If you’ve ever dreamed of savoring a rich, creamy, and perfectly spiced Indian curry without standing over a hot stove, this Slow Cooker Butter Chicken Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a brilliant way to enjoy the deep, comforting flavors of classic butter chicken with minimal fuss. Tender chunks of chicken bathe in a luscious tomato and spice-infused sauce, enriched with butter and cream, crafting a dish that’s truly a celebration of taste and texture. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become your go-to for cozy dinners and impressing friends alike!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple yet essential ingredients is the first step to creating a mouthwatering dish. Each one plays a crucial role, whether it’s building the aromatic spice blend, enriching the sauce with creaminess, or ensuring tender, juicy chicken throughout.
- Chicken breast (1 1/2 pounds): Boneless and skinless for easy shredding and perfect tenderness.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Helps to sauté the aromatics and bring out their best flavors.
- Onion (1 medium, chopped): Adds sweetness and depth when softened.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Infuses a warm, pungent aroma essential for authentic taste.
- Ginger (1 tablespoon, grated): Brings a fresh, zesty brightness balancing the spices.
- Garam masala (1 tablespoon): The signature spice blend that defines butter chicken’s character.
- Ground turmeric (1 teaspoon): Adds earthiness and a gorgeous golden hue.
- Ground cumin (1 teaspoon): Gives a nutty, warm undertone complementing other spices.
- Chili powder (1 teaspoon): Brings subtle heat without overpowering the dish.
- Ground cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a hint of sweetness and warmth.
- Ground cardamom (1/2 teaspoon): Offers a delicate floral note enhancing the sauce complexity.
- Ground cloves (1/4 teaspoon): Provides a touch of boldness to deepen flavor layers.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Essential for balancing and enhancing all flavors.
- Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a mild sharpness rounding out the spices.
- Diced tomatoes (1 14-ounce can): The base of the sauce, lending sweetness and acidity.
- Chicken broth (1/2 cup): Keeps the curry moist and enriches the savoriness.
- Heavy cream (1/4 cup): Gives the sauce luscious smoothness and richness.
- Butter (1/4 cup, cubed): Melts into the curry to create that signature creamy, indulgent finish.
How to Make Slow Cooker Butter Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics
Start by heating olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. This gentle sizzle is where your flavor journey begins. Toss in your chopped onion and cook until it turns soft and translucent—this step releases the onion’s natural sweetness, laying the perfect foundation for your sauce.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Ginger
Next, stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes until the kitchen fills with that irresistible, fragrant blend that instantly transports you to cozy home cooking moments. This duo is essential in balancing the spices with vibrant freshness.
Step 3: Spice It Up
Now add in the garam masala, turmeric, cumin, chili powder, cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, salt, and black pepper. Stir these spices into your aromatics, cooking just about a minute to unlock their magic. This brief step lets the spices toast slightly, which deepens the flavor of your finished curry.
Step 4: Combine in Slow Cooker
Transfer the fragrant onion and spice mixture into your slow cooker. Then cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized chunks and nestle them into this flavorful bed. Pour in the diced tomatoes along with chicken broth. Stir everything together until it all gets nicely acquainted.
Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection
Set your slow cooker to low and let this deliciousness cook for 4 to 6 hours. This slow, gentle cooking ensures the chicken becomes incredibly tender, soaking up all those rich spices and tomato goodness. The house will smell absolutely amazing!
Step 6: Shred and Finish
Once the chicken is fully cooked and tender, use two forks to shred it directly in the slow cooker. Then stir in the heavy cream and cubed butter, allowing them to melt into the sauce, creating that silky, buttery finish you crave. Give it a taste and adjust salt or pepper if you think it needs a little extra love.
Step 7: Final Flavor Meld
Cover your slow cooker and let your butter chicken sit on low for another 10 to 15 minutes. This final step lets all those glorious flavors come together into the comforting, rich dish we’ve all been eagerly anticipating.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Butter Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Bring your butter chicken to life with fresh garnishes like chopped cilantro or a sprinkle of toasted fenugreek leaves. These add brightness and color, making each bite feel special and restaurant-worthy.
