As I walked through the bustling streets of Delhi, the aroma of spices wafting from nearby kitchens captivated me, instantly igniting a longing for home-cooked comfort. This Easy Slow Cooker Butter Chicken embodies that warmth and satisfaction, making it the perfect weeknight dinner without the fuss. With tender chicken simmered in a creamy, spiced sauce, this dish transforms humble ingredients into a delightful meal that caters to even the busiest schedules. It’s beginner-friendly, and with minimal prep time, you’ll have a comforting feast waiting for you when you get home. Plus, the best part? You can whip up a hearty batch that beautifully lends itself to leftovers, allowing you to savor its deliciousness for days. Curious about how to recreate this cozy classic? Let’s dive in and bring those aromatic flavors right into your kitchen! Why Is This Butter Chicken a Must-Try? Simplicity at its finest: Just toss everything into the slow cooker and let it do the work for you! Creamy, Luxurious Texture: The combination of heavy cream and buttery goodness transforms ordinary chicken into a dish that’s deeply satisfying and reminiscent of restaurant quality. Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: With aromatic spices like garam masala, this butter chicken will impress even the pickiest eaters at your table. Versatile for any occasion: Serve it over rice, with naan, or even alongside a refreshing cucumber salad for a well-rounded meal. Make-Ahead Convenience: Perfect for busy weekdays, just prepare it in the morning and come home to a warm, comforting meal ready to enjoy! Plus, if you love this dish, you might also want to try my Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal Bake for another easy-to-make recipe that’s sure to satisfy. Slow Cooker Butter Chicken Ingredients • Get ready to simplify your cooking with these essential ingredients! For the Chicken • Chicken Breast – Boneless, skinless cuts are best for effortless shredding. For the Sauce • Olive Oil – A must for sautéing onions, adding layers of flavor. • Onion – Use one medium, chopped for sweetness and depth. • Garlic – Three cloves, minced for that aromatic essence. • Ginger – One tablespoon, grated to enhance warmth and spice. For the Spices • Garam Masala – The key to traditional flavor; don’t skip this step! • Turmeric – One teaspoon for color and health benefits. • Ground Cumin – Adds earthy depth; use one teaspoon. • Chili Powder – Adjust to taste; one teaspoon for that perfect kick! • Ground Cinnamon – A touch—½ teaspoon—for warmth. • Ground Cardamom – ½ teaspoon for unique floral notes. • Ground Cloves – Just ¼ teaspoon for sweetness and complexity. • Salt – One teaspoon to elevate the flavor profile. • Black Pepper – A little heat with ½ teaspoon is just right. For the Base • Diced Tomatoes – One 14-ounce can forms a rich sauce base. • Chicken Broth – ½ cup adds necessary moisture. For Creaminess • Heavy Cream – ¼ cup creates that luxurious, creamy sauce. • Butter – Use ¼ cup, cubed, for a rich mouthfeel. With these slow cooker butter chicken ingredients, you’ll craft a comforting dish that brings warmth and flavor to your table—and the best part? You can let it simmer while you relax! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Slow Cooker Butter Chicken Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics Heat a medium skillet over medium heat and add a splash of olive oil. Once shimmering, toss in the chopped onion, sautéing for about 5 minutes until translucent and fragrant. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, as the onions soften and their natural sweetness develops, creating a flavorful base for your slow cooker butter chicken. Step 2: Add Garlic and Ginger Next, stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger into the skillet, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when you smell that delightful aroma wafting through your kitchen. This step adds depth and warmth to the dish, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the butter chicken. Step 3: Incorporate the Spices Sprinkle in the garam masala, turmeric, ground cumin, chili powder, ground cinnamon, ground cardamom, ground cloves, salt, and black pepper. Cook the spice mixture for 1 minute, allowing the spices to toast slightly and release their fragrant oils. This is the heart of your slow cooker butter chicken, setting the stage for a deliciously spiced sauce. Step 4: Transfer to the Slow Cooker Carefully transfer the onion and spice mixture to your slow cooker, scraping every bit from the skillet. This rich base will help meld the flavors as the dish cooks. Use a wooden spoon to spread the mixture evenly across the bottom of the slow cooker to ensure a consistent flavor throughout your chicken. Step 5: Add the Chicken Cut the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into chunks and place them in the slow cooker. Gently stir to coat the chicken with the fragrant mixture, ensuring every piece gets a taste of those wonderful spices. This step is essential for ensuring that the chicken absorbs all the rich flavors during cooking. Step 6: Pour in Tomatoes and