Name: Slow Cooker Butter Chicken
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 6 h
Total time: 6 h 20 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces; 1 large onion, finely chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated; 1 (14 oz) can tomato sauce; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter; 2 tablespoons garam masala; 1 teaspoon ground turmeric; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon chili powder; Salt and black pepper to taste; Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Hey y’all! If you’re craving restaurant-style Indian food that practically cooks itself, this Slow Cooker Butter Chicken is about to be your new weeknight go-to. Tender chicken swims in a luscious, creamy tomato sauce spiced just right — perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or whenever you want to impress without a lot of fuss. Trust me, one bite and you’ll be hooked. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Butter Chicken

Super easy prep — just set it and forget it!
Bold, rich flavors that taste even better than takeout.
Perfect for batch cooking and meal prep.
Kid-friendly and naturally gluten-free.
Works with chicken breast or thighs for flexibility.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Butter Chicken

2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into large chunks
1 large onion, finely diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1-inch piece of fresh ginger, grated
1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
1/4 cup unsalted butter, cut into pieces
2 tbsp garam masala
2 tsp ground cumin
1 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, adjust for heat)
1 1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
2 tsp brown sugar
Juice of 1/2 lemon
Fresh cilantro for garnish

How to Make Slow Cooker Butter Chicken: Step-by-Step Directions

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Pat chicken pieces dry and place in the slow cooker. Sprinkle with garam masala, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper.

Step 2: Build the Sauce

Add diced onion, minced garlic, grated ginger, tomato sauce, brown sugar, and lemon juice over the chicken. Stir gently to mix, but it doesn’t have to be perfectly combined. Top with butter cubes distributed evenly.

Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is super tender.

Step 4: Finish with Creaminess

About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the Greek yogurt and heavy cream. Cover and let cook another 30 minutes so the sauce blends beautifully.

Step 5: Serve It Up!

Give it a gentle stir, garnish with fresh cilantro, and serve hot over fluffy rice or with warm naan.

Notes for Perfect Slow Cooker Butter Chicken

For a silky-smooth sauce, use an immersion blender (learn more) before adding dairy.
Chicken thighs tend to stay juicier than breasts in the slow cooker.
For a dairy-free option, coconut milk can replace yogurt and cream (see coconut milk nutrition).

Slow Cooker Butter Chicken Variations

Vegetarian: Swap chicken for tofu or chickpeas and use coconut milk for creaminess.
Spicy: Double the cayenne pepper or add a diced jalapeño for extra heat.
Light: Opt for light cream and Greek yogurt to cut the calories.

Equipment Needed for Slow Cooker Butter Chicken

6-quart slow cooker
Chef’s knife and cutting board
Measuring cups and spoons
Mixing spoon
Immersion blender (optional)

How to Store Slow Cooker Butter Chicken

Leftovers keep beautifully — store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze portions for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave, stirring in a splash of water or cream to restore the silky texture.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings for Slow Cooker Butter Chicken

Serve with steamed basmati rice or buttery naan bread.
Add a side of cool cucumber salad for crunch.
Pair with roasted or sautéed vegetables for a balanced meal.

Pro Tips for Amazing Slow Cooker Butter Chicken

Always add dairy in the final 30 minutes to prevent curdling (read why here).
Toast your spices briefly in a dry pan for extra flavor before adding (optional but worth it!).
Let the chicken rest in sauce for 10 minutes before serving for maximum juiciness.

Slow Cooker Butter Chicken FAQ

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?: Yes! Just check for doneness a little earlier, as breasts can dry out quicker than thighs.
Is slow cooker butter chicken spicy?: Only mildly, thanks to the warm spices and optional cayenne. Adjust chili for your taste!
Can I prep this ahead of time?: Absolutely — you can assemble everything in the slow cooker insert the night before and refrigerate, then cook fresh in the morning.

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 6-7 hours on low (or 3-4 hours on high)
Total time: About 7 hours 10 minutes (or 4 hours 10 minutes on high)