Slow Cooker Butter Chicken Recipe

If you’re looking for a comforting, hands-off dinner that’s truly bursting with flavor, you’re in for a treat with this Slow Cooker Butter Chicken Recipe. I absolutely love how rich and creamy the sauce gets, infused with just the right blend of spices that make it feel like you’re dining at a cozy Indian restaurant right in your own home. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll easily become a go-to recipe that’s both simple to make and incredibly satisfying.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient here plays a key role in building that classic butter chicken flavor, and many add depth in texture and aroma. When shopping, fresh ginger and good-quality spices will really elevate this slow cooker butter chicken recipe, so don’t skip them!

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: I like using breasts for lean meat, but thighs work great if you prefer juicier chicken.
• Coconut oil: Adds a subtle richness and helps brown the onions with a hint of sweetness.
• Yellow onion: Gives a gentle sweetness and body to the sauce once it softens.
• Fresh ginger: Minced for a fresh, zesty kick that brightens the dish.
• Garlic cloves: Essential for that savory depth, minced finely to permeate the sauce.
• Curry powder: A foundational spice blend that brings warmth and complexity.
• Garam masala: Adds fragrant warmth and balances the heat from chili powder.
• Chili powder: Use sparingly to maintain a mild spice that everyone can enjoy.
• Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors harmoniously.
• Tomato paste (no salt added): Concentrated tomato flavor that thickens and deepens the sauce.
• Cauliflower florets: A fun, healthy addition that absorbs all the flavors beautifully.
• Tomato sauce: Keeps the sauce saucy and balances the spices.
• Unsalted butter: Adds creaminess; coconut oil can be swapped here for dairy-free needs.
• Half-and-half or full-fat coconut milk: I love the creaminess this adds; avoid light coconut milk as it thins out the sauce.
• Plain nonfat Greek yogurt: Gives the sauce tang and silkiness, added off the heat to avoid curdling. Use a non-dairy yogurt for dairy-free versions.
• Prepared brown rice or quinoa: Perfect bases to soak up the sauce.
• Homemade naan and fresh cilantro: For finishing touches that make the dish shine.

Variations

I love that this slow cooker butter chicken recipe is so adaptable — which means you can make it your own easily. Over time, I’ve tweaked it just a bit here and there depending on what I’m craving or what I have on hand, and it always turns out great.

• Dairy-Free: Swap the butter for extra coconut oil and use full-fat coconut milk plus non-dairy yogurt; I’ve done this and barely noticed a difference!
• Spice Level: If you like it a bit hotter, add some cayenne or fresh chopped green chilies to taste — my family sometimes likes it this way on chilly nights.
• Vegetarian-Friendly: Skip the chicken and add chickpeas or paneer; the sauce is so flavorful it works beautifully with veggies.
• Roasted Cauliflower: Sometimes I roast the cauliflower separately to add a little smoky crunch before mixing it in.

How to Make Slow Cooker Butter Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the aromatics and spices

Start by heating the coconut oil in a skillet over medium-high heat — this gives the onions a lovely golden base that adds so much flavor. Once the onions begin to soften, toss in the minced ginger, garlic, and spices along with the tomato paste. You’ll want to cook this just about 30 seconds until everything smells fragrant and starts to cling to the pan. This little step is what really sets the tone for your butter chicken sauce and helps bloom the spices in a way that slow cooking alone can’t.

Step 2: Load into the slow cooker

Transfer that fragrant mixture to your slow cooker, then layer the raw chicken breasts on top. Next, add your cauliflower florets followed by the tomato sauce. Give the cauliflower and sauce a gentle stir to coat the florets a bit but leave the chicken undisturbed underneath — it will keep the chicken nice and tender. Scatter butter pieces over everything before putting the lid on.

Step 3: Slow cook and finish the sauce

Cook on high for 1½ to 2½ hours or low for 4 to 6 hours until the chicken is fully cooked (165°F internal temperature on a meat thermometer). When the chicken is done, remove it and let it cool slightly. The cauliflower might not be quite tender yet, so give everything in the slow cooker a big stir to coat the florets, then cook uncovered on high another 30 to 60 minutes until those florets are soft and soak up all that saucy goodness.

Step 4: Chop the chicken and stir in creaminess

Once the chicken’s cool enough to handle, cut it into bite-sized pieces and return it to the slow cooker with the tender cauliflower. Stir in the half-and-half or full-fat coconut milk and let it cool a few minutes before adding the Greek yogurt. Trust me on this—adding yogurt to too-hot sauce will make it curdle, and no one wants that! Give everything one last gentle stir, and you’re ready to serve.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Butter Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

I always sprinkle a generous handful of fresh chopped cilantro on top—its brightness cuts through the richness perfectly. Sometimes, I add a squeeze of fresh lime juice too if I want a little extra zing. For a subtle crunch, toasted cashews are a nice touch if you’re feeling fancy.

Side Dishes

Brown rice and quinoa are my go-to grain options; they soak up the buttery sauce beautifully without getting mushy. Homemade naan bread is a total game-changer for sopping up every last bit of sauce—one batch always disappears before the main dish does!

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this slow cooker butter chicken in mini cast iron skillets at the table—looks rustic and inviting. You can also plate it over a colorful bed of turmeric rice with a sprinkle of fresh pomegranate seeds for a festive twist that impresses guests every time.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge, and they stay delicious for up to five days. The flavors meld even more overnight, so next-day butter chicken often tastes even better than freshly made in my experience.

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully — I like to portion it out in freezer-safe containers for easy future meals. Just thaw it slowly in the fridge overnight before reheating, and you’ll have a ready-made delicious dinner in no time.

Reheating

When reheating, I prefer gently warming the butter chicken on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. This helps keep the creaminess and prevents the sauce from breaking. Microwave reheating works fine too — just be sure to stir halfway through for even warming.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Butter Chicken Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it offers that perfect balance of ease and incredible flavor. It’s one of those dishes I love making when I want to impress without the stress, and it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser no matter who’s at the table. I hope you’ll give it a try soon and discover the joy of coming home to a warm, creamy, and aromatic meal that feels like a big, delicious hug.

Print