Broth Pour the can of diced tomatoes and chicken broth into the slow cooker, mixing everything together well. The tomatoes will break down as they cook, adding moisture to the butter chicken. Make sure the chicken is submerged and evenly distributed to create that creamy, luscious sauce. Step 7: Set and Forget Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on low heat for 4-6 hours. During this time, the chicken will become tender and soak up all the spices. When cooking, try not to lift the lid too often, as this allows steam to escape, delaying the cooking process. Step 8: Shred the Chicken Once the cooking time is complete, use two forks to shred the chicken right in the slow cooker until it’s fully combined with the sauce. The chicken should be fall-apart tender, effortlessly shredding into delicious morsels. This is where your slow cooker butter chicken truly comes together! Step 9: Stir in Cream and Butter Add the heavy cream and cubed butter to the slow cooker, stirring well to incorporate. Let it cook on low for an additional 10-15 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and develop a creamy texture. You’ll notice how the addition of cream and butter elevates the dish to a comforting delight. Step 10: Serve and Enjoy Once ready, serve your slow cooker butter chicken over steamed basmati rice or with warm naan. Enjoy the comforting aromas and rich textures that make this dish a family favorite. Each bite will offer a delightful blend of spices, creaminess, and tender chicken, warming your heart and soul! Make Ahead Options These Slow Cooker Butter Chicken meal prep tips are perfect for busy evenings! You can chop the onions, garlic, and ginger and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 24 hours in advance. For an even easier option, combine all dry spices together and keep them in a spice jar for quick access. You can also cut the chicken into chunks, but it’s best to keep it separate until you’re ready to cook, which ensures freshness. When it’s time to enjoy, simply sauté the aromatics, mix in the spices, add the chicken and liquids, and let the slow cooker work its magic. This way, you’ll have a delicious, comforting meal with minimal effort! What to Serve with Easy Slow Cooker Butter Chicken Discover the delightful pairings that will elevate your comforting slow-cooked creation into a full feast your family will adore. Steamed Basmati Rice: The fluffy, aromatic grains soak up the creamy sauce beautifully, balancing the richness of the butter chicken. Each bite offers a satisfying contrast of textures. Warm Naan Bread: Soft and pillowy, this traditional Indian bread is perfect for sopping up every last drop of sauce. Be prepared for it to disappear quickly from the table! Cucumber Salad: Crisp and refreshing, a simple salad of sliced cucumbers and mint brings a bright contrast to the warm flavors of the dish. This light side adds a vibrant touch to your meal. Roasted Cauliflower: Lightly seasoned and crispy, roasted cauliflower adds a wonderful crunch and earthy depth, complementing the creamy chicken perfectly. Spicy Mango Chutney: A sweet and tangy chutney offers a deliciously fruity counterpoint to the spicy butter chicken. It adds an extra dimension of flavor, delighting every taste bud. Coconut Rice: Creamy coconut-infused rice enhances the tropical notes of the dish while providing a subtle sweetness. It creates a harmony of flavors that you won’t forget. Masala Chai: Serve a warm cup of this spiced tea alongside your meal for a cozy experience. The aromatic spices in the chai echo the flavors of the butter chicken beautifully. Gulab Jamun: Finish with these sweet, syrup-soaked dumplings for a rich, indulgent dessert that offers a perfect sweet contrast to the savory main course. Slow Cooker Butter Chicken Variations Feel free to make this slow cooker butter chicken recipe your own with these delightful twists! Dairy-Free: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk for a fragrant twist that’s equally creamy and rich. Add Vegetables: Towards the end, stir in peas or spinach for a nutritious boost, adding color and freshness to your dish. They soften quickly and infuse the sauce with their vibrant taste. Spicy Kick: Increase the heat by adding more chili powder or some diced jalapeños during cooking, enticing those with a taste for spice! Bone-In Chicken: Use bone-in chicken for a deeper flavor profile, but be ready for extra cooking time and de-boning later. It adds a rustic touch that really enhances the richness! Greek Yogurt: Swap out the heavy cream for Greek yogurt to create a tangy and lighter sauce, perfect for warmer days. Just remember to stir it in at the end to avoid curdling! Sweet Touch: Add a tablespoon of honey or brown sugar for a touch of natural sweetness, beautifully balancing the spices in the dish. This contrasting flavor creates a fantastic depth! Nutty Flavor: Mix in a handful of crushed cashews or almonds for some delightful crunch and a nutty essence. These not only enhance the texture but also infuse the sauce with a unique richness. With these variations, you can easily customize your slow cooker butter chicken, making it a beloved family recipe that keeps everyone excited for dinner. If you seek more irresistible recipes like this, try my Garlic Butter Steak or Chewy Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies! How to Store and Freeze Slow Cooker Butter Chicken Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Make sure it’s completely cooled before sealing to maintain freshness. