There’s nothing better than coming home to the rich, comforting aroma of a meal that’s been slowly simmering all day. This Easy Slow Cooker Butter Chicken brings all the cozy flavors of your favorite Indian takeout dish—creamy sauce, tender chicken, and fragrant spices—right to your own kitchen.
The best part? It’s fuss-free. With just a little prep in the morning, your slow cooker does all the work, leaving you with a restaurant-quality dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or even a weekend gathering.
Recipe Info
| Field | Info |
|---|---|
| Category | Dinner / Chicken |
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 6–7 hours (low) or 3–4 hours (high) |
| Servings | 6 servings |
| Calories | ~420 kcal per serving |
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (cut into chunks)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut milk for dairy-free)
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons garam masala
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to spice preference)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt (to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Step-By-Step Instructions
- Prep the slow cooker
Lightly grease the insert of your slow cooker with nonstick spray or a small dab of butter. - Layer the ingredients
Add chicken, onion, garlic, ginger, tomato sauce, garam masala, cumin, turmeric, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper into the slow cooker. Stir well to coat the chicken in spices. - Cook low and slow
Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until chicken is tender and cooked through. - Add the creaminess
About 30 minutes before serving, stir in heavy cream, yogurt, and butter. Let it warm through and thicken slightly. - Serve & garnish
Spoon into bowls, garnish with chopped cilantro, and serve hot with rice or naan.
Helpful Notes & Tips
- Creamy shortcut: For extra silky sauce, blend the tomato sauce and onion mixture before adding the chicken.
- Adjust spice: Add more chili powder or even a fresh chili pepper if you love extra heat. Keep it mild by reducing the chili powder.
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.
Recipe Variations
- Protein swap: Try boneless chicken breasts, shrimp, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
- Dairy-free: Use coconut milk instead of cream and skip the butter for a lighter, dairy-free version.
- Low-carb: Serve over cauliflower rice instead of basmati rice.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with fluffy basmati rice or warm garlic naan for soaking up the sauce.
- Add a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh cucumber salad to balance the richness.
- Serve family-style at the table for an inviting, cozy dinner.
Conclusion
This Easy Slow Cooker Butter Chicken is proof that comfort food can be simple and stress-free. With just a few pantry spices and everyday ingredients, you can create a creamy, flavorful dish that’s sure to impress. Let your slow cooker do the work, and enjoy gathering around the table with loved ones over a bowl of this cozy, flavorful favorite.