Slow Cooker Butter Chicken Recipe

Slow Cooker Butter Chicken is the answer to every comfort food craving, bringing together tender chicken, a luscious spiced tomato-cream sauce, and all the deeply aromatic flavors you adore, with almost zero effort. With this foolproof slow cooker method, you get restaurant-worthy results that gently simmer all day and fill your home with irresistible fragrance—perfect for cozy nights or impressive dinners alike!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This dreamy Slow Cooker Butter Chicken uses everyday ingredients that come together for layers of flavor. Each one plays a vital role—whether it’s the velvety butter, fragrant spices, or creamy finishing touch, you simply can’t skip these!

• Boneless-skinless chicken breasts: These get incredibly tender, juicy, and soak up all the luxurious sauce.
• Onion: Diced onion forms the savory base and melts into the sauce for subtle sweetness.
• Unsalted butter: The “butter” in butter chicken! Adds rich, mellow flavor and silky texture.
• Tomato sauce & tomato paste: Tomato brings color, a lovely tang, and deepens the sauce’s body.
• Heavy cream: This gives the sauce its decadent, velvety, signature finish—don’t substitute with milk!
• Minced garlic & grated ginger: This dynamic duo infuses the entire dish with classic aromatic warmth.
• Curry powder, chili powder, garam masala, cumin, and salt: The backbone of the flavor! Each spice brings its own layer of complexity.
• Cornstarch: A simple trick to thicken the sauce while keeping it glossy and smooth.
• Cooked jasmine rice: Wonderfully aromatic and fluffy, perfect for soaking up all that saucy goodness.
• Fresh cilantro: The cool, herby garnish that brightens everything up at the finish.

Variations

There’s so much room to play with this Slow Cooker Butter Chicken—from making it extra spicy to swapping in a dairy-free option, you can truly make it your own. Here are just a few ideas to get you started and inspire your inner chef!

• Mild Version: Skip or reduce the chili powder to keep the sauce extra gentle and kid-friendly.
• Dairy-Free: Substitute full-fat coconut milk for the cream and a vegan butter alternative for that creamy richness without dairy.
• Swap the Protein: Make things interesting by using boneless, skinless chicken thighs, shrimp, or even tofu for a fun twist.
• Low-Carb: Serve butter chicken over cauliflower rice or roasted veggies instead of jasmine rice for a lighter meal.

How to Make Slow Cooker Butter Chicken

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics and Spices

Start by melting the butter in a sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the diced onions, garlic, ginger, curry powder, chili powder, garam masala, cumin, and salt. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until the onions are soft and your kitchen smells like absolute heaven—the secret to that deep, layered flavor!

Step 2: Blend the Sauce Base

Transfer the fragrant onion-spice mixture into a blender along with the tomato sauce, tomato paste, and ¾ cup of the heavy cream. Blend until you have a smooth, creamy sauce—the better you blend, the silkier your Slow Cooker Butter Chicken will be!

Step 3: Cook in the Slow Cooker

Place the chicken breasts in your slow cooker and pour the velvety sauce over the top. Pop on the lid and cook on high for 2½–3 hours, until the chicken is incredibly tender and juicy, soaking up all those beautiful flavors.

Step 4: Cut and Thicken

Once the chicken is cooked through, carefully remove it from the slow cooker and slice it into generous bite-sized pieces. Meanwhile, make a quick slurry by stirring the remaining ½ cup heavy cream together with the cornstarch, then whisk this into the sauce to help it thicken up perfectly.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Return the chicken pieces to the thickened sauce and gently stir to coat. Your Slow Cooker Butter Chicken is ready to shine—spoon over fluffy jasmine rice, garnish with fresh cilantro, and dive in!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Butter Chicken

Garnishes

Scattering a handful of freshly chopped cilantro over Slow Cooker Butter Chicken just before serving gives a lovely, vibrant burst of color and a zingy, herby freshness that cuts through the rich sauce. If you want to go the extra mile, a swirl of extra cream and a sprinkle of chili flakes can take it over the top — both visually stunning and totally delicious.

Side Dishes

Nothing soaks up that luscious sauce like soft, puffy naan bread—tear it right into the curry for maximum flavor! Of course, a bed of fluffy jasmine rice is classic, but you can also pair with roasted or steamed cauliflower, sautéed greens, or even a bright cucumber salad to provide crunch and a bit of contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For entertaining, try serving Slow Cooker Butter Chicken in shallow bowls with the rice on one side and the chicken nestled alongside, topped with plenty of garnish for color. Or make a “butter chicken bar”—let guests scoop chicken, sauce, rice, and their favorite toppings into individual bowls for a fun, hands-on feast. For lunchboxes, pack into compartmentalized containers for a satisfying midday treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer any leftover Slow Cooker Butter Chicken into airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen and improve overnight, making leftovers a serious treat for lunch or an even cozier dinner the next day!

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze Slow Cooker Butter Chicken! Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags, keeping the rice separate for best texture. The sauce and chicken freeze beautifully for up to 3 months—just thaw in the fridge overnight before using.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or cream if the sauce has thickened too much. For individual portions, the microwave works well—cover loosely and stir halfway through until hot and steamy. Sprinkle with fresh cilantro again just before serving for a little “just-cooked” magic.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If your heart sings for bold flavors with minimal effort, Slow Cooker Butter Chicken is destined to become a household staple. Invite some friends over, ladle generous servings into bowls, and savor every creamy, spiced mouthful—trust me, you’ll want to put this recipe on repeat. Enjoy every bite!

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