Creamy Slow Cooker Butter Chicken Recipe

This slow cooker butter chicken is so easy to make. It’s the perfect weeknight meal with very little prep time! Everyone will love it!

Have you ever made butter chicken at home? I hadn’t tried Indian butter chicken until a few years ago, and now it’s a favorite at our table.

At first my kids were hesitant because the dish doesn’t always look appealing, but years of trying new foods helped. When they finally tasted it, they loved it.

This slow cooker butter chicken comes together quickly. With just a few minutes of prep to make the sauce, you can set it in the slow cooker and let it do the rest.

The chicken simmers in the flavorful sauce in the slow cooker, resulting in tender, juicy meat. Leftovers freeze well, so you can double the recipe and save half for another meal.

Is butter chicken meant to be spicy?

Butter chicken should be full of flavor but not overly spicy. This recipe is mild and kid-friendly. If you like more heat, add crushed red pepper to taste—either to the sauce while cooking or at the table.

Adjust the spice level for your family—start mild and add heat if desired.

What can I use instead of cream in butter chicken?

I usually use heavy cream (35% whipping cream) for richness, but half-and-half works well as a lighter substitute. Milk can also be used if that’s what you have; the sauce will be a bit thinner and less rich, but still delicious.

Use whichever dairy you have on hand—each option produces a tasty result.

More slow cooker meal ideas

• Slow Cooker Thai Pumpkin Soup
• Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches
• Spicy Mongolian Beef and Pineapple
• Slow Cooker Hoisin Chicken Lettuce Wraps
• Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

Yield: serves 6

Slow Cooker Butter Chicken

This slow cooker butter chicken is simple to prepare and makes a comforting weeknight meal with minimal hands-on time.

Prep Time
20 minutes

Cook Time
4 hours

Total Time
4 hours 20 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
• 2 teaspoons garam masala
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cardamom (or 1/2 tsp cinnamon + 1/2 tsp nutmeg)
• 1/2 teaspoon coriander
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 can (156 mL) tomato paste
• 2 pounds (3–4) chicken breasts
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half/milk)
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons corn starch
• 2 tablespoons water
• Fresh cilantro for serving

Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat.
2. Add the onion, jalapeno, garlic and ginger. Cook, stirring, for 3–4 minutes until the onion softens.
3. Stir in the garam masala, chili powder, cardamom, coriander, salt and pepper and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Remove from heat and scrape the mixture into a blender.
5. Add the chicken broth and tomato paste and blend until smooth.
6. Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker and pour the sauce over top.
7. Cook on low for 4–5 hours or on high for 2–3 hours, until the chicken is cooked through.
8. Remove the chicken and shred with two forks, or chop into bite-sized pieces.
9. Return the chicken to the slow cooker with the cream and butter; stir to combine.
10. Whisk the corn starch with the water, stir into the slow cooker, and cook on high for another 30 minutes to thicken.
11. Serve over hot cooked rice and garnish with chopped cilantro if desired.

Notes

You can chop the chicken before cooking, but cutting or shredding after cooking tends to keep it moister. If you prefer no heat, use only half a jalapeno or omit it entirely. This dish freezes well—cool, then store in a freezer bag or container. Defrost overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

6

Serving Size:

1

Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 443
Total Fat: 21g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 168mg
Sodium: 855mg
Carbohydrates: 12g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 5g
Protein: 50g

Nutrition information is an estimate based on ingredients used and may not be exact.

I’ve also shared this Slow Cooker Butter Chicken recipe on another site.