Crockpot Butter Chicken for the Easiest Slow Cooker Indian Dinner Ever
A warm, cozy bowl of Crockpot Butter Chicken is the kind of dinner that hits all the right notes. Rich, creamy, and gently spiced, this slow cooker version brings all the flavor of the classic Indian dish with none of the extra steps.
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Just add the ingredients to your crockpot, let it simmer low and slow, and come back to tender chicken swimming in a velvety, tomato-butter sauce.
Butter chicken isn’t something I grew up eating, but once I started exploring more restaurant-style Indian dishes at home, this one quickly made its way into the rotation. It’s rich, creamy, and the kind of dish that brings people to the table fast.
I love how the slow cooker handles the heavy lifting here. The flavors have time to settle and deepen, and the sauce turns out just as luscious as the stovetop version, without hovering over a pan.
Serving Suggestions
Crockpot Butter Chicken pairs perfectly with fluffy basmati rice, warm garlic naan, or even jeera rice if you’re feeling extra indulgent. Add a side of cucumber raita or a fresh kachumber salad to keep things balanced. It also works great for lunch the next day, just reheat gently and top with fresh cilantro.
More Crockpot Recipes
- When you want something creamy but don’t want the fuss, this dump-and-go Crockpot Chicken Alfredo delivers all the cozy comfort of a pasta night, with almost zero effort. Just toss everything in the slow cooker, let it do its thing, and come back to tender chicken, rich Alfredo sauce, and perfectly cooked fettuccine.
- This Crockpot Chicken Parmesan is one of those easy dinners that delivers every time. It’s simple to prep, slow-cooked in marinara, topped with melty cheese and golden breadcrumbs, and perfect for a cozy weeknight meal.
- If you’re in the mood for something cozy and low-effort, this Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup is exactly the kind of dinner that takes care of itself. Just set it, walk away, and come back to a warm, satisfying bowl.
- If sticky, saucy chicken is your thing, don’t miss this one. These crockpot honey garlic chicken thighs are sweet, savory, and slow-cooked until perfectly tender. It’s one of those no-effort dinners that still feels like a win.
Tried this Crockpot Butter Chicken? Let me know how you served it – with rice, naan, or even just by the spoonful. And if you’re saving easy Indian-inspired crockpot chicken recipes, this one deserves a top spot on your board.
Equipment
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
For the Sauce:
- 1 can crushed tomatoes (15 oz)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon turmeric
- ½ teaspoon chili powder optional, to taste
- Salt and pepper to taste
To Finish:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup unsalted butter cubed
- ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt optional, for extra creaminess
- 2 tablespoons cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Add the chopped onion, garlic, and ginger to the bottom of a 5–6 quart slow cooker. Place the chicken on top.
- In a bowl, combine the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, garam masala, cumin, paprika, turmeric, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well and pour the sauce over the chicken.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6 hours or HIGH for 4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Stir in the heavy cream and cubed butter. Cover and cook for another 10–15 minutes on LOW, until the sauce is creamy and smooth. If using yogurt, stir it in slowly at this stage to avoid curdling.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve hot with basmati rice or naan.
Notes
- Chicken breasts can be used, but thighs give better texture and flavor.
- Adjust chili powder for the spice level.
- Use tomato puree if you prefer a smoother sauce.
- Yogurt is optional but adds a nice tang if stirred in at the end.
- Leftovers reheat well and are perfect for meal prep.
