Slow Cooker Butter Chicken (Creamy Crockpot Recipe)

Slow cooker butter chicken delivers tender chicken in a rich, creamy tomato sauce packed with warm Indian spices. This easy crockpot recipe takes just 15 minutes to prep and yields a mildly spiced, family-friendly dinner perfect for weeknights. Serve it over basmati rice or with naan for an authentic touch that everyone loves.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Hands-off cooking with minimal prep: dump ingredients in the crockpot and let it work.
• Creamy, buttery sauce that’s rich yet balanced, using everyday grocery store spices like garam masala and curry powder.
• Mild spice level suitable for kids, with easy adjustments for more heat.
• Versatile for chicken thighs or breasts, plus options for low-carb, dairy-free, or veggie-packed versions.
• Freezer-friendly and even better as leftovers, making it ideal for meal prep.

What Is Butter Chicken?

Butter chicken, also known as murgh makhani, is a classic Indian dish featuring tender chicken simmered in a velvety tomato-cream sauce. Warm spices like garam masala, turmeric, and cumin create depth without overwhelming heat. The slow cooker version simplifies authentic flavors, blending onions, garlic, ginger, and tomatoes for a smooth sauce that rivals restaurant quality.​

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe serves 6 and uses simple pantry staples. Scale up or down as needed.

Chicken and Base

• 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts (thighs stay juicier)
• 1 large yellow onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated (or 1 teaspoon ground ginger)

Sauce and Spices

• 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
• 1 (14-ounce) can tomato sauce (or passata for smoother texture)
• 2 teaspoons garam masala
• 1.5 tablespoons curry powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (reduce or omit for milder flavor)
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar (to balance acidity)

For Creaminess

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces
• 1/2 cup heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk
• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (full-fat for best texture)

Optional Veggies

• 4 cups cauliflower florets (for a hidden veggie boost)
• Or swap for diced potatoes, peas, or chickpeas

For serving: Basmati rice, naan bread, chopped cilantro.

How to Make Slow Cooker Butter Chicken

Prep time: 15 minutes. Cook time: 4-6 hours. Total time: 4.5-6.5 hours.

1. Prep the flavor base. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a skillet over medium heat. Saute onion until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic, ginger, all spices, tomato paste, salt, and sugar. Cook 1 minute until fragrant. (For dump-and-go, mix directly in the slow cooker.)
2. Layer in the crockpot. Transfer the mixture to a 6-quart slow cooker. Add chicken pieces, top with tomato sauce and cauliflower (if using). Scatter butter pieces over the top. Stir gently to coat, keeping chicken mostly submerged.
3. Slow cook. Cover and cook on LOW for 4-6 hours or HIGH for 2-3 hours, until chicken reaches 165°F internally. Check at the lower time to avoid drying out.
4. Shred and finish. Remove chicken to a board; shred or chop into bite-sized pieces. Stir cream into the sauce, then return chicken. Let cool 5 minutes, stir in yogurt to prevent curdling. Taste and adjust salt, sugar, or spice.
5. Serve hot. Spoon over rice or with naan. Garnish with cilantro.​

Expert Tips for Perfect Results

• Use fresh ginger and garlic for maximum flavor; powdered works in a pinch.
• Add dairy (cream, yogurt) at the end to keep the sauce silky and prevent separation.
• For ultra-smooth sauce, blend onion, garlic, ginger, and tomatoes before adding to the slow cooker.
• Balance flavors: too acidic? Add sugar. Too mild? Stir in extra garam masala. Too thin? Simmer on HIGH 20 minutes.
• Don’t overcrowd; use a 6-quart slow cooker for best results.
• Chicken thighs yield juicier results than breasts in the slow cooker.

Recipe Variations

Dairy-Free Slow Cooker Butter Chicken

Swap heavy cream and yogurt for full-fat coconut milk. Use coconut oil instead of butter for paleo or Whole30.

Healthy Veggie-Packed Version

Add cauliflower, potatoes, or peas during cooking for nutrition without changing the flavor. Serve over quinoa or cauliflower rice for low-carb.

Keto or Low-Carb

Omit sugar, use thighs, and pair with cauliflower rice. The sauce is naturally low-carb friendly.

Vegan Butter Chicken

Replace chicken with chickpeas and extra cauliflower. Use vegan butter and coconut yogurt.

Spice It Up

Double chili powder or add cayenne for heat. For kids, skip chili entirely.

What to Serve with Butter Chicken

• Rice: Fluffy basmati, jasmine, or brown rice soaks up the sauce perfectly.
• Bread: Warm naan, roti, or pita for scooping.
• Sides: Cucumber raita (yogurt dip), simple green salad, or roasted veggies.
• Garnish: Fresh cilantro, mint, or a squeeze of lime brightens each bite.

Storage and Freezing

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce.

Freeze for up to 3 months: portion into freezer bags, excluding rice. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat. Perfect for busy weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is butter chicken spicy?

This version is mildly spiced and family-friendly, similar to a gentle curry. Adjust chili powder to your taste.

Can I use chicken breasts?

Yes, but thighs are recommended for tenderness. Cut into large chunks to prevent drying.

How long does it take in the slow cooker?

4-6 hours on LOW or 2-3 hours on HIGH. Always check internal temperature.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Absolutely: use coconut milk and vegan yogurt or butter alternative.

What’s the difference between butter chicken and chicken tikka masala?

Butter chicken has a richer, creamier tomato-butter sauce. Tikka masala is tangier with more yogurt and grilling.

Can I freeze slow cooker butter chicken?

Yes, it freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat gently.

Enjoy this comforting slow cooker butter chicken any night of the week!

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