Slow Cooker Butter Chicken Recipe

If you’re craving rich, comforting flavors with a hands-off approach, I’ve got just the thing for you. This Slow Cooker Butter Chicken Recipe is one of my all-time favorites because it fills your kitchen with incredible aromas and gives you tender, juicy chicken in a luscious, spiced tomato sauce—all without hovering over the stove. Trust me, once you try this, it might just become your go-to dinner on busy weeknights or cozy weekends.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this Slow Cooker Butter Chicken Recipe blend traditional spices with pantry staples and a splash of coconut milk that adds an irresistible creaminess. I keep my spice rack stocked because it makes whipping up this dish so simple and quick.

• Unsalted butter: Adds richness; make sure to divide it as the recipe suggests for best flavor layering.
• Onion: A medium onion softens and sweetens as it cooks, forming a great base.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic really amps up the aroma and depth.
• Fresh ginger: Minced ginger gives that subtle warmth that’s key to butter chicken.
• Tomato sauce: Use a good-quality strained sauce for smoothness and robust flavor.
• Tomato paste: Concentrated and thick, it intensifies the tomato flavor and thickens the sauce.
• Water: Helps balance the sauce’s consistency without diluting flavors.
• Garam masala: The star spice mix that brings the authentic Indian taste.
• Ground cumin: Earthy and warming, a must-have for this recipe.
• Chili powder: Adds a gentle kick; adjust to your heat preference.
• Ground turmeric: Gives that lovely golden color and subtle flavor.
• Salt: Enhances all those complex flavors.
• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Easy to cook evenly and shred after slow cooking.
• Full fat coconut milk: This is my secret weapon for a dairy-free creaminess that’s still rich and dreamy.
• For serving: Cooked rice, naan bread, and fresh cilantro add freshness and texture.

Variations

I love experimenting with this Slow Cooker Butter Chicken Recipe. Whether you want it a bit lighter or packed with veggies, it’s super easy to tweak.

• Using chicken thighs instead of breasts: I switched to thighs once and loved how juicier and more flavorful the chicken turned out.
• Adding vegetables: Sometimes I toss in chopped bell peppers or spinach near the end for extra color and nutrition.
• Dairy-free adaptation: This recipe is naturally great with coconut milk, perfect if you avoid dairy but still want creamy goodness.
• Mild or spicy: Adjust chili powder and even add a pinch of cayenne if you want to heat things up for your spice-loving friends.

How to Make Slow Cooker Butter Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the aromatics for a flavor boost

Start by melting 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add your chopped onion and let it soften for about 2-3 minutes—it should become translucent and sweet-smelling. Then, stir in the minced garlic and ginger for just 30 seconds to unlock those vibrant aromas. Don’t skip this step; it really layers flavor into your slow cooker base. Once ready, transfer everything to your slow cooker.

Step 2: Mix in the spices, tomato base, and chicken

Add the tomato sauce, tomato paste, water, garam masala, cumin, chili powder, turmeric, and salt right into the slow cooker. Give it a good stir so all those spices meld together nicely. Then, cut the remaining butter into two pieces and swirl it into the sauce—this step makes the sauce luxuriously rich. Nestle the chicken breasts gently into the sauce, making sure they’re evenly covered.

Step 3: Slow cook for tender perfection

Cover your slow cooker and set it to low for 4 to 5 hours or high for 2 to 3 hours. You want the chicken to reach an internal temperature of at least 165°F and become tender enough to shred easily. I like cooking it on low whenever I have the time; the flavors deepen, and the texture turns out sublime.

Step 4: Stir in coconut milk & chop chicken

Once cooked, take the chicken out and let it rest for a few minutes on a clean board. Meanwhile, mix the coconut milk directly into the slow cooker sauce—this lightens the acidity from tomatoes with a creamy finish. Chop your chicken into bite-sized pieces and return it to the sauce for a final mix. This step helps everything soak up that delicious sauce even more.

Step 5: Serve it up and enjoy!

Dish out the butter chicken with fluffy rice or warm naan bread, and sprinkle fresh cilantro on top if you like that bright herbal kick. I love how the combination of creamy sauce, tender chicken, and sides make this such a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Butter Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

I always reach for fresh cilantro because it brings a clean, herbaceous note that cuts through the richness. Sometimes I sprinkle on a little extra garam masala or even finely chopped green chili if my family feels adventurous. A squeeze of fresh lime juice right before serving adds a lovely brightness too.

Side Dishes

My go-tos alongside this are fluffy basmati rice and warm, soft naan bread for dipping into that gorgeous sauce. Occasionally, I’ll serve it with roasted vegetables or a simple cucumber raita to balance the heat and spice.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I like serving slow cooker butter chicken in small, individual ramekins with a dollop of yogurt or mint chutney on the side. This makes it feel a little fancy but keeps things simple. You can even serve it over a bed of cauliflower rice for a low-carb twist, which my friends actually loved!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I usually store rice separately to prevent it from getting soggy and keep the chicken sauce nice and thick.

Freezing

This recipe freezes like a champ! After the chicken cools, I portion out the chicken and sauce in freezer-safe bags or containers. When you thaw it, the sauce might separate slightly, but a quick stir while reheating restores its silky smoothness perfectly.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer warming it gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. Microwaving works in a pinch, but heating it slowly keeps the chicken tender and the sauce creamy without scorching.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Slow Cooker Butter Chicken Recipe simplifies a classic dish without sacrificing flavor. When I first tried slow cooking butter chicken, I was blown away by how tender and flavorful the chicken became with such little effort. It’s made weeknight dinners so much easier, and my family goes crazy for it every time. Honestly, once you make this, you’ll enjoy having a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal ready to go with almost zero stress—give it a try and see why it’s become one of my kitchen staples!

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