Slow Cooker Indian Butter Chicken is a delicious and creamy dish that combines tender chicken pieces with rich tomato sauce, fragrant spices, and a buttery finish. This dish is known for its smooth texture and comforting flavors that make it a favorite in many homes. The slow cooker makes it so easy to get the chicken perfectly cooked and infused with all those wonderful spices without much effort.
I love making this recipe on busy days because I just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it do its magic while I focus on other things. The longer it cooks, the more the flavors come together, and the chicken turns incredibly tender and juicy. Plus, the buttery tomato sauce is just the right amount of creamy and spiced to please everyone at the table.
My favorite way to enjoy this butter chicken is with some warm naan bread and fluffy basmati rice to soak up all that delicious sauce. It’s a meal that always feels like a special treat, even when it’s super easy to prepare. If you love cozy, comforting meals with a little twist of Indian spices, this slow cooker version might become your new go-to dinner.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken thighs: They stay juicy and tender during slow cooking. You can use chicken breasts for a leaner option, but watch the cooking time as they cook faster.
Tomato sauce/puréed tomatoes: Provides the rich base for the sauce. If you prefer, crushed tomatoes work too and add a bit of texture.
Butter & cream: These give the dish its signature smooth, rich texture. Use coconut cream for a dairy-free version or Greek yogurt to add creaminess with a slight tang.
Garam masala & spices: Garam masala blends warm spices like cardamom, cloves, and cinnamon. If unavailable, combine ground coriander, cumin, and a pinch of cinnamon as a simple substitute.
How Can You Get the Best Flavor from Slow Cooker Butter Chicken?
Slow cookers make it easy, but layering flavors is key. Here’s how I do it:
- Start by mixing spices with onions, garlic, and ginger to release their aromas.
- Toss the chicken well so every piece is coated in spices for deep flavor.
- Adding butter on top lets it melt slowly, enriching the sauce.
- Stir in cream and yogurt near the end to keep the sauce silky without curdling.
- Cook low and slow to make the chicken tender and let flavors blend fully.
Patience here pays off with a dish that’s truly satisfying and full of warmth.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Slow cooker – I love it because it cooks the chicken evenly and frees up your stove for other dishes.
- Cutting board and sharp knife – makes chopping onions and chicken quick and safe.
- Measuring spoons and cups – helps you add spices and liquids accurately.
- Wooden spoon or spatula – for stirring everything together before cooking.
- Serving bowls and spoons – to dish out the butter chicken once it’s ready.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap chicken thighs for chicken breasts for a leaner dish that cooks faster.
- Try adding chopped bell peppers or spinach during the last hour for extra veggies.
- Use coconut milk instead of cream to make it dairy-free and add a tropical touch.
- Spice it up with a pinch of cayenne or chopped green chilies for more heat.
Slow Cooker Indian Butter Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce or pureed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut cream
- 1/4 cup plain yogurt (optional for extra creaminess)
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp garam masala
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 1 tbsp paprika (preferably smoked or Kashmiri for color)
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup water or chicken broth
- Fresh cilantro leaves, chopped (for garnish)
- Cooked basmati rice, for serving
- Naan bread (optional), for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10-15 minutes to prepare, plus 6-7 hours of slow cooking on low (or 3-4 hours on high). You’ll have tender, flavorful chicken ready with minimal hands-on time.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Base Flavors:
Place the chopped onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger into the slow cooker. Add garam masala, ground cumin, paprika, turmeric, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything so the spices coat the vegetables evenly.
2. Add the Chicken:
Place the chicken pieces into the slow cooker and toss them with the spiced onion mixture. Make sure each piece is well coated for the best flavor.
3. Add Tomato Sauce and Liquid:
Pour in the tomato sauce (or pureed tomatoes) and the water or chicken broth. Stir gently to combine all ingredients.
4. Add Butter:
Cut the unsalted butter into small pieces and scatter them evenly on top of the chicken mixture. This butter will melt as it cooks and make the sauce rich and creamy.
5. Cook the Chicken:
Cover the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be tender and fully cooked through.
6. Finish with Cream and Yogurt:
About 30 minutes before you want to eat, stir in the heavy cream and plain yogurt if using. Cover and continue cooking for the remaining time to keep the sauce silky and smooth.
7. Adjust and Serve:
Taste and adjust salt or spices if needed. Serve the butter chicken hot over cooked basmati rice and garnish generously with fresh chopped cilantro. Optionally, warm some naan bread to scoop up all the delicious sauce.
Enjoy your comforting, creamy Slow Cooker Indian Butter Chicken — a perfect meal with minimal effort!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can, but make sure to thaw the chicken completely before adding it to the slow cooker. Thaw in the fridge overnight or use the cold water method for faster thawing. This helps ensure even cooking and food safety.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Butter chicken actually tastes great the next day once the flavors have melded even more. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
What Are Good Substitutions for Dairy Ingredients?
If you want a dairy-free version, swap heavy cream with coconut cream and use coconut milk instead of yogurt. The dish will still be creamy with a slightly different but delicious flavor.
How Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
You can reduce or omit the chili powder if you prefer a milder dish. To add more heat, increase the chili powder or add finely chopped green chilies during cooking. Adjust gradually to suit your taste.
