Name: Slow Cooker Butter Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-485687H35M18S
Total time: PT-485687H35M18S
Cuisine: Indian-inspired
Ingredients: 1 ½ lbs chicken thighs or breasts, cut into chunks; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tbsp ginger, grated; 1 can (14 oz) tomato sauce; 1/2 cup plain yogurt; 1 cup heavy cream or coconut milk; 3 tbsp butter; 2 tbsp tomato paste; 1 tbsp garam masala; 1 tsp ground cumin; 1 tsp paprika; 1/2 tsp ground turmeric; 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for spice); Salt & pepper, to taste

A rich, creamy, and flavorful Indian-inspired butter chicken made easily in the slow cooker! This recipe lets the spices meld perfectly while the chicken cooks low and slow, resulting in tender bites swimming in a luscious sauce. It’s a comforting dish that feels special but comes together with minimal effort.

Ingredients

1 ½ lbs chicken thighs or breasts, cut into chunks

1 small onion, finely chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 tbsp ginger, grated

1 can (14 oz) tomato sauce

1/2 cup plain yogurt

1 cup heavy cream or coconut milk

3 tbsp butter

1 tbsp garam masala

1 tsp ground cumin

2 tbsp tomato paste

1/2 tsp ground turmeric

1 tsp paprika

1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for spice)

Salt & pepper, to taste

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prep the Slow Cooker:
I add the chicken chunks, chopped onion, minced garlic, grated ginger, tomato sauce, tomato paste, and all the spices into the slow cooker. Then I stir everything well to coat the chicken evenly with the spices.

Slow Cook:
I cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender and infused with flavor.

Add the Cream & Butter:
Once the chicken is cooked, I stir in the yogurt, heavy cream (or coconut milk), and butter. Then I let it cook for another 20-30 minutes so the sauce turns rich and creamy.

Serve & Enjoy!
I love serving this butter chicken over steamed rice or with warm naan bread. Adding a sprinkle of fresh cilantro on top gives it a nice fresh touch.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves about 4 people.

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high, plus 20-30 minutes for finishing with cream and butter.

Variations

I sometimes swap the chicken thighs for breasts if I want leaner meat, but thighs stay juicier.

For a dairy-free version, I use coconut milk instead of heavy cream and skip the butter or replace it with a vegan butter alternative.

To boost the heat, I increase the cayenne pepper or add a chopped green chili.

Adding a handful of chopped spinach or peas at the end makes it a little more veggie-packed.

For extra smoky flavor, I occasionally add a dash of smoked paprika in place of regular paprika.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftover butter chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm it gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally. If it thickens too much, I add a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce. It also freezes well for up to 2 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken in this slow cooker butter chicken?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but I recommend increasing the cooking time by about an hour on low to ensure it cooks through completely.

Is it okay to substitute Greek yogurt for plain yogurt?

Absolutely! Greek yogurt works well and adds a nice creaminess. Just be sure to stir it in gently to prevent curdling.

Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot instead of a slow cooker?

Yes, you can use the sauté function first for the aromatics, then pressure cook the chicken for about 10 minutes, followed by a quick release. Finish by stirring in the cream and butter.

What can I serve with butter chicken besides rice and naan?

I like to serve butter chicken with steamed basmati rice, cauliflower rice, or even roasted vegetables for a low-carb option.

How spicy is this butter chicken?

The spice level is mild with just a hint of warmth from the cayenne pepper, which is optional. I usually adjust the cayenne based on how spicy I want the dish.

Conclusion

Making butter chicken in the slow cooker is one of my favorite easy dinner hacks. It lets the flavors develop deeply without much hands-on time, and the creamy, spiced sauce is always a hit. Whether I’m cooking for family or guests, this recipe delivers a comforting, satisfying meal every time.

Slow Cooker Butter Chicken