Slow Cooker Butter Chicken Recipe: A Creamy, Flavor-Packed Favorite

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Slow Cooker Butter Chicken Recipe: A Creamy, Flavor-Packed Favorite

Butter Chicken, also known as Murgh Makhani, is a luxurious, creamy Indian dish beloved for its rich, spiced tomato sauce and tender chunks of chicken. If you’ve discovered this dish years ago and want a hassle-free way to enjoy it at home, using a crock pot is a game-changer. It allows deep flavors to develop while keeping the chicken melt-in-your-mouth tender—all with minimal effort.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to make buttered chicken in a crock pot, resulting in restaurant-quality flavor with the convenience of slow cooking.

Why Make Butter Chicken in a Crock Pot?

  • Set it and forget it: Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy Sundays.
  • Bold flavor: Long cooking time helps infuse deep, aromatic spices.
  • Tender texture: Chicken slow-cooked in sauce becomes incredibly moist.
  • Fewer dishes: Cook everything in one pot for easy cleanup.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Butter Chicken

To create the most flavorful and authentic butter chicken in your crock pot, gather the following:

  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into chunks
  • 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 tablespoon garam masala
  • 1 tablespoon curry powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (adjust for spice)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
  • 1 (14 oz) can tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
  • 1 cup heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk
  • 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cut into cubes
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • Fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)
  • Cooked basmati rice or naan, for serving

How to Make Butter Chicken in a Crock Pot

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken and Sauce Base

Place the chicken pieces directly into the bottom of your crock pot. In a separate bowl, mix together the onion, garlic, ginger, garam masala, curry powder, cumin, paprika, turmeric, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Add the tomato paste and tomato sauce, then stir in the lemon juice.

Step 2: Combine and Cook

Pour the spiced tomato mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker. Stir well to coat all the chicken evenly.

Add the butter cubes on top, distributing them throughout the sauce. Cover the crock pot with the lid.

  • Cook on LOW for 6–7 hours
  • Or on HIGH for 3–4 hours

Step 3: Stir in Cream and Yogurt

About 20–30 minutes before serving, stir in the heavy cream (or coconut milk) and the Greek yogurt (or sour cream). This step gives the butter chicken its classic creamy texture and luxurious flavor. Let it warm through as the sauce thickens slightly.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Just before serving, give the sauce a final stir. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot with steamed basmati rice or warm naan bread.

Pro Tips for Perfect Butter Chicken

Use Chicken Thighs for Best Results

Chicken thighs stay juicier during long cooking and absorb flavors more effectively than breast meat.

Balance the Creaminess

Adjust the richness to your taste. Use coconut milk for a dairy-free version or reduce the cream if you prefer a lighter dish.

Don’t Skip the Butter

The dish is called butter chicken for a reason. Butter gives the sauce its signature silkiness and slightly sweet depth.

Make It Spicier

Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or increase the chili powder for more heat, depending on your preference.

Storage and Reheating

  • Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • Freezer: Freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight.
  • Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring often. Add a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your crock pot butter chicken with:

  • Basmati or jasmine rice
  • Naan bread or roti
  • A simple cucumber raita
  • Pickled onions or mango chutney

A Dish to Revisit Again and Again

If you learned about butter chicken six years ago, it’s time to fall in love with it all over again—this time with the ease and comfort of your slow cooker. Rich, creamy, and packed with flavor, this butter chicken recipe will soon be a staple in your dinner rotation.

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