Weeknight dinners just got a whole lot more delicious with this mouthwatering slow cooker butter chicken that’s packed with rich, creamy flavors.
Tender chicken bathes in a velvety sauce that will make your taste buds dance with excitement.
Every bite promises an explosion of traditional Indian spices that blend seamlessly into a comforting meal.
The slow cooker does all the hard work, letting you relax while an incredible aroma fills your kitchen.
Aromatic ginger, garlic, and warm spices create a depth of flavor that feels like a culinary adventure.
This recipe delivers restaurant-quality dining right from your own kitchen with minimal effort.
Prepare to impress everyone at the dinner table with this irresistible dish that turns an ordinary evening into a memorable feast.
Quick Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours
Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
Calories: 455 kcal
Servings: 7
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Butter Chicken
For Protein:
Chicken Thighs: Tender, flavorful meat that absorbs spices beautifully and stays moist during slow cooking; boneless and skinless work best for easy eating.
For Base and Creaminess:
Tomato Sauce, Heavy Whipping Cream: Creates rich, velvety sauce with bright, tangy undertones; use passata for smoother texture and full-fat cream for luxurious consistency.
For Aromatics and Spices:
Garlic, Ginger: Fundamental flavor builders that provide depth and warmth; fresh roots deliver more intense taste compared to dried versions.
Salt, Sugar: Balances and enhances overall flavor profile; helps round out spice intensity and creates perfect seasoning.
Cumin, Garam Masala, Smoked Paprika, Turmeric, Chili Powder: Authentic Indian spice blend that generates complex, layered flavor experience; look for fresh, high-quality spices from specialty stores.
For Finishing:
Unsalted Butter: Adds silky richness and mellows spice heat; room temperature butter blends more smoothly into sauce.
Parsley, Mint, Cilantro: Fresh herbs provide bright, final flavor burst and beautiful green color contrast; choose based on personal preference.
Tools to Make Butter Chicken in the Slow Cooker
Slow Cooker: Essential for cooking the butter chicken, allowing ingredients to simmer and blend flavors perfectly.
Cutting Board: Needed for chopping chicken and preparing ingredients.
Sharp Knife: Used for cutting chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces.
Measuring Spoons: Helps accurately measure spices like cumin, garam masala, and chili powder.
Whisk: Perfect for blending heavy cream into the sauce smoothly.
Mixing Bowl: Optional for initial ingredient mixing before transferring to slow cooker.
How to Cook Slow Cooker Butter Chicken
Flavor Foundation
Create a vibrant spice blend by combining aromatic ingredients in your slow cooker. This mixture will become the heart of your butter chicken, infusing the dish with deep, complex flavors that dance on your taste buds.
Chicken Immersion
Nestle chicken thighs into the spice-rich sauce, allowing them to become completely enveloped. Scatter small dollops of butter across the surface to introduce a luxurious layer of richness.
Slow Cooking Magic
Let your slow cooker transform the ingredients, gently simmering on high or low heat until the chicken becomes tender and fully cooked.
Creamy Transformation
Remove chicken and create a silky sauce by stirring heavy cream into the cooking liquid. The result will be a velvety, smooth coating that clings beautifully to each morsel.
Final Assembly
Return chicken pieces to the creamy sauce, ensuring each bite is generously dressed. Serve this classic Indian-inspired dish over fluffy rice, accompanied by warm naan bread and a sprinkle of fresh herbs for a meal that feels like a warm culinary hug.
Tips for Creamy Slow Cooker Butter Chicken
Adjust the chili powder to make the dish mild or fiery hot. Start with less and add more gradually to match your heat preference.
Replace chicken thighs with chicken breasts, tofu, or even lamb for a different protein experience. Each option brings a unique texture and flavor profile.
For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt or coconut milk. These options add creaminess while changing the dish's nutritional makeup.
Elevate the final dish by sprinkling fresh cilantro, mint, or green onions. These herbs brighten the rich sauce and add a fresh pop of color and flavor.
This butter chicken freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Store in airtight containers and reheat gently to maintain its creamy consistency and robust spice blend.
Best Ways to Serve Butter Chicken
Creamy Comfort Companions: Perfect Pairings for your Butter Chicken
Rice Runway: Fluffy basmati or jasmine rice creates the ultimate base to soak up that luxurious sauce, giving each bite maximum flavor and texture.
Naan Nest: Warm, soft naan bread becomes your delicious sauce-catching companion, perfect for scooping up every single creamy morsel without missing a drop.
Fresh Herb Forest: Sprinkle chopped cilantro or mint on top for a bright, fresh contrast that cuts through the rich, velvety sauce and adds a pop of color to your plate.
Cool Yogurt Contrast: A side of cool, tangy yogurt or raita helps balance the warmth of the spices, creating a refreshing counterpoint to the intense butter chicken flavors.
