Butter chicken, a creamy and flavorful dish with a rich blend of spices, is a true comfort food for many. With the convenience of the slow cooker, this recipe allows you to savor this iconic dish without spending too much time in the kitchen. It’s tender chicken cooked in a luscious, buttery tomato-based sauce, making it an irresistible meal that pairs perfectly with rice or naan. Butter Chicken Slow Cooker Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This slow cooker butter chicken is an absolute game-changer when it comes to ease and flavor. I love how minimal effort is needed to create such a rich, indulgent dish. The slow cooker does all the work, allowing the chicken to become perfectly tender while the spices meld together to form a mouthwatering sauce. It’s a great dish for busy days, family dinners, or even entertaining guests. Plus, the creamy sauce is the perfect balance of savory and slightly tangy, making it hard to resist going for seconds.

Ingredients

2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1 large onion, finely chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon ginger, grated
1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1 tablespoon garam masala
1 tablespoon curry powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

(HERE’S A TIP: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Start by placing the chicken thighs in the slow cooker.
Add the chopped onion, garlic, and ginger on top of the chicken.
Pour in the diced tomatoes, heavy cream, and chicken broth.
Add the garam masala, curry powder, paprika, cumin, turmeric, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until the chicken and sauce are well-coated with the spices.
Place the butter on top of the mixture.
Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
Once the cooking time is up, remove the chicken and shred it using two forks.
Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir well to combine.
Let the flavors sit for another 10-15 minutes before serving.
Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired.

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields about 6 servings. The total cooking time is 6-7 hours on low in the slow cooker. It’s the perfect dish for a lazy weekend or an easy weeknight dinner when I want something hearty but not time-consuming to prepare.

Variations

Chicken breast substitution: If I prefer using chicken breasts, I can substitute the chicken thighs for boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Just note that they may dry out slightly in the slow cooker, so it’s a good idea to check the chicken towards the end of the cooking time.
Spicy butter chicken: For a spicier version, I can add chopped green chilies or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce. It’s a great way to kick up the heat if I enjoy a bit of spice.
Vegetarian version: I can easily turn this into a vegetarian dish by replacing the chicken with chickpeas or paneer. Both will absorb the flavors of the sauce beautifully.
Dairy-free option: To make this recipe dairy-free, I can swap out the heavy cream and butter for coconut milk and coconut oil, which will still provide that creamy texture but with a different flavor profile.

Storage/Reheating

Storing: Leftover butter chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating: When reheating, I find it’s best to heat it gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the sauce has thickened too much, I can add a splash of water or chicken broth to get the desired consistency back.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs in this recipe?

Yes, I can use chicken breasts, but they might be a bit drier compared to the thighs, which are more forgiving in slow cooking.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! This butter chicken tastes even better the next day once the flavors have had more time to meld. I can make it the day before and store it in the fridge for easy reheating.

Can I freeze leftover butter chicken?

Yes, butter chicken freezes really well. I can store the leftover dish in an airtight container and freeze it for up to 3 months. To reheat, I can thaw it overnight in the fridge and then reheat on the stove.

How can I make this dish spicier?

To add some heat, I can increase the amount of curry powder, garam masala, or add some cayenne pepper. For a fresh kick, I can also add finely chopped green chilies.

Can I use store-bought curry paste instead of the spices?

Yes, I can use store-bought curry paste in place of the spices for a shortcut. Just make sure to adjust the quantity based on the paste’s strength.

Conclusion

This butter chicken slow cooker recipe has quickly become one of my favorite go-to meals. It’s incredibly easy to prepare, and the slow cooker does all the hard work, making it perfect for busy days or when I want something comforting without a lot of fuss. With the rich, creamy sauce and tender chicken, it’s a dish that always leaves me satisfied and looking forward to leftovers the next day.