Irresistible Slow Cooker Indian Butter Chicken Recipe

Name: Slow Cooker Indian Butter Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 6 h
Total time: 6 h 15 min
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs); 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated; 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes; 1 can (13.5 oz) full-fat coconut milk; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter; 2 teaspoons garam masala; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon ground coriander; 1 tablespoon sugar or honey; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh cilantro for garnish

Recipe By:

Melisa Egan

Posted:

September 15, 2025

Updated:

September 15, 2025

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When you think of an aromatic dish that can make your kitchen smell like a five-star Indian restaurant, Slow Cooker Indian Butter Chicken springs to mind. The creamy sauce, bursting with spices, clings to tender chicken pieces as if they are the best of friends reunited after years apart. Just imagine dipping warm naan into that luscious sauce while your taste buds dance with joy.

This dish is not just food; it’s an experience! I still remember the first time I made Slow Cooker Indian Butter Chicken for my friends. They gathered around, eyes wide with anticipation, and when they took that first bite, it was pure magic. If you’re looking to impress at your next dinner party or just want something cozy for a family night in, this is the recipe that will have everyone coming back for seconds—and thirds!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This slow cooker Indian butter chicken offers incredible flavor without demanding hours of your time.
It combines rich spices and creaminess that appeals to everyone at the table.
You can customize the heat level according to your preference, making it perfect for all palates.
Plus, it’s a one-pot wonder that makes cleanup a breeze!

The aroma wafting through your home while this cooks will make you feel like a culinary genius.

This dish has been a crowd-pleaser since I first served it at my friend’s potluck—everyone raved about it!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but you can adjust the amount depending on how many people you’re feeding.
Fresh Garlic: Choose firm, fresh garlic cloves for the best flavor.
Fresh Ginger: Grate fresh ginger for a vibrant zest that adds depth to the dish.
Canned Tomatoes: Look for high-quality diced tomatoes; they form the base of our luscious sauce.
Coconut Milk: Full-fat coconut milk gives the sauce its creamy richness; don’t skimp here!
Butter: A generous dollop of unsalted butter enhances creaminess and flavor.
Spices (Garam Masala, Cumin, Coriander): These spices bring warmth and complexity—don’t skip them!
Sugar or Honey: A touch of sweetness balances out the spices beautifully.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning throughout; taste as you cook!
Cilantro (for garnish): Fresh cilantro adds a pop of color and refreshing flavor when serving.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Recipe preparation for Slow Cooker Indian Butter Chicken

How to Make Slow Cooker Indian Butter Chicken

Prep Your Ingredients: Start by dicing your chicken into bite-sized pieces and mincing the garlic and ginger until fragrant. Setting everything up now saves time later.

Add Ingredients to Slow Cooker: Toss the chicken pieces into your slow cooker along with garlic, ginger, canned tomatoes, coconut milk, and all those glorious spices. Mix well until combined.

Season Generously: Add salt, pepper, and sugar or honey into the mix. Give everything another good stir so each piece of chicken gets coated in flavor.

Set and Forget: Cover your slow cooker and let it work its magic on low heat for about 6-7 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender and flavors meld together beautifully.

Add Butter: About 15 minutes before serving, drop in chunks of butter to melt into that amazing sauce. Stir gently until creamy perfection is achieved.

Garnish and Serve: Once done cooking, sprinkle fresh cilantro on top before serving. Pair with fluffy naan or steamed rice for a complete meal.

Now you’re ready to enjoy Slow Cooker Indian Butter Chicken like a pro chef! This dish brings warmth and joy to any table—it’s comfort food at its finest!

You Must Know

Slow Cooker Indian Butter Chicken is a creamy, flavorful dish that’s perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a cozy night in.
The aroma alone will have everyone swooning, making it a must-try recipe for Indian food lovers.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by browning the chicken in a skillet before transferring it to the slow cooker. This step enhances flavor and texture, ensuring your Slow Cooker Indian Butter Chicken is irresistibly delicious.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to customize by adding vegetables like spinach or substituting coconut milk for cream. These tweaks create exciting variations of the classic Slow Cooker Indian Butter Chicken.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave to maintain the dish’s creamy consistency.

Chef's Helpful Tips

Always marinate your chicken overnight for deeper flavors.
Use fresh spices to enhance aroma and depth.
Serve with naan or rice to soak up that delicious sauce.

The first time I made Slow Cooker Indian Butter Chicken, my friends declared it a “taste explosion.” I felt like a genius chef whipping up something magical!

FAQ

Can I use frozen chicken for Slow Cooker Indian Butter Chicken?

Using frozen chicken may not achieve the desired tenderness; thaw it first for best results.

What side dishes pair well with this recipe?

Naan bread and basmati rice complement Slow Cooker Indian Butter Chicken beautifully, soaking up all that sauce.

How can I make this dish spicier?

Add sliced green chilies or extra garam masala to ramp up the heat in your butter chicken.

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