Creamy Dream: Slow Cooker Butter Chicken Recipe

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

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Butter Chicken

• Chicken Thighs: Tender, flavorful meat that absorbs spices beautifully and stays moist during slow cooking; boneless and skinless work best for easy eating.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

Creamy Slow Cooker Butter Chicken Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

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 1x2x3x

• 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

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 455
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 570 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 11 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 140 mg