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A vibrant bowl of creamy butter chicken topped with fresh cilantro, served alongside steaming rice. The dish features tender chicken in a rich, orange-hued sauce, garnished with a sprinkle of herbs. The presentation is rustic yet elegant, with the sauce glistening under soft lighting, surrounded by a modern plate on a wooden table.

Crockpot Butter Chicken

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Creamy Slow Cooker Butter Chicken is an authentic Indian comfort food featuring tender chicken simmered in a rich, spiced tomato sauce with a luscious creaminess. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends, this easy-to-make dish combines aromatic spices and a velvety texture, making it a favorite for the whole family.

  • Total Time: 3-6 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs (680 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut cream for dairy-free options
  • 1/4 cup plain yogurt (optional for extra creaminess)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
  • 2 tablespoons butter or ghee
  • 2 teaspoons garam masala
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

  1. Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, garam masala, cumin, paprika, and turmeric to develop authentic Indian flavors.
  2. Add the seasoned chicken to the slow cooker, pour in the tomato sauce, then add minced garlic and grated ginger. Dot with small pieces of butter or ghee for richness.
  3. Set the slow cooker to low and cook for 6 hours or on high for about 3 hours until chicken is tender and flavors meld.
  4. Stir in heavy cream or coconut cream in the last 30 minutes of cooking. For extra tang, add a dollop of plain yogurt. Let it cook uncovered for a few minutes to thicken slightly.
  5. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Notes

  • Use fresh, high-quality spices for the best flavor.
  • For dairy-free, substitute cream with coconut or almond milk and vegan butter or ghee.
  • Adjust cooking time for chicken thighs if used, as they may cook faster or slower depending on size.
  • Serve with steamed basmati rice or warm naan bread and garnish with extra cilantro for a complete meal.
  • Author: Emma Bloomfield
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 3-6 hours
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: Indian
  • Diet: Gluten-Free

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1 cup)
  • Calories: 380 kcal Kcal
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 520 mg
  • Fat: 25 g
  • Saturated Fat: 14 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 15 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 36 g
  • Cholesterol: 115 mg