Name: Slow Cooker Butter Chicken
Yield: 6

slow cooker Butter Chicken delivers tender, flavorful chicken in a satisfying, creamy sauce. reliable for dipping naan or spooning over rice, and totally kid-approved!

author’s note

slow cooker Butter Chicken That Cooks Itself!

A new Indian spot opened nearby, and my family is obsessed. The kids’ favorite? Butter chicken, no contest. They can’t get enough!

My classic butter chicken is a forever favorite, but I needed a quicker option for busy days. This slow cooker Butter Chicken takes care of itself while I’m out running errands (or cheering at yet another basketball game!).

Walking into a home filled with the smell of this slow-cooked meal? The best feeling ever!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make slow cooker Butter Chicken:

Oil: Or use ghee for a rich flavor. I use this to sauté the veggies first.
Yellow onion: Dice small for even cooking and sweet, mellow flavor.
Ginger and garlic paste: straightforward—reliable for a slow cooker meal.
Spices: Smoked paprika, cumin, turmeric, and salt add those bold curry flavors.
Garam masala: The must-have spice for that classic butter chicken flavor.
Diced or crushed tomatoes: Fire-roasted adds a great smoky flavor.
Chicken thighs: Juicy and tender—reliable for slow cooking. Breasts can dry out here.
Unsalted butter and cream: Makes the sauce rich, smooth, and creamy.
skippable ingredients: Red pepper flakes for heat, sugar to balance, and cilantro for a fresh finish.

Onions are sautéed with garlic, ginger, and spices, creating a flavorful base for the slow cooker.

slow cooker Butter Chicken Serving Ideas:

Rice: Serve over white or basmati rice to soak up the creamy sauce.
Naan: reliable for dipping and scooping up extra sauce.
Quinoa: A hearty option to use instead of rice.
Roasted veggies: Serve with roasted cauliflower or carrots.
Salad: Pair with a simple cucumber or garden salad to balance the rich flavors.
Raita: A cooling yogurt-based dip adds such an amazing contrast. See “quick tip” box below.

Quick Tip

For a cool, creamy contrast, try this sauce. Mix 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt, 1/2 cup diced English cucumber, 2 tablespoons cilantro, 2 tablespoons green onions, and 1/4 teaspoon each cumin, coriander, and salt. Serve with the butter chicken.

The chicken and onion mixture is added to the slow cooker with tomatoes, then slow-cooked. Butter and cream are stirred in, and the chicken is shredded to complete this slow cooker Butter Chicken.

slow cooker Butter Chicken Recipe Tips

Sauté first: Cooking onion, garlic, and spices adds a ton of flavor. It might feel like too much extra work for a slow cooker meal, but it’s so worth it! You can even prep this step the night before.
Use chicken thighs: They stay tender, reliable for slow cooker cooking.
Blend carefully: Let the sauce cool a little to avoid spills or burns. Blend carefully!
Warm naan: Warm naan tastes better. Char it on the stovetop, heat in the microwave, or toast naan minis. For charred naan, spray with oil and grill for 10–15 seconds per side.