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to prevent freezer burn. Reheating: To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen, then warm gently on the stove or in the microwave. Add a splash of chicken broth to loosen the sauce if needed. Leftover Tip: This slow cooker butter chicken tastes even better the next day, as the flavors meld beautifully during storage! Expert Tips for Slow Cooker Butter Chicken Spice Control: Adjust the chili powder according to your family’s heat preference. Start with less if you’re unsure and add more later. Creamy Substitutes: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free option. This gives a slightly sweet, tropical twist to your slow cooker butter chicken. Ensure Tenderness: Using boneless, skinless chicken breasts helps achieve the fall-apart texture. Avoid overcooking, as it can dry out the chicken. Thicker Sauce: For a thicker sauce consistency, mix in a slurry of cornstarch and water during the final cooking stage, or reduce the liquid next time. Leftover Magic: Leftover butter chicken flavors only get better! Store in the fridge for 3-4 days or freeze for longer enjoyment, making meal prep a breeze. Slow Cooker Butter Chicken Recipe FAQs What type of chicken is best for this recipe? I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a tender and easy-to-shred result. Bone-in chicken can be used, but it requires longer cooking and the added step of deboning after. How should I store leftovers of slow cooker butter chicken? You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure the dish has completely cooled before sealing to maintain freshness. Can I freeze slow cooker butter chicken? Absolutely! You can freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Just ensure the dish is fully cooled before freezing to avoid freezer burn. What if my sauce is too thin after cooking? If you find your sauce is too thin, don’t worry! You can thicken it by mixing 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Stir this into the sauce and cook on low for an additional 10-15 minutes until it thickens. Is this recipe safe for people with dairy allergies? For a dairy-free version, substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk and replace butter with a neutral oil like canola or vegetable oil. This keeps the creamy texture without dairy. Can I add vegetables to slow cooker butter chicken? Very! If you’re looking to boost nutrition, consider adding peas or spinach during the last 30 minutes of cooking. They will add color and nutrients without altering the flavor significantly. Creamy Slow Cooker Butter Chicken That Melts in Your Mouth This Easy Slow Cooker Butter Chicken is a comforting, spiced dish perfect for busy weeknights, featuring tender chicken in a creamy sauce. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 6 hours hrsTotal Time 6 hours hrs 15 minutes mins Servings: 4 servingsCourse: DinnerCuisine: IndianCalories: 450 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Chicken2 pounds Chicken Breast Boneless, skinlessFor the Sauce2 tablespoons Olive Oil For sautéing1 medium Onion Chopped3 cloves Garlic Minced1 tablespoon Ginger GratedFor the Spices1 tablespoon Garam Masala1 teaspoon Turmeric1 teaspoon Ground Cumin1 teaspoon Chili Powder Adjust to taste0.5 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon0.5 teaspoon Ground Cardamom0.25 teaspoon Ground Cloves1 teaspoon Salt0.5 teaspoon Black PepperFor the Base1 can Diced Tomatoes 14-ounce can0.5 cup Chicken BrothFor Creaminess0.25 cup Heavy Cream0.25 cup Butter Cubed Equipment Slow CookerMedium Skillet Method Step-by-Step Instructions for Slow Cooker Butter ChickenSauté the chopped onion in olive oil for about 5 minutes until translucent.Add minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.Mix in garam masala, turmeric, cumin, chili powder, cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, salt, and pepper, cooking for 1 minute.Transfer the spice mixture to the slow cooker, spreading evenly.Cut chicken into chunks and stir into the mixture.Add diced tomatoes and chicken broth, ensuring chicken is submerged.Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours.Shred the chicken once cooked, mixing it into the sauce.Stir in heavy cream and butter, cooking on low for an additional 10-15 minutes.Serve over rice or with naan. Nutrition Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 30gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 16gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 700mgFiber: 2gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 100mgIron: 2mg NotesLeftover butter chicken flavors get better; store in the fridge for 3-4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
