There’s something irresistibly comforting about a Slow Cooker Butter Chicken Recipe that fills your kitchen with warm, spicy aromas and wraps you in creamy, luscious flavors. This dish is a wonderful fusion of tender chicken simmered slowly in a rich tomato and butter sauce, infused with a harmonious blend of traditional Indian spices. Whether you’re an experienced cook or just looking to impress your friends with minimal hands-on time, this recipe brings restaurant-quality butter chicken right to your home in the easiest way possible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Slow Cooker Butter Chicken Recipe plays a crucial role, from building the deep, complex flavor profile to creating the perfect texture and color that make this dish so special. Don’t worry, the list is straightforward, but each component is essential for the authentic taste you crave.
- Chicken breast (1 1/2 pounds, boneless and skinless): The star protein that cooks tender and juicy with just the right bite.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Helps sauté the aromatics and develop a subtle richness early on.
- Onion (1 medium, chopped): Adds natural sweetness and body to the sauce.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Brings a punch of savory aroma essential to Indian cooking.
- Ginger (1 tablespoon, grated): Provides a bright, zesty note that balances the richness.
- Garam masala (1 tablespoon): This key spice blend is the soul of the dish, packed with warmth and depth.
- Ground turmeric (1 teaspoon): Gives the bright yellow color and subtle earthiness.
- Ground cumin (1 teaspoon): Adds an earthy, nutty undertone to the spices.
- Chili powder (1 teaspoon): Provides mild heat that awakens your taste buds.
- Ground cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon): Imparts a faint sweetness and complexity.
- Ground cardamom (1/2 teaspoon): Offers a fragrant, floral lift to the sauce.
- Ground cloves (1/4 teaspoon): A little goes a long way to deepen the flavor.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Essential for seasoning and balancing flavors.
- Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a gentle warmth and sharpness.
- Diced tomatoes (1 can, 14 ounces): The base that creates a rich, tangy sauce.
- Chicken broth (1/2 cup): Enhances the sauce with savory depth.
- Heavy cream (1/4 cup): Creates that creamy, luxurious texture and mellows the spices.
- Butter (1/4 cup, cubed): The final touch that makes this dish decadently smooth and luscious.
How to Make Slow Cooker Butter Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics
Begin by heating your olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion and sauté it until it turns soft and translucent — this usually takes about five minutes. This step is key because it builds the aromatic foundation for your butter chicken, unlocking sweetness while ensuring the onions soften perfectly without browning too much.
Step 2: Add Garlic, Ginger, and Spices
Once the onions are ready, stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for another one to two minutes until their fragrant oils release. Next, add all the spices: garam masala, turmeric, cumin, chili powder, cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, salt, and pepper. Stir continuously for about a minute to toast the spices slightly, which really intensifies their flavors before they join the slow cooker.
Step 3: Transfer to Slow Cooker
Pour this vibrant spice-onion mixture into your slow cooker—it’s the flavor bomb that will infuse every bite. Cut your chicken breasts into chunks and add them on top, allowing the chicken to soak up all the delicious spices.
Step 4: Add Tomatoes and Broth
Pour the diced tomatoes with their juices and the chicken broth over the chicken and spice mixture. Give everything a gentle stir to combine all these wonderful ingredients before covering the slow cooker with its lid.
Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection
Set your slow cooker to low and let it work its magic for 4 to 6 hours. The chicken slowly cooks, becoming incredibly tender as it absorbs all the warmth, spice, and tang from the mixture. It’s this low and slow process that ensures the texture is just right and the flavors have fully melded.
Step 6: Shred and Enrich
When the cooking time is up, shred the chicken inside the slow cooker using two forks—this step helps the sauce cling to every bit of chicken. Then stir in the heavy cream and cubed butter until melted and fully combined, turning your sauce into a silky, rich masterpiece.
Step 7: Final Simmer
Let the butter chicken cook for another 10 to 15 minutes on low with the lid on. This final step allows flavors to marry beautifully and the sauce to thicken slightly. A quick taste test will tell you if you want to adjust seasoning before serving.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Butter Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh cilantro leaves make a bright, herbal garnish that complements the warm spices perfectly. For a touch of extra indulgence, a dollop of plain yogurt or a sprinkle of toasted cashews adds creaminess and crunch. These finishing touches not only elevate the dish visually but also layer in subtle flavor contrasts.