Saving and Storing Slow Cooker Butter Chicken
Refrigerator Revival: Store leftover butter chicken in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen and become more delicious as they sit, making next-day meals even more tasty.
Freezer-Friendly Feast: Pack portions in freezer-safe containers and keep for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and gently reheat on the stovetop to maintain the sauce's creamy texture.
Meal Prep Magic: Prepare this dish in advance for quick weeknight dinners. Portion into individual containers with rice for grab-and-go lunches that will make coworkers jealous of your delicious meal.
Serving Smart: When reheating, add a splash of cream or water to restore the sauce's silky consistency. Avoid microwaving directly in the container to prevent sauce separation and maintain the rich, velvety flavor profile.
Ingredients That Make Slow Cooker Butter Chicken Work
For Protein:
Chicken Thighs: Tender and juicy meat that absorbs flavors beautifully, choose boneless and skinless for easy preparation.
For Base and Creaminess:
Tomato Sauce, Passata: Creates rich, smooth foundation with deep, tangy flavor profile.
Heavy Whipping Cream: Adds luxurious, silky texture and balances spicy elements with its gentle richness.
Garlic, Ginger: Foundational aromatics that build robust, authentic Indian flavor base.
Salt, Sugar: Balances and rounds out overall taste, bringing harmony to spice blend.
Ground Cumin: Earthy, warm undertone that defines traditional Indian cuisine.
Garam Masala: Complex spice blend offering warming, traditional Indian character.
Smoked Paprika: Adds subtle smokiness and depth to sauce.
Ground Turmeric: Provides golden color and subtle earthy notes.
Chili Powder: Introduces gentle heat and vibrant color.
For Garnish:
Fresh Parsley, Mint, Cilantro: Bright, fresh finish that adds color and zesty aroma.
Tools to Simplify Your Slow Cooked Butter Chicken
Slow Cooker: Essential for cooking the butter chicken with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Whisk: Perfect for blending cream into the sauce smoothly and creating a creamy texture.
Cutting Board: Needed for chopping chicken into bite-sized pieces after cooking.
Sharp Knife: Critical for precise chicken cutting and ingredient preparation.
Measuring Spoons: Helps accurately measure spices for consistent taste.
Measuring Cups: Ensures correct liquid and ingredient proportions.
Letting the Crockpot Do the Work on Butter Chicken
Flavor Foundation
Create a vibrant spice blend in the slow cooker by mixing aromatic ingredients like garlic, ginger, tomato sauce, and warm spices such as cumin, garam masala, smoked paprika, turmeric, and chili powder. Add a touch of sweetness with a hint of sugar and salt.
Chicken Placement
Nestle tender chicken thighs into the spice mixture, ensuring they’re completely submerged. Scatter small butter pieces across the top to infuse extra richness and depth of flavor.
Slow Cooking Magic
Cover the slow cooker and let it work its magic. Choose high heat for a quicker meal or low heat for a more relaxed cooking experience, allowing the chicken to become incredibly tender and absorb all the delicious spices.
Creamy Transformation
Remove the chicken and gently shred or slice into bite-sized pieces. Stir heavy cream into the remaining sauce, creating a luxurious, velvety texture that will make your taste buds dance.
Final Touch
Return the chicken to the creamy sauce, coating each piece perfectly. Serve this mouthwatering dish over fluffy rice, accompanied by warm naan bread and a sprinkle of fresh herbs for a truly spectacular meal.
Tips That Deepen the Creamy Spice Blend
Marinate chicken thighs overnight in yogurt and spices before slow cooking to intensify the depth of flavor and tenderize the meat.
Adjust chili powder quantity based on personal heat preference – reduce for mild or increase for a fiery kick that will make taste buds dance.
Replace chicken thighs with firm tofu, chickpeas, or paneer cubes for a delicious plant-based version that maintains the same creamy, aromatic profile.
Swap heavy whipping cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free option that adds a subtle tropical richness and keeps the sauce luxuriously smooth.
Sprinkle fresh cilantro, toasted cashews, or a dollop of Greek yogurt on top to add texture, freshness, and visual appeal to this classic Indian-inspired dish.
Serving Butter Chicken with Rice or Bread
Creamy Comfort Bowl: Ladle the butter chicken over steamed basmati rice for a classic, comforting meal that soaks up all those delicious, spicy sauces. The rice perfectly captures the rich, velvety texture of the dish.
Naan Bread Dipping Delight: Warm up some soft naan bread and use it to scoop up generous portions of the butter chicken. This traditional Indian pairing adds an extra layer of texture and helps you enjoy every last drop of the incredible sauce.
Fresh Herb Flourish: Sprinkle chopped cilantro or fresh mint leaves on top just before serving. These bright green herbs will add a fresh, zesty contrast to the rich, creamy chicken and make the dish look absolutely stunning on the plate.
