Name: Slow Cooker Butter Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 3 h
Total time: 3 h 10 min
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 3 pounds (5-6 large) boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 cup (1 small) onion, diced; 4 tbsp unsalted butter; 1 cup tomato sauce; 1¼ cups heavy cream, room temperature & divided; 6 tbsp tomato paste; 1 tbsp minced garlic; 1 tbsp grated ginger; 2½ tsp curry powder; 2 tsp chili powder; 2 tsp garam masala; ½ tsp cumin; ½ tsp salt; 2 tbsp cornstarch; Fresh cilantro for garnish

Jump to Recipe·5 from 16 reviews

If you’re searching for a dish that promises bold flavors, creamy richness, and an irresistible aroma with minimal effort, Slow Cooker Butter Chicken is here to sweep you off your feet. This beloved Indian classic becomes a weeknight hero thanks to a simple crock pot method, turning everyday chicken into tender bites that soak up a velvety, tomato-infused sauce. Each spoonful whispers comfort and celebration, all in one bite—a true testament to how a handful of pantry staples can transform dinner.

Slow Cooker Butter Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Slow Cooker Butter Chicken lies in a handful of accessible ingredients, each one playing a crucial role in building warmth, creaminess, and layers of amazing flavor. Don’t be intimidated by the list—every item adds something special, whether it’s depth, richness, or vivid color.

Boneless-skinless chicken breasts: Use 3 pounds (5-6 large); these soak up every drop of the luxurious sauce and become meltingly tender.
Onion: 1 small, diced; gives sweetness and balance to the spiced sauce.
Unsalted butter: 4 tablespoons; the star ingredient that merges everything together for an unmistakably rich finish.
Tomato sauce: 1 cup; supplies that unmistakable tang and beautiful color.
Heavy cream: 1 1/4 cups, divided; delivers signature lushness—don’t skip it!
Tomato paste: 6 tablespoons; deepens the sauce for a concentrated tomato flavor.
Minced garlic: 1 tablespoon; packs a punch of savory aroma and flavor.
Grated ginger: 1 tablespoon; adds a zesty, slightly peppery top note.
Curry powder: 2 1/2 teaspoons; a key player in the spice blend for warmth and complexity.
Chili powder: 2 teaspoons; brings just the right amount of heat (you can adjust this to taste).
Garam masala: 2 teaspoons; classic Indian spice mix that anchors the whole dish.
Cumin: 1/2 teaspoon; earthiness and aroma in one punchy scoop.
Salt: 1/2 teaspoon; simple, but essential for bringing the flavors together.
Cornstarch: 2 tablespoons; used to thicken the sauce at the end for that smooth, clingy texture.
Cooked jasmine rice: 4 cups; a soft, fluffy base for your sauce and chicken (follow your package directions).
Fresh cilantro: For garnish; brings color and a pop of freshness to finish.

How to Make Slow Cooker Butter Chicken

Step 1: Sauté Your Aromatics and Spices

Start by melting the butter in a sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the diced onions, garlic, ginger, curry powder, chili powder, garam masala, cumin, and salt. Stir everything together as it sizzles; after a couple of minutes, the onions will soften and the spices will fill your kitchen with an absolutely intoxicating aroma. This is your first flavor-building step—and you’ll be hooked already.

Step 2: Blend the Sauce Base

Once your onions and spices are golden and fragrant, transfer them into the container of a blender. Add the tomato sauce, tomato paste, and 3/4 cup of the heavy cream. Blend until completely smooth and creamy—this mixture will become the signature sauce for your Slow Cooker Butter Chicken. No lumps, just pure, rich deliciousness!

Step 3: Combine Chicken and Sauce in the Crock Pot

Nestle your chicken breasts into the insert of your slow cooker, then generously pour the blended sauce over the top. Make sure every piece is lovingly coated; this is what guarantees maximum flavor as the chicken slowly simmers and soaks up the spices. Secure the lid and set your slow cooker to high.

Step 4: Slow Cook Until Tender

Let everything cook for 2 1/2 to 3 hours on high. Try to resist peeking—in that time, the chicken will become fall-apart tender and the spices will mingle to perfection. The anticipation is part of the fun!

Step 5: Cut Chicken and Thicken the Sauce

Carefully remove the cooked chicken breasts from the slow cooker and cut them into bite-sized, 1-inch pieces. While the chicken rests, create a simple slurry by whisking the remaining 1/2 cup of heavy cream with the cornstarch in a small bowl. Pour this back into the slow cooker and stir gently, letting the sauce thicken and develop that silky finish.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Return your juicy chicken pieces to the thickened sauce, gently stirring just enough to coat every bite without breaking them down. Turn off the slow cooker and grab your serving bowls—it’s time to dish up! Place a generous scoop of jasmine rice to one side of a bowl and spoon your Slow Cooker Butter Chicken right alongside. For the finishing touch, sprinkle with fresh cilantro and take a proud step back—you just made slow cooker magic!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Butter Chicken

Garnishes

Shower your finished Slow Cooker Butter Chicken with lots of fresh cilantro for a burst of green and a final note of herby brightness. For extra flavor, a squeeze of fresh lime can be lovely, or try a swirl of extra heavy cream on top to highlight the luscious sauce.

Side Dishes

This dish is traditionally served with fluffy rice, but it also pairs beautifully with warm naan bread for scooping up the rich sauce. A crisp cucumber salad or some lightly sautéed greens can balance the richness and round out the meal. If you’re feeling festive, add some pickled red onions or raita for a cool, creamy contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For a show-stopping presentation, serve your Slow Cooker Butter Chicken “bowl-style” with jasmine rice, vibrant pickled veggies, and a sprinkle of toasted nuts for crunch. You can also set out a platter for family-style serving or fill small cups for a buffet or party appetizer—everyone gets a taste of the creamy, spiced goodness!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and they’ll keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually meld and intensify overnight, making Slow Cooker Butter Chicken even more irresistible as leftovers! Just be sure to cool everything completely before refrigerating.

Freezing

This dish is a freezer champion. Cool your Slow Cooker Butter Chicken completely, then portion into labeled freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. Freeze for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results. The sauce may separate a little after thawing, but a gentle stir will bring it right back together.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until hot and bubbling. You can also microwave individual portions on medium power, giving everything a good stir halfway through. Add a splash of cream or water if you want to loosen the sauce back to its original creamy consistency.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are a fantastic alternative and will turn out extra juicy and flavorful. Just trim any extra fat before adding them to the slow cooker.

Is Slow Cooker Butter Chicken very spicy?

This recipe delivers gentle warmth rather than intense heat, making it kid- and crowd-friendly. If you love spice, feel free to add extra chili powder—or a diced jalapeño—into the sauté step.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes! Swap the butter for a vegan alternative and replace heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or a non-dairy cream substitute. The dish will still be rich and satisfying with a subtle coconut twist.

What’s the best way to avoid a watery sauce?

The cornstarch and cream slurry at the end is key to a perfectly thick, clingy sauce. Be sure to mix it well and allow a few minutes for it to work its magic—if your sauce still seems thin, let it simmer in the slow cooker with the lid off for a little while longer.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Definitely! Simply double every ingredient and make sure your slow cooker is large enough to accommodate the chicken and sauce. The cooking time should remain about the same, but check that the chicken is cooked through before serving.

Final Thoughts

If you love comfort food that’s big on flavor but simple in execution, it’s time to try Slow Cooker Butter Chicken. Each bite brings a hint of celebration to the weeknight table, whether you’re feeding a family or just treating yourself to something special. Go ahead, give it a try—you might just discover your new go-to dinner favorite!