Unlock the secret to a rich and creamy Indian classic right in your kitchen! This crockpot butter chicken recipe simplifies an otherwise complex dish, letting your slow cooker do all the hard work. You’ll achieve incredibly tender chicken bathed in a velvety, spiced tomato sauce that tastes like it simmered all day. Get ready for a delicious, comforting meal with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Butter Chicken

This slow cooker butter chicken is a game-changer for busy households and beginner cooks alike!

Deliciously creamy and mild flavor: It balances rich spices with a comforting, approachable taste that everyone loves.
Minimal hands-on prep time: Just a few minutes of mixing, then your slow cooker takes over, making weeknight dinners stress-free.
Perfect for family weeknight dinners: A hearty and satisfying meal that easily feeds a crowd and pleases even picky eaters.
Fills your home with amazing aromas: As it slowly simmers, the fragrant spices will create an inviting atmosphere in your kitchen.
Tender, melt-in-your-mouth chicken: The low-and-slow cooking method ensures every piece of chicken is incredibly succulent and flavorful.

Ingredients for Crockpot Butter Chicken

Creating this flavorful crockpot butter chicken relies on a beautiful blend of spices and fresh aromatics. Each ingredient plays a vital role in building the dish’s signature depth and richness. Gather these simple items to get started on your easy slow cooker journey.

5 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons fresh ginger, grated
16-oz (450g) tomato sauce (or passata)
1 teaspoon ground cumin
2 teaspoons garam masala (for a homemade recipe, consider your brand’s recipe index)
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
½ teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon granulated sugar (or honey)
2 lb (900g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
½ cup (120ml) heavy whipping cream (double cream in the UK)
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, mint, or cilantro, for garnish

Notes & Substitutions

Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are an excellent alternative if you prefer white meat. You can also use bone-in thighs, but adjust cooking time.
Tomato: Canned crushed tomatoes or diced tomatoes, blended smooth, work well in place of tomato sauce or passata.
Cream: For a lighter option, half-and-half can be used, though it will result in a slightly thinner sauce. Full-fat coconut milk is a fantastic dairy-free substitute that adds richness.
Ginger: If fresh ginger is unavailable, use 1 teaspoon of ground ginger powder.
Spice: Adjust the chili powder to your family’s preference for heat. For a milder dish, simply omit it entirely.
Garam Masala: While store-bought is convenient, using a fresh, homemade garam masala blend significantly enhances the authentic flavor of your Indian butter chicken.

Garam masala is a staple in Indian cuisine and is believed to have originated in Northern India. Learn more about the history and uses of garam masala to deepen your understanding of this flavorful spice blend.

Equipment

You don’t need a lot of fancy tools to prepare this fantastic slow cooker butter chicken recipe. These essential kitchen items will ensure your cooking process is smooth and effortless.

4-quart or larger slow cooker: This ensures ample space for all ingredients to cook evenly.
Instant-read meat thermometer: Crucial for verifying the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature.
Cutting board and sharp knife: Essential for preparing the chicken and mincing aromatics.
Whisk: Helpful for blending the cream into the sauce for a smooth, velvety finish.

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create a wonderfully flavorful crockpot butter chicken that will impress everyone. This recipe is designed to be beginner-friendly, ensuring a successful and delicious meal every time.

Combine sauce ingredients: To the slow cooker, add the minced garlic, grated ginger, tomato sauce, ground cumin, garam masala, smoked paprika, ground turmeric, chili powder, salt, and granulated sugar. Give everything a good stir until all the spices are well combined with the tomato base. This forms the flavorful foundation of your sauce.
Add chicken thighs: Gently add the boneless, skinless chicken thighs to the slow cooker. Turn them over a few times to ensure they are completely coated in the aromatic sauce. This step helps the chicken absorb all the delicious flavors as it cooks.
Scatter butter cubes: Scatter the small cubes of unsalted butter all over the top of the chicken and sauce mixture. The butter will slowly melt and infuse the dish with its signature richness, creating that classic buttery flavor in your slow cooker butter chicken.
Cook on HIGH or LOW: Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Cook on the HIGH setting for 1.5-2 hours, or alternatively, cook on the LOW setting for 4-6 hours. The specific cooking time can vary slightly depending on your slow cooker model.
Check chicken temperature: The chicken is done when its internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) as measured with an instant-read meat thermometer. The USDA recommends cooking all poultry to this safe minimum internal temperature to ensure food safety. Read more about safe cooking temperatures for chicken.
Remove chicken to cool: Carefully remove the cooked chicken thighs from the slow cooker and place them on a cutting board. Let them cool enough to be handled comfortably before proceeding to the next step.
Stir in heavy cream: While the chicken cools, stir the heavy cream into the sauce remaining in the slow cooker. Use a whisk to blend it thoroughly until the sauce is creamy and smooth, giving your crockpot butter chicken its signature silky texture.
Cut chicken into pieces: Once cooled, cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. You can shred it with two forks if you prefer, as it will be very tender.
Return chicken to sauce: Return the cut chicken pieces to the creamy sauce in the slow cooker. Stir gently to ensure all the chicken is re-coated and warmed through.
Serve immediately: Your easy crockpot butter chicken is now ready! Serve it hot, garnished with fresh parsley, mint, or cilantro as desired, and enjoy this delightful meal.

