Best Slow Cooker Indian Butter Chicken

BY :

Ovia Smith

Posted On :

July 8, 2025

If you’re searching for an easy and delicious dinner option that will wow your family and friends, look no further than this Best Slow Cooker Indian Butter Chicken recipe. This dish combines tender chicken thighs with a rich, creamy sauce made from aromatic spices and tomatoes. The slow cooker method allows all the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a comforting and satisfying meal with minimal effort. Imagine coming home after a long day to the tantalizing aroma of Indian spices filling your home. With this recipe, not only do you get a restaurant-quality dish, but you also get the convenience of a slow cooker, making it perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. Let’s dive into why you’ll love this recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are countless reasons to fall in love with the Best Slow Cooker Indian Butter Chicken. First and foremost, its flavor is unmatched. The combination of spices like garam masala, cumin, and coriander creates a fragrant and rich base that compliments the chicken perfectly. Each bite melts in your mouth, providing a burst of spice and creaminess that is incredibly satisfying.

Moreover, this recipe is incredibly forgiving. The slow cooker allows you to set it and forget it, giving you more time to relax or attend to other tasks. Whether you’re preparing a family dinner or having guests over, this dish is sure to impress without requiring hours of your time in the kitchen. You can also adjust the spiciness to your liking, making it suitable for everyone from spice novices to seasoned curry lovers.

This Butter Chicken pairs beautifully with basmati rice or naan, giving you that authentic Indian dining experience right at home. Plus, it’s a fantastic make-ahead meal. The flavors deepen and improve as it sits, making it an excellent choice for meal prep or leftovers. You can feel good about serving this dish to your loved ones, knowing it’s made from wholesome ingredients and bursting with flavor. If you haven’t tried making Indian food at home, this is an ideal starting point!

Why You Should Try This Recipe

First and foremost, the Best Slow Cooker Indian Butter Chicken is a healthier alternative to takeout. By preparing it at home, you control the ingredients and can avoid preservatives and excessive sodium often found in restaurant dishes. This recipe uses boneless, skinless chicken thighs, which are more tender than chicken breasts, and the addition of yogurt and cream creates a luscious sauce without being overly heavy.

Moreover, this dish is versatile. You can easily modify the recipe to suit your dietary preferences, such as using coconut milk instead of cream for a dairy-free version or adding vegetables like spinach or peas for extra nutrition. This adaptability allows you to personalize the dish to your tastes and nutritional needs, making it suitable for various diets.

Lastly, the process of making this Butter Chicken is straightforward, requiring minimal prep work. The ingredients are simple and likely to be found in your pantry or local grocery store. With just a few steps, you’ll have a delicious, homemade Indian meal that tastes like it’s been simmering for hours. So, gather your ingredients, grab your slow cooker, and let’s get cooking!

Ingredients and Necessary Utensils

Ingredients

2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1 onion, finely chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup plain yogurt
1/4 cup unsalted butter
2 tablespoons garam masala
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 tablespoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon turmeric
1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Cooked basmati rice or naan, for serving

Recommended Tools or Utensils

Slow cooker
Cutting board
Sharp knife
Measuring cups and spoons
Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring
Two forks for shredding chicken

Having the right tools will make your cooking experience seamless and enjoyable. The slow cooker is the star of this recipe, allowing the chicken to cook to tender perfection while infusing it with spices. The measuring cups and spoons will help ensure you get the right amounts of each ingredient, while a sharp knife will make chopping easy.

Detailed Recipe Steps

Prepare the Chicken: Start by placing the chicken thighs in the bottom of your slow cooker. Season them generously with salt and pepper. This will enhance the flavor of the chicken as it cooks.
Add Aromatics: Next, add the finely chopped onion, minced garlic, and minced ginger over the chicken. These ingredients will provide the base of flavor for your sauce. Stir them gently to distribute evenly.
Incorporate Tomatoes and Spices: Pour the crushed tomatoes over the chicken and add the garam masala, ground cumin, ground coriander, turmeric, and chili powder. Mix everything together thoroughly to ensure the chicken is well-coated with the spices.
Cook: Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be tender and easily shreddable when done.
Shred the Chicken: Once cooked, use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker. This not only makes the chicken easier to eat but also allows it to absorb more of the delicious sauce.
Add Creaminess: To the slow cooker, add the butter, heavy cream, and yogurt. Stir well to combine all the ingredients until the mixture is creamy and smooth. This step is crucial for achieving that signature buttery texture.
Taste and Adjust: Before serving, taste your butter chicken and adjust the seasoning as needed. If you prefer more spice, feel free to add a bit more chili powder or salt.
Serve: Ladle the creamy butter chicken into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve it hot over cooked basmati rice or alongside warm naan for a complete meal.

Cooking tips to remember: Make sure to cut your chicken into uniform pieces for even cooking. Also, don’t skip the step of shredding the chicken; this method allows the chicken to soak up all the delicious flavors of the sauce!

FAQs

What is Butter Chicken?

Butter Chicken, also known as Murgh Makhani, is a popular Indian dish made with marinated chicken cooked in a rich tomato and butter sauce, flavored with various spices. It’s known for its creamy texture and savory taste.

Can I make this recipe with chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can use chicken breasts instead of thighs for this recipe. However, chicken thighs tend to be more tender and juicy. If using breasts, be careful not to overcook them to prevent dryness.

How can I make this recipe dairy-free?

To make this Butter Chicken dairy-free, you can substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk and the yogurt with a dairy-free alternative. This will still provide a creamy texture without the dairy.

Can I freeze leftover Butter Chicken?

Yes, Butter Chicken freezes well! Store it in an airtight container and it can last in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Conclusion

The Best Slow Cooker Indian Butter Chicken is not only delicious but also easy to prepare, making it a must-try for anyone who loves Indian cuisine. With its rich flavors and creamy texture, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Whether it’s for a busy weeknight or a weekend gathering, this recipe delivers comfort and satisfaction in every bite. Don’t forget to share your thoughts in the comments below, and if you enjoyed this recipe, please share it with your friends and family! For more delicious recipes, check out our Indian Butter Chicken with Naan or our Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Meatballs. Happy cooking!