Easy Best Slow Cooker Indian Butter Chicken Recipe

If you’re craving rich, creamy Indian flavors without spending hours in the kitchen, this easy best slow cooker Indian butter chicken recipe is your new go-to. Slow cooking the chicken allows the spices and tomato-based sauce to meld perfectly, delivering tender, juicy bites every time.

this Recipe

Whether you’re a weeknight warrior or love prepping meals ahead, this slow cooker butter chicken offers a fuss-free way to enjoy authentic Indian comfort food. You’ll love how simply it comes together and how deliciously it fills your home with warmth.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Hands-off slow cooking means minimal prep and easy cleanup.
• Creamy, flavorful sauce with perfectly tender chicken pieces.
• Uses accessible ingredients you likely have on hand.
• Great for meal prepping or feeding a crowd.
• Pairs perfectly with rice, naan, or your favorite sides.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients for a classic, creamy slow cooker butter chicken that’s full of bold Indian spices and comforting richness.

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1 ½-inch pieces
• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 1 tablespoon garam masala
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 (14 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours on low or 2 hours on high
• Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes (low) / 2 hours 20 minutes (high)
• Servings: 6
• Calories: Approximately 450 per serving

How to Make Easy Best Slow Cooker Indian Butter Chicken

1. In a large bowl, combine Greek yogurt, lemon juice, minced garlic, grated ginger, garam masala, cumin, turmeric, chili powder, smoked paprika, and salt. Add chicken pieces and coat evenly. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight in the fridge for best results.
2. Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until soft and golden, about 5-7 minutes. Transfer onions to your slow cooker.
3. Add the marinated chicken with all the marinade into the slow cooker on top of the onions. Pour the crushed tomatoes and sprinkle ground coriander over everything. Stir gently to combine.
4. Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or on high for 2 hours, until chicken is tender and cooked through.
5. About 20 minutes before serving, stir in the butter and heavy cream. Cover and continue cooking on low to allow the sauce to thicken slightly and flavors to blend.
6. Taste and adjust salt or spice levels as desired. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro before serving.
7. Serve hot with basmati rice, naan bread, or your favorite side dishes for a complete meal.

Tips for the Best Results

• Use bone-in chicken thighs for even more moist and flavorful meat if preferred.
• Marinate the chicken overnight to allow the spices to penetrate deeply.
• Don’t skip sautéing the onions; it adds essential sweetness and depth to the sauce.
• Adjust chili powder to control the heat level based on your taste.
• Stir in cream and butter at the end to preserve their richness and avoid curdling.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover slow cooker butter chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It reheats beautifully and often tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.

For longer storage, freeze the butter chicken in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts if you prefer. However, thighs remain juicier and more tender during slow cooking. If using breasts, keep an eye on cooking time to avoid drying out the meat.

Is this recipe spicy?

This slow cooker butter chicken has a mild to moderate heat level thanks to chili powder. You can reduce or increase the chili powder to suit your personal spice preference.

Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot?

Yes, you can adapt this recipe for the Instant Pot by using the sauté function for onions and then pressure cooking the chicken and sauce for about 10 minutes. Be sure to release pressure carefully and stir in cream and butter after cooking.

What sides go well with slow cooker butter chicken?

Traditional sides like basmati rice and naan bread complement the creamy sauce perfectly. You can also serve it with steamed vegetables or a simple cucumber raita to balance the richness.