This Easy Slow Cooker Indian Butter Chicken is creamy and full of flavor! With tender chicken simmered in a rich, spiced tomato sauce, it’s a real treat for your taste buds.
You can serve it over rice or with naan, and trust me, you’ll want to soak up that delicious sauce! Making this dish is so simple—I just toss everything in the slow cooker and relax while it cooks.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: I love using boneless, skinless chicken thighs for their flavor and tenderness. If you need a lighter option, chicken breasts work well too, though they may be less juicy.
Heavy Cream/Coconut Cream: Heavy cream gives a rich texture, but coconut cream is a fantastic dairy-free alternative. If you want to cut calories, you could also use half-and-half!
Garam Masala: This spice blend is key for the authentic flavor. If you don’t have it, mixing equal parts of cumin, coriander, and cinnamon can be a good substitute.
Tomato Sauce: Canned crushed tomatoes will work great too! If you’re looking for a bit of a zing, you might even try diced tomatoes with green chilies.
Fresh Ginger: If fresh ginger isn’t available, use 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger, but fresh really elevates the dish.
How Do I Get the Chicken Tender and Juicy in the Slow Cooker?
To keep your chicken tender, here are some tips:
- Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs, which stay moist during long cooking.
- Cooking on low for 6-7 hours allows flavors to develop and keeps the chicken juicy.
- Adding the cream and butter near the end helps prevent them from separating and helps retain creaminess.
Follow these steps, and you’ll serve a delicious butter chicken that’s perfectly tender every time!
Easy Slow Cooker Indian Butter Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into chunks
For the Sauce:
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 (14 oz) can tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut cream
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup plain yogurt (optional for extra creaminess)
For the Spices:
- 2 teaspoons garam masala
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
For Garnish:
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15-20 minutes of prep time, plus cooking time of 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. Perfect for a busy day—just set it and forget it!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Aromatics (Optional):
If you want to maximize flavors, heat a skillet over medium heat, add a little cooking oil, and sauté the finely chopped onions until they are translucent, which takes about 3–5 minutes. Then, add in the minced garlic and grated ginger, continuing to cook for another 1–2 minutes until fragrant. If you’re short on time or prefer a simpler method, you can skip this step and add the raw ingredients directly to the slow cooker.
2. Mix the Sauce in the Slow Cooker:
In your slow cooker, combine the tomato sauce, garam masala, ground cumin, ground coriander, turmeric powder, chili powder, paprika, salt, and ground black pepper. Give it a good stir to mix all the spices evenly into the tomato sauce.
3. Add the Chicken:
Next, toss the chicken pieces into the slow cooker and make sure they are well coated with the spiced tomato sauce. This will ensure that every bite is flavorful!
4. Set the Cooker:
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours. When time is up, the chicken should be tender and juicy!
5. Add the Creaminess:
About 30 minutes before serving, add the unsalted butter, heavy cream, and yogurt (if using) to the slow cooker. Stir everything together and cover again to allow it to get creamy and rich.
6. Finish with Lemon:
Right before serving, stir in the lemon juice to add a lovely brightness to the dish. It balances the flavors perfectly!
7. Serve & Garnish:
Serve your Indian butter chicken hot, garnished with fresh chopped cilantro. It pairs wonderfully with basmati rice, naan bread, or even your favorite side dishes!
Enjoy this comforting and delicious slow cooker Indian butter chicken!
FAQ for Easy Slow Cooker Indian Butter Chicken
Can I Use Chicken Breasts Instead of Thighs?
Yes, you can definitely use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Just be aware that they may dry out a bit more than thighs, so keep an eye on the cooking time and avoid overcooking.
Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
Absolutely! Simply substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream, and skip the yogurt for an entirely dairy-free dish while still achieving that creamy texture.
How Long Does Leftover Butter Chicken Last in the Fridge?
Leftover butter chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or water if the sauce thickens.
Can I Freeze This Dish for Later?
Yes! This butter chicken freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm on the stove.
