Slow Cooker Butter Chicken Recipe

When you’re craving something extra comforting, rich, and full of gently layered spices, Slow Cooker Butter Chicken will absolutely win your heart. This easy, aromatic crockpot version gives you all the cozy, creamy magic of the classic Indian dish—without hovering over the stove!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Slow Cooker Butter Chicken calls for simple pantry staples and a handful of classic spices. Each ingredient works its magic to build layers of deep flavor, irresistible color, and that famous creamy finish in every bite.

• Onion (1 cup, diced): The perfect base for sweetness and depth, sautéed to mellow perfection.
• Unsalted Butter (4 tablespoons): What’s butter chicken without butter? It brings a luxurious texture and rich flavor to the sauce.
• Minced Garlic (1 tablespoon): Fresh garlic infuses the sauce with sharp, aromatic notes that balance the creaminess.
• Grated Ginger (1 tablespoon): Adds a gentle zing and subtle earthy heat for authentic warmth.
• Curry Powder (2½ teaspoons): A fragrant blend of spices that forms the backbone of the dish’s flavor profile.
• Chili Powder (2 teaspoons): Brings gentle heat—just enough to keep things interesting without overpowering.
• Garam Masala (2 teaspoons): This quintessential Indian spice blend adds notes of sweetness, warmth, and complexity.
• Cumin (½ teaspoon): Offers earthy, robust undertones that anchor all the flavors together.
• Salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances every other ingredient and ties them all into a harmonious whole.
• Tomato Sauce (1 cup): This is the sauce’s juicy, slightly tangy backbone that perfectly balances the cream.
• Heavy Cream (1¼ cups, divided): Use full-fat for a super creamy, decadent mouthfeel—that’s the butter chicken secret!
• Tomato Paste (6 tablespoons): Adds rich tomato flavor and gives the sauce that gorgeous, deep red color.
• Cornstarch (2 tablespoons): Helps thicken the sauce to glossy, scoopable perfection so it clings to every piece of chicken.
• Boneless-Skinless Chicken Breasts (3 pounds): The star of the show! Large pieces ensure juicy, tender bites after slow cooking.
• Cooked Jasmine Rice (4 cups): Fluffy, fragrant rice is the perfect partner—soaking up every bit of that luscious sauce.
• Fresh Cilantro: For garnish and a pop of bright, herby freshness just before serving.

Variations

One of the absolute best things about Slow Cooker Butter Chicken is just how flexible it is. Don’t hesitate to tweak the recipe to fit your pantry, spice preference, or dietary needs—the creamy foundation is endlessly adaptable!

• Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts: Swap in boneless, skinless thighs if you love ultra-juicy, more flavorful chicken.
• Dairy-Free Version: Use full-fat coconut milk instead of cream and a plant-based butter substitute to keep it rich and luscious.
• Vegetarian Twist: Try adding drained chickpeas or cubes of paneer for a meat-free, protein-packed meal.
• Spicier or Milder: Bump up the chili powder for more heat or dial it back and add extra cream for a mellow, kid-friendly version.

How to Make Slow Cooker Butter Chicken

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics & Spices

Start by melting the butter in a sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add chopped onions, garlic, ginger, curry powder, chili powder, garam masala, cumin, and salt. Gently cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring often, until the onions soften and those gorgeous spices bloom—the aroma is your kitchen’s little love letter to home-cooked Indian food.

Step 2: Blend to Silky Sauce

Transfer everything from your pan (aromatics and all those toasty spices) into a blender. Add tomato sauce, tomato paste, and ¾ cup of the heavy cream. Blitz until the sauce is completely smooth—don’t rush this step! The silkier your sauce now, the more luxurious every bite of Slow Cooker Butter Chicken will be later.

Step 3: Slow Cook the Chicken

Add the raw chicken breasts to your slow cooker and pour the blended sauce right over the top. Make sure every piece gets a nice coating. Cover and set to high for 2½ to 3 hours. The slow warmth transforms the chicken into something incredibly tender and infuses it with all those layers of flavor.

Step 4: Chop & Thicken

Once fully cooked, carefully remove the chicken and cut it into hearty, 1-inch pieces. Meanwhile, make your thickener: combine the remaining ½ cup of cream with cornstarch until smooth. Pour this slurry back into the sauce in your slow cooker and stir—it’ll thicken into that signature velvety consistency in just a couple of minutes.

Step 5: Finish & Serve

Return the chopped chicken to the slow cooker and stir gently so every piece gets enveloped in that luscious sauce. Switch off your slow cooker and you’re ready to serve! Spoon generously over jasmine rice and sprinkle with fresh cilantro for a crave-worthy, restaurant-quality meal at home.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Butter Chicken

Garnishes

Fresh cilantro is a must here—the green flecks wake up the entire bowl with brightness and a little herbal pop. For an extra-special touch, add a drizzle of cream or a sprinkle of toasted slivered almonds for crunch and gorgeous presentation.

Side Dishes

Classic jasmine rice is unbeatable for soaking up all that creamy sauce. But don’t stop there: serve with warm naan or roti to scoop up every last drop, and maybe a simple cucumber salad or roasted veggies for fresh contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving Slow Cooker Butter Chicken as part of a fun “build-your-own bowl” night—let everyone customize with rice, naan, chopped cilantro, and yogurt. Or, for a party, serve it mini-style in appetizer cups with a little rice and cilantro on top for a unique, crowd-pleasing nibble.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let your Slow Cooker Butter Chicken cool to room temperature, then transfer to airtight containers. It will keep beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days, and honestly, the flavors deepen overnight—so leftover lunches are a treat!

Freezing

Butter chicken freezes like a dream. Portion it into containers, leaving a little room for expansion, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve that super creamy texture.

Reheating

When it’s time to reheat, warm gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat or in the microwave, stirring every so often. You can splash in a little extra cream or water if the sauce needs loosening up—don’t worry, it’s just as delicious the next day!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite as satisfying—or as easy!—as filling your home with the cozy, mouthwatering aroma of Slow Cooker Butter Chicken. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and make it your own. Whether it’s for a busy weeknight or a cozy gathering, it’s pure comfort in a bowl, and I can’t wait for you to take that first, creamy, spice-kissed bite!

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