The scent of Slow Cooker Butter Chicken wafts through the air, wrapping you in a warm embrace of spices and creamy goodness. Imagine tender chicken bathed in a rich, aromatic sauce that dances with flavors of garlic, ginger, and just a hint of warmth from the spices.
Now picture this: after a long day, you stroll into your kitchen to find dinner nearly ready. The slow cooker has worked its magic while you tackled life’s curveballs. Excitement bubbles as you unveil this Indian classic that promises to transport you straight to the streets of Delhi, all without having to leave your cozy home.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Slow Cooker Butter Chicken is easy to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights
- The blend of spices creates an irresistible flavor profile that’s sure to please everyone at the table
- Its vibrant appearance makes it a showstopper for any gathering or family dinner
- Versatile enough to serve with rice, naan, or even pasta for a fusion twist!
Every time I whip up this dish, my family’s delighted reactions remind me why I keep coming back to it. They always ask for seconds!

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: Look for bright orange ginger root; it adds warmth and zest to your sauce.
Canned Tomato Sauce: Opt for crushed tomatoes for a smoother texture that blends beautifully in the sauce.
Coconut Milk: Use full-fat coconut milk for creaminess; it balances the spices perfectly.
Butter: A generous dollop enhances the richness and gives a luxurious finish.
Spices (Cumin, Coriander, Garam Masala): Freshly ground spices yield better flavor; don’t skimp on these! For more inspiration, check out this Check out these cooking tips recipe.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for enhancing all those fabulous flavors; season generously but taste as you go.
For the Sauce:
Brown Sugar: A touch of sweetness helps balance out the acidity from the tomatoes; adjust according to taste.
Lemon Juice: Fresh-squeezed juice brightens up the dish at serving time.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by gathering all your ingredients. Chop your chicken into bite-sized pieