Slow Cooker Indian Butter Chicken is a creamy, flavorful dish full of tender chicken simmered in a rich tomato and butter sauce that’s spiced just right. With its mild heat and smooth texture, this recipe brings the heart of Indian comfort food right to your kitchen without any fuss.
I love how easy this recipe is because you just set everything in the slow cooker and let it work its magic while you go about your day. The slow cooking makes the chicken super soft and lets the spices blend perfectly, creating that signature buttery taste everyone loves. It’s one of those dishes that always gets compliments, and I find myself making it again and again.
My favorite way to enjoy this butter chicken is with warm naan bread or fluffy basmati rice to soak up all the saucy goodness. It’s great for a cozy family dinner or for impressing friends without spending hours in the kitchen. Give it a try on a chill day—you’ll be so glad you did!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I use chicken thighs because they’re juicier and stay tender after slow cooking. But chicken breasts work well too if you want leaner meat. Just be careful not to overcook them.
Tomato Sauce: Canned crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce both work here. If you want a richer sauce, try adding a spoonful of tomato paste for extra depth.
Butter & Cream: Butter is key for that classic rich flavor. For creaminess, Greek yogurt is a lighter swap for heavy cream and adds a nice tang. Just stir it in at the end on low heat to prevent curdling.
Spices: Garam masala, cumin, and paprika give this dish its authentic warmth. If you can’t find garam masala, try a mix of ground cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and nutmeg as a DIY blend.
How Do I Get Tender, Flavorful Chicken in the Slow Cooker?
Slow cookers gently cook chicken over hours, making it super tender and soaked in all the spices. Here’s how I do it best:
- Start by placing onions, garlic, and ginger at the bottom—this layers the flavor and keeps chicken from sticking.
- Use bone-in chicken thighs for even juiciness, but boneless works too.
- Add the sauce and spices evenly over the chicken for full coverage.
- Cook on low for 6-7 hours to let flavors deepen and chicken soften perfectly.
- Stir in yogurt or cream near the end to keep the sauce smooth and creamy without breaking.
Following these steps means your chicken will be tender and bursting with spices, while the sauce stays rich and velvety. It’s a great no-fuss way to get authentic butter chicken at home!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Slow cooker – This is the main tool that gently cooks the chicken until tender and flavorful.
- Chopping board and knife – For dicing onions and cutting chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Measuring spoons and cups – To get the perfect amount of spices and liquids.
- Mixing bowl – For combining the tomato sauce and spices before pouring into the slow cooker.
- Wooden spoon or spatula – To stir the ingredients and ensure everything is coated evenly.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Protein swap: Use tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian version — they absorb flavors nicely and are filling.
- Cheese twist: Top with a little grated mozzarella or paneer before serving for an extra cheesy finish.
- Veggie add-ins: Stir in spinach, peas, or bell peppers during the last 30 minutes of cooking for added color and nutrients.
- Spice level: Increase chili powder or add cayenne for more heat if you like things spicy.
How to Make Slow Cooker Indian Butter Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Chicken and Sauce:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 (14 oz) can tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
For The Spices and Creaminess:
- 2 teaspoons garam masala
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika (preferably smoked)
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder or cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt or heavy cream
For Serving and Garnish:
- Fresh cilantro, chopped for garnish
- Cooked basmati rice
- Naan bread
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10-15 minutes to prepare, then 6-7 hours slow cooking on low (or 3-4 hours on high). Add 15 minutes at the end to stir in the yogurt or cream and finish the dish. This makes it perfect for starting your day or lunchtime and having a delicious dinner ready with little hands-on time.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Slow Cooker Base:
Start by placing the finely chopped onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger into the bottom of your slow cooker. This will form the flavor foundation for your butter chicken.
2. Add the Chicken:
Place the bite-sized chicken pieces evenly on top of the onion and spice mixture.
3. Mix and Pour the Sauce:
In a bowl, combine the tomato sauce with garam masala, cumin, paprika, turmeric, chili powder, salt, black pepper, and sugar. Stir well until spices are evenly mixed. Pour this spiced tomato sauce evenly over the chicken in the slow cooker.
4. Add Butter and Cook:
Dot the unsalted butter over the top of the chicken and sauce. Cover the slow cooker with its lid, then cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The chicken will become tender and the flavors will blend nicely.
5. Finish the Sauce:
About 15 minutes before you plan to serve, stir in the Greek yogurt or heavy cream. This will make the sauce creamy and smooth. Taste and adjust salt if needed.
6. Serve and Garnish:
Dish up the butter chicken over cooked basmati rice. Serve warm with naan bread on the side. Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro on top for a fresh, vibrant finish.
Enjoy your slow cooker Indian butter chicken! It’s a comforting, flavorful meal that’s simple to make and always a crowd-pleaser.
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, but make sure to fully thaw the chicken before cooking. Using frozen chicken can affect cooking times and may result in unevenly cooked meat.
Can I Make This Butter Chicken Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare the dish up to the point before adding yogurt or cream, then refrigerate for up to 2 days. Add the yogurt or cream and reheat gently before serving.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to keep the sauce creamy and smooth.
What Can I Serve Instead of Rice or Naan?
You can serve butter chicken with cauliflower rice, quinoa, or steamed vegetables for a low-carb alternative. It also pairs nicely with flatbreads or even crusty bread.
