Best Slow Cooker Indian Butter Chicken is a creamy, flavorful dish with tender chicken cooked in a rich tomato and butter sauce spiced with classic Indian flavors like garam masala, garlic, and ginger. The slow cooker does all the work, letting the chicken soak up all those delicious spices until it’s perfectly soft and juicy.
I love making this recipe because it fills the house with the most inviting aromas and gives me time to relax while it cooks. I usually throw it all in before heading out and come back to a dinner that tastes like I spent hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s a great way to enjoy Indian food without the fuss of stirring a sauce on the stove.
My favorite way to serve this butter chicken is over fluffy basmati rice or with warm naan bread to mop up every bit of the sauce. It’s a dish that somehow tastes just as good the next day, so leftovers are a happy bonus. This slow cooker butter chicken always gets everyone asking for seconds and has become one of my go-to recipes for cozy nights in.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I prefer boneless, skinless thighs because they stay juicy and tender during slow cooking. If you prefer leaner meat, breasts work fine but can dry out a bit, so check earlier.
Tomato Sauce: Canned tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes add the rich base for the sauce. If you want a fresher taste, use fresh tomatoes blended until smooth, but canned is easier and consistent.
Greek Yogurt & Cream: Greek yogurt adds tang and creaminess without curdling in the slow cooker. Heavy cream makes it rich, but coconut cream is a great dairy-free option for a subtle coconut flavor.
Spices (Garam Masala, Cumin, Coriander, Paprika, Turmeric): These spices create the classic butter chicken flavor. Use pre-mixed garam masala for convenience or blend your own. If you don’t have paprika, mild chili powder or sweet paprika can work.
Butter: Unsalted butter enriches the sauce. For a lighter option, you can reduce the amount or use ghee, which adds a nice nutty depth.
How Do I Make Sure the Chicken Stays Tender and Doesn’t Dry Out?
Chicken can dry out if cooked too long or at too high a temperature. Here are some tips for slow cooker success:
- Use chicken thighs as they’re more forgiving and stay juicy during slow cooking.
- Layer aromatics like onions, garlic, and ginger under the chicken to infuse flavor and moisture.
- Cook on low heat for 6-7 hours rather than high heat to keep the meat tender.
- Don’t open the lid during cooking; slow cookers lose heat quickly, affecting cooking time.
- Add cream and butter toward the end to keep the sauce smooth and rich without overcooking the chicken.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Slow cooker – the star of this recipe, it gently cooks the chicken and sauce all day with no fuss.
- Cutting board and sharp knife – for chopping onions, garlic, ginger, and cutting chicken into chunks easily.
- Mixing bowl – to whisk together the sauce ingredients and spices so they blend smoothly.
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula – for stirring the sauce gently when adding butter and cream near the end.
- Measuring spoons and cups – to get the spice amounts just right without guesswork.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap chicken thighs for boneless turkey chunks for a leaner, milder flavor.
- Add diced bell peppers or peas about halfway through cooking for extra color and veggies.
- Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream for a dairy-free version with a hint of coconut sweetness.
- Mix in a tablespoon of fenugreek leaves (kasuri methi) at the end for a traditional buttery aroma and taste.
Best Slow Cooker Indian Butter Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into chunks
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
- ½ cup heavy cream or coconut cream
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons garam masala
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon paprika (preferably smoked or sweet)
- ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Fresh cilantro leaves, chopped for garnish
- Cooked basmati rice or naan, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 10 minutes of preparation time and then slow cooking for 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. Add an extra 30 minutes at the end to stir in the butter and cream and let the flavors combine perfectly. It’s a mostly hands-off recipe that fills your kitchen with wonderful aromas as it cooks!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Base:
Start by adding the chopped onions, garlic, and fresh ginger into the slow cooker. These aromatics build the flavor foundation for your butter chicken.
2. Add the Chicken:
Place the chicken chunks on top of the aromatics in the slow cooker.
3. Mix the Sauce:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the tomato sauce, Greek yogurt, garam masala, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper until smooth.
4. Combine and Cook:
Pour the spiced tomato mixture evenly over the chicken. 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 cooked through.
5. Finish the Sauce:
About 30 minutes before serving, add the butter, heavy cream (or coconut cream), and lemon juice to the slow cooker. Stir gently to combine everything and let it warm through.
6. Taste and Adjust:
Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed.
7. Serve:
Ladle the butter chicken into bowls and sprinkle with fresh chopped cilantro. Serve alongside steamed basmati rice or warm naan bread to enjoy every bit of the creamy, flavorful sauce.
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but be sure to thaw it completely before adding it to the slow cooker. Thaw overnight in the fridge or use the cold water method to speed things up. This helps the chicken cook evenly and safely.
Can I Make This Butter Chicken Dairy-Free?
Absolutely! Substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream and use a dairy-free yogurt instead of Greek yogurt. This keeps the dish creamy and rich without dairy while adding a subtle coconut flavor.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover butter chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally so the sauce heats evenly without curdling.
Can I Add Vegetables to This Slow Cooker Butter Chicken?
Yes, adding veggies like peas, spinach, or bell peppers works great! Add sturdier veggies like bell peppers halfway through cooking, and softer ones like spinach near the end to avoid overcooking.
