavorful meal without the fuss. It’s hands-off, hearty, and utterly delicious, perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends when you want big taste with little effort. Give it a try—you just might find yourself adding it to your list of favorite dishes to make again and again.