When you want a dinner that delivers maximum flavor with minimum effort, butter chicken slow cooker style is always a winner. This easy method brings creamy, spiced Indian comfort food to your table without babysitting a pot on the stove. In this article, you’ll discover the story behind this dish, the keys to bold flavor, simple tips for best results, creative ways to serve and customize it, and answers to your top questions. Whether you’re a busy parent, a meal-prep enthusiast, or just someone craving home-cooked comfort, this recipe belongs in your weekly rotation. For more meal inspiration, explore options like Chicken Biryani One Pot or Chicken and Rice Bake to keep your dinner routine exciting.
Butter Chicken Slow Cooker
Table of Contents
The Story & Intro: Why Butter Chicken Slow Cooker Means Home
Butter chicken slow cooker style isn’t just a recipe—it’s a little piece of family nostalgia and a whole lot of modern kitchen magic. Growing up, dishes like creamy, tomato-rich butter chicken were a must at family gatherings. On busy weeknights, I wanted those same comforting flavors without standing at the stove, so I adapted traditional recipes for the slow cooker. Now, I can offer an aromatic, melt-in-your-mouth dinner that’s always a crowd-pleaser, even on the busiest days. The beauty of using a slow cooker is that you can let the flavors build all day, filling your kitchen with the mouthwatering aroma of curry powder, garam masala, and ginger. Each bite delivers the deep, savory flavors you’d expect from hours of simmering, without the work. Whenever I crave comfort food with an Indian twist, this is my top pick—just like my favorite Chicken Biryani One Pot and beloved Chicken and Rice Bake.
Hi, I’m Lia from recipeslia.com, and butter chicken slow cooker style brings together everything I love about home cooking: simplicity, comfort, and bold flavor. I first made this for a busy family night, letting the slow cooker do the heavy lifting while I managed the day’s chaos. The creamy, spiced sauce and tender chicken became an instant family favorite—requested again and again! Now, whenever I need a little culinary comfort without much effort, this is my go-to. Whether it’s Sunday dinner or a weeknight treat, this recipe is always full of warmth and nostalgia.
Ingredients & Step-by-Step Guide to Butter Chicken Slow Cooker
A classic butter chicken slow cooker recipe begins with aromatic ingredients, the right blend of spices, creamy elements, and quality chicken. Always use fresh garlic and ginger, and don’t skimp on the curry powder, garam masala, chili powder, and cumin for authentic flavor. Tomato sauce and paste provide a savory base, while heavy cream and butter add the signature richness. For best results, boneless, skinless chicken breasts are recommended, but thighs also work well if you want more juiciness. Pair this dish with Perfect Jasmine Rice or brighten it up with Fresh Cilantro Lime Rice as a flavorful side.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Unsalted Butter | 4 tbsp |
| Onion (diced) | 1 cup |
| Garlic (minced) | 1 tbsp |
| Ginger (grated) | 1 tbsp |
| Curry Powder | 2½ tsp |
| Chili Powder | 2 tsp |
| Garam Masala | 2 tsp |
| Cumin | ½ tsp |
| Salt | ½ tsp |
| Tomato Sauce | 1 cup |
| Tomato Paste | 6 tbsp |
| Heavy Cream | 1¼ cups (divided) |
| Chicken Breasts | 3 lbs (5-6 large) |
| Cornstarch | 2 tbsp |
| Cooked Jasmine Rice | 4 cups |
| Fresh Cilantro | For garnish |
To make this dish, melt butter in a skillet, then sauté onion, garlic, and ginger until fragrant. Add the curry powder, chili powder, garam masala, cumin, and salt, stirring until the spices bloom. Transfer this mixture to your slow cooker and stir in the tomato sauce, tomato paste, and ¾ cup of heavy cream. Nestle the chicken breasts in the sauce and cook on low for 5–6 hours or on high for 2½–3 hours, until the chicken is tender. For a silky finish, whisk cornstarch into the remaining ½ cup cream and stir into the sauce. Shred or cube the chicken, return it to the slow cooker, and cook until thickened. For more ways to perfect your results, see my Slow Cooker Tips or explore Easy Chicken Curry for another comfort classic.
Serving Suggestions & Modern Twists for Butter Chicken Slow Cooker
Once your butter chicken is cooked, it’s time to make it a meal worth savoring. The classic approach is to serve it over hot jasmine rice. For a fresh spin, a scoop of Fresh Cilantro Lime Rice adds citrus and herb notes that complement the rich sauce. Warm, pillowy naan bread is essential for soaking up every drop—try my Homemade Naan Bread for an easy side that feels like a treat. For extra veggies, add a simple cucumber salad or roasted greens on the side.
Butter chicken is endlessly adaptable. Want it lighter? Swap the cream for coconut milk or Greek yogurt. Add more chili powder or jalapeño for heat. Substitute boneless thighs for richer flavor, or use turkey breast for a leaner option. For a party, serve butter chicken as part of a buffet with global favorites like Best Instant Pot Chicken or start with Creamy Tomato Soup to set the stage for an amazing meal.
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Butter Chicken Slow Cooker – The Ultimate Comfort Food for Busy Families
- Total Time: 5 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Creamy, savory, and incredibly easy, this butter chicken slow cooker recipe is packed with flavor. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep, it’s a hands-off way to enjoy Indian comfort food at home.
Ingredients
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 cup diced onion
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 tablespoon grated ginger
2½ teaspoons curry powder
2 teaspoons chili powder
2 teaspoons garam masala
½ teaspoon cumin
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup tomato sauce
6 tablespoons tomato paste
1¼ cups heavy cream, divided
3 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons cornstarch
4 cups cooked jasmine rice
Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
1. Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, and ginger. Cook until fragrant.
2. Stir in curry powder, chili powder, garam masala, cumin, and salt. Cook for 1 minute.
3. Transfer the mixture to your slow cooker. Add tomato sauce, tomato paste, and ¾ cup heavy cream; mix well.
4. Add chicken breasts, coating with sauce. Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours or high for 2½-3 hours.
5. Mix cornstarch with remaining ½ cup heavy cream until smooth. Stir into slow cooker. Shred or cube chicken, return to sauce, and cook for 10-15 minutes until thickened.
6. Serve hot over cooked jasmine rice and garnish with fresh cilantro.
Notes
Swap heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free version. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For a spicier kick, add more chili powder or cayenne.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
FAQs, Troubleshooting, and Final Thoughts on Butter Chicken Slow Cooker
Sometimes even tried-and-true recipes need a little troubleshooting. If your sauce is too thin, whisk extra cornstarch with cold cream and stir it in, then simmer until thickened. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or more cream. For a spicier dish, simply add more chili powder or a pinch of cayenne. If your chicken turns out dry, try using thighs next time or shorten the cooking time.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? Absolutely. Chicken thighs stay juicy and work perfectly for long, slow cooking, making them a great option for richer flavor.
Is it possible to prepare this dish ahead of time? Yes. Combine all the ingredients in your slow cooker insert and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, set it in the slow cooker and start cooking as usual.
How spicy is this butter chicken? This recipe is mild to moderately spiced. If you want more heat, add extra chili powder or a chopped fresh chili.
Can I freeze leftover butter chicken? Yes. Cool completely, store in airtight containers, and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.
Butter chicken slow cooker is the kind of meal that brings comfort, ease, and joy to the table—whether it’s a simple family dinner or a special weekend feast. The slow cooker means you get all the flavor of classic butter chicken with almost no effort. If you’re looking for more ideas, try my Family Dinner Ideas or find more kitchen tricks in Slow Cooker Tips and Tricks. Here’s to many cozy, delicious meals ahead!