Side Dishes
This Slow Cooker Butter Chicken Recipe pairs beautifully with fluffy basmati rice or warm, pillowy naan bread. Both help to soak up the luscious sauce, making every mouthful satisfying. For a veggie boost, steamed green beans or roasted cauliflower are fantastic companions.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests, serve the butter chicken in individual bowls with a dollop of yogurt and a wedge of lime on the side. You could even turn it into a butter chicken taco with soft tortillas and a crunchy salad for a fun fusion twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover Slow Cooker Butter Chicken Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen when chilled, making it even tastier the next day!
Freezing
This butter chicken freezes beautifully. Just transfer cooled leftovers to a freezer-safe container or bag, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
Reheat slowly on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to keep the sauce smooth and creamy. Add a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much during reheating.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great choice for butter chicken because they’re naturally juicier and more flavorful, and they hold up well during slow cooking.
How spicy is this Slow Cooker Butter Chicken Recipe?
This recipe offers a mild to medium spice level thanks to the chili powder. You can adjust the heat by adding more or less chili powder to suit your taste.
Is it necessary to sauté the onions and spices first?
It’s recommended because sautéing releases the flavors of the onions, garlic, ginger, and spices, resulting in a richer, more fragrant sauce. However, if you’re short on time, you can add everything directly to the slow cooker, just expect a slightly different flavor depth.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream and use a plant-based butter alternative. This keeps the richness while making the dish suitable for dairy-free diets.
How thick should the sauce be?
The sauce should be creamy and smooth, thick enough to coat the chicken pieces nicely without being too runny. Stirring in butter and cream at the end helps achieve the perfect consistency.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a comforting, restaurant-quality meal that practically makes itself while you relax, the Slow Cooker Butter Chicken Recipe is your new best friend. It’s bursting with warm spices, rich creaminess, and tender chicken that makes every bite a joy. Go ahead and give this recipe a try—you’ll be amazed at how easy it is and how spectacular it tastes. Your dinner table just got a whole lot cozier!
Print
Slow Cooker Butter Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 15m
- Cook Time: 4h 0m
- Total Time: 4h 15m
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Indian
Description
This Slow Cooker Butter Chicken recipe offers a rich and flavorful Indian-inspired dish that combines tender chicken breast with a fragrant blend of spices, creamy butter, and tomatoes. Made easy with the slow cooker, it delivers a comforting and delicious meal perfect for any day.
Ingredients
Chicken and Base
- 1 1/2 pounds chicken breast, boneless and skinless
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
Spices
- 1 tablespoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Liquids and Finishers
- 1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup butter, cubed
Instructions
- Prepare Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat to create a flavorful base for the dish.
- Sauté Onion: Add the chopped onion to the skillet and sauté until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes, to deepen the flavor.
- Add Garlic and Ginger: Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for 1-2 minutes until fragrant to release their aromas.
- Add Spices: Incorporate the garam masala, turmeric, cumin, chili powder, cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, salt, and black pepper into the skillet, mixing well.
- Cook Spices: Cook the spice and onion mixture for about 1 minute to bloom the spices and enhance their flavors.
- Transfer to Slow Cooker: Move the onion-spice mixture into the slow cooker to begin slow cooking the flavors together.
- Add Chicken: Cut chicken breasts into chunks and add them into the slow cooker, distributing evenly.
- Add Tomatoes and Broth: Pour the diced tomatoes and chicken broth into the slow cooker, stirring to combine all ingredients.
- Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
- Shred Chicken: Once cooked, shred the chicken into smaller pieces using two forks directly in the slow cooker for texture.
- Add Cream and Butter: Stir in heavy cream and cubed butter until completely melted and incorporated, creating a rich sauce.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste and add more salt or pepper if needed to balance the flavors.
- Meld Flavors: Cover and let the butter chicken cook an additional 10-15 minutes on low to meld all the flavors together.
- Serve: Serve the butter chicken hot over rice or with naan bread for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- For more heat, increase chili powder or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Use full-fat dairy for the creamiest texture, or substitute with coconut cream for a dairy-free version.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- This dish pairs beautifully with basmati rice or warm naan bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.