Side Dishes
This Slow Cooker Butter Chicken Recipe pairs wonderfully with fluffy basmati rice, which soaks up the luscious sauce. Soft, buttery naan bread is another classic side that lets you scoop up every last bit of chicken and sauce—plus, it makes the meal feel cozy and complete.
Creative Ways to Present
For a family-style feast, serve the butter chicken in a large dish with sides arranged around it, inviting everyone to help themselves. Alternatively, lade the butter chicken over a bed of cauliflower rice for a low-carb twist. For something festive, stuff the chicken mixture into warm pita breads and add sliced cucumbers and pickled onions for vibrant texture and tang.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover butter chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It keeps well for up to 3 days, making it a fantastic lunch or dinner option that reheats beautifully while maintaining its creamy texture and vibrant flavors.
Freezing
If you want to prepare this Slow Cooker Butter Chicken Recipe ahead of time, you can freeze it in meal-sized portions. Freeze for up to 3 months in a sealed container or heavy-duty freezer bag. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge to keep the sauce smooth and creamy.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally. This helps prevent the butter and cream from separating and keeps the sauce as velvety as when freshly made. Add a splash of cream or broth if the sauce feels too thick during reheating.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work beautifully in the Slow Cooker Butter Chicken Recipe, offering extra juiciness and flavor. Just keep in mind they may cook a bit faster, so adjust your slow cooking time accordingly.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan or vegetarian?
For a vegan twist, substitute chicken with tofu or chickpeas, and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream, along with a vegan butter alternative. The spices will still create an amazing depth of flavor.
What can I use if I don’t have a slow cooker?
You can adapt this recipe on the stovetop by simmering everything in a heavy saucepan covered on low heat for about 45 minutes to an hour until the chicken is tender and flavors blend well.
How spicy is this recipe? Can I adjust it?
This Slow Cooker Butter Chicken Recipe has a mild to moderate level of spice, perfect for most palates. Feel free to increase or decrease chili powder to suit your taste—this dish is forgiving and easy to customize.
Can I make this recipe ahead for a dinner party?
Definitely! This recipe tastes even better after sitting overnight, as the flavors deepen. Make it a day ahead, store refrigerated, and gently reheat before serving to wow your guests effortlessly.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a soul-satisfying, easy-to-make dish that fills your home with intoxicating warmth, this Slow Cooker Butter Chicken Recipe is your new go-to. It combines simplicity with depth, resulting in tender chicken bathed in a rich, spiced sauce that’s pure comfort food at its best. Don’t hesitate to dive in and make this recipe your own—it’s sure to become a cherished favorite in your kitchen!
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 delivers rich, creamy, and flavorful Indian-inspired chicken made tender by slow cooking. Featuring a blend of warm spices, garlic, ginger, and a luscious tomato-based sauce finished with butter and cream, this comforting dish is perfect served over rice or with naan bread.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 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
- 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
- 1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup butter, cubed
Instructions
- Heat oil: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat to prepare for sautéing the aromatics.
- Sauté onion: Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes, to develop sweetness and flavor.
- Add garlic and ginger: Stir in minced garlic and grated ginger and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, building the aromatic base.
- Add spices: Add garam masala, turmeric, cumin, chili powder, cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, salt, and black pepper to the skillet, stirring to coat the aromatics with spices.
- Cook spices: Continue cooking the spice mixture for about 1 minute to release their fragrance and deepen the flavor.
- Transfer mixture: Move the sautéed onions and spiced mixture into the slow cooker to form the sauce base.
- Add chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into chunks and add them to the slow cooker on top of the spice mixture.
- Add liquids: Pour diced tomatoes and chicken broth into the slow cooker, stirring gently to combine all ingredients.
- Slow cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours, allowing the chicken to become tender and fully cooked.
- Shred chicken: Once cooked, use two forks to shred the chicken into smaller pieces directly in the slow cooker, mixing evenly with the sauce.
- Add cream and butter: Stir in the heavy cream and cubed butter until melted and fully incorporated into the sauce, making it rich and silky.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste the sauce and add more salt or pepper if needed to balance the flavors.
- Final simmer: Cover and let the butter chicken cook on low for an additional 10-15 minutes to allow flavors to meld perfectly.
- Serve: Serve the buttery, tender butter chicken over warm rice or with naan bread for a delicious meal experience.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken thighs for juicier meat if preferred.
- Adjust chili powder to taste for desired spiciness.
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Butter can be replaced with ghee for a more authentic flavor.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