Cooling Side Companion: Serve a small bowl of cool raita (yogurt sauce with cucumber) alongside the butter chicken. This traditional side helps balance the warm spices and provides a refreshing counterpoint to the rich, creamy main dish.
Storing Butter Chicken That Doesn’t Separate
Fridge Fresh Technique: Store leftover butter chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days, ensuring maximum flavor retention and food safety.
Freezer Magic Approach: Freeze portions in sealed freezer bags or containers for convenient future meals. Butter chicken maintains excellent quality when frozen for 2-3 months without losing its delicious taste profile.
Reheating Revival Method: Warm refrigerated butter chicken gently in microwave or stovetop, adding splash of cream or broth to restore original moisture and prevent dry texture. Stir occasionally to distribute heat evenly.
Meal Prep Champion Strategy: Prepare extra batch during weekend cooking session. Portion into individual containers for quick weeknight dinners, saving time and enjoying restaurant-quality meal without extensive daily preparation.
Rich flavors of butter chicken dance through this slow cooker marvel, bringing Indian cuisine directly to home kitchens. Tender chicken bathes in creamy tomato sauce, delighting palates with minimal effort while promising a delectable meal you’ll savor completely.
Ingredients
Scale
2 lbs (907 grams) chicken thighs
3 tbsps unsalted butter (cut into small cubes)
16 oz (454 grams) tomato sauce (or passata)
½ cup (120 ml) heavy whipping cream
5 cloves garlic (minced)
2 tbsps fresh ginger (grated)
2 tbsps fresh parsley, mint, or cilantro (for garnish)
2 tsps garam masala
1 tsp salt
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp ground turmeric
½ tsp granulated sugar (or honey)
½ tsp chili powder
Instructions
Spice Blend Preparation: Whisk together minced garlic, grated ginger, tomato sauce, ground cumin, garam masala, smoked paprika, ground turmeric, chili powder, kosher salt, and granulated sugar in the slow cooker until perfectly integrated.
Chicken Integration: Submerge chicken thighs completely in the aromatic spice mixture, strategically distributing small cubes of unsalted butter across the top to amplify flavor complexity and richness.
Slow Cooking Process: Cover and cook on HIGH for 1.5–2 hours or LOW for 4–6 hours, ensuring chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) while developing deep, layered flavor profiles.
Sauce Transformation: Remove chicken and shred into bite-sized pieces, then whisk heavy whipping cream into the remaining sauce, creating a luxuriously smooth and velvety texture that captures all the intricate spice notes.
Final Assembly: Reincorporate shredded chicken into the creamy sauce, ensuring each piece is generously coated, then plate over steamed basmati rice and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro, serving alongside warm naan bread for an authentic culinary experience.
Notes
Spice Selection: Choose fresh, high-quality whole spices and grind them just before cooking for maximum flavor intensity and aromatic depth.
Chicken Cut Recommendation: Opt for bone-in chicken thighs for richer taste and more tender meat that absorbs spices more effectively.
Cream Incorporation Tip: Add heavy cream at the end of cooking to prevent curdling and maintain a smooth, luxurious sauce consistency.
Storage Strategy: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, allowing flavors to develop and intensify overnight.
Founder, Head Recipe Developer & Cuisine Specialist
Expertise
Recipe Development and Testing, Modern American and European Cuisines, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education and Workshops
Education
Johnson & Wales University
Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and global cuisines.
Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts
Program: Diploma in Pastry Arts
Focus: Specialized education in baking and pastry, emphasizing artisanal bread, confections, and plated desserts.
Michael Reynolds is the founder and head recipe creator at wd-50.com. With over 15 years of experience in the kitchen, he’s spent time working in top restaurants and now focuses on making great food easy for everyone at home.
Michael studied culinary arts at Johnson & Wales University and later trained in pastry at the Auguste Escoffier School. He knows his way around both savory meals and sweet treats.
At wd-50.com, his goal is to help you feel confident in the kitchen, whether you’re trying something new or cooking a favorite dish. He loves using fresh ingredients and simple steps that still bring out big flavors.
Michael Reynolds
Founder, Head Recipe Developer & Cuisine Specialist
Expertise
Recipe Development and Testing, Modern American and European Cuisines, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education and Workshops
Education
Johnson & Wales University
Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts
Michael Reynolds is the founder and head recipe creator at wd-50.com. With over 15 years of experience in the kitchen, he’s spent time working in top restaurants and now focuses on making great food easy for everyone at home.
Michael studied culinary arts at Johnson & Wales University and later trained in pastry at the Auguste Escoffier School. He knows his way around both savory meals and sweet treats.
At wd-50.com, his goal is to help you feel confident in the kitchen, whether you’re trying something new or cooking a favorite dish. He loves using fresh ingredients and simple steps that still bring out big flavors.