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

Achieve the best possible slow cooker butter chicken with these helpful tips and avoid common pitfalls.

Don’t add water to the slow cooker: The chicken and tomato sauce naturally release enough liquid, so adding water can thin the sauce too much.
Avoid cutting chicken before cooking: Whole chicken thighs cook more evenly and retain moisture better, resulting in more tender meat for your crockpot butter chicken.
Add cream only after cooking is complete: Dairy can curdle if cooked on high heat for too long, so stir in the heavy cream right at the end for a smooth finish.
Adjust sweetness with sugar or honey: Taste the sauce before serving and add a little more sugar or honey if you prefer a sweeter curry.
Reduce chili powder for milder taste: If you or your family are sensitive to spice, simply halve or omit the chili powder altogether.
Fresh herbs enhance final flavor: A sprinkle of fresh cilantro, mint, or parsley brightens the dish and adds a lovely fragrant finish.
Doubling recipe does not change cook time: The cooking time remains the same even if you double the ingredients, as the heat penetration is similar.

Serving, Storage, and Variations

Make the most of your delicious crockpot butter chicken with these ideas for serving, storage, and exciting variations.

Serving Suggestions

Fluffy basmati rice: The perfect absorbent companion to soak up every drop of the rich, creamy sauce.
Warm naan bread: Ideal for scooping up the flavorful butter chicken and enjoying its soft, chewy texture.
Steamed green vegetables: Offer a side of broccoli, green beans, or spinach for a fresh, healthy contrast.

Storage

Refrigerate leftovers up to 5 days: Store any leftover slow cooker butter chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Reheat gently, add water if too thick: Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave. If the sauce has thickened too much, add a splash of water or milk to reach your desired consistency.
Freeze up to 3 months for meal prep: This dish freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers for convenient future meals. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Variations

Vegan: For a plant-based option, try swapping the chicken for hearty cauliflower florets and using full-fat coconut milk instead of dairy cream and butter.
Protein: Instead of chicken, you can use cubes of paneer (Indian cheese) or hearty chickpeas for a vegetarian twist on this crockpot butter chicken.
Cooking: If you own one, explore making an Instant Pot version of butter chicken for an even faster cooking time when you are short on time.

Nutrition Information (per serving)

Understanding the nutritional content can help you incorporate this delicious crockpot butter chicken into your meal plan. These values are based on the provided ingredients.

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	580 kcal
Carbohydrates	11 g
Protein	40 g
Fat	58 g
Saturated Fat	23 g
Trans Fat	1 g
Cholesterol	286 mg
Sodium	1369 mg
Potassium	933 mg
Fiber	3 g
Sugar	6 g
Vitamin A	1695 IU
Vitamin C	10 mg
Calcium	70 mg
Iron	3 mg

Disclaimer: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific brands and preparation methods.

FAQ

Got questions about making this delightful crockpot butter chicken? We’ve got answers!

What makes butter chicken “butter chicken”? The signature richness comes from the generous use of butter and cream, combined with a tomato and spice base, creating a luxurious and velvety sauce.
Can I use frozen chicken? For best results and food safety, it is always recommended to thaw chicken completely before adding it to the slow cooker. This ensures even cooking and optimal texture.
How to make the sauce thicker or thinner? For a thicker sauce, you can remove the lid for the last 30 minutes of cooking or stir in a cornstarch slurry. For a thinner sauce, simply add a splash of water or chicken broth.
Is this recipe gluten-free? Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free! All the ingredients listed are typically free of gluten, making it a great option for those with sensitivities.
Why is my chicken dry? Overcooking is the most common reason for dry chicken. Always use a meat thermometer and remove the chicken once it reaches 165°F, especially when making slow cooker butter chicken.

Conclusion

This easy crockpot butter chicken recipe proves that incredible flavor doesn’t have to come with endless effort. With minimal prep and the magic of your slow cooker, you can create a tender, creamy, and wonderfully spiced meal that the whole family will adore. It’s the perfect blend of comforting tradition and modern convenience, making it ideal for busy parents and beginner cooks alike. We encourage you to try this delightful slow cooker favorite soon! If you love it as much as we do, please consider rating and sharing this recipe with your friends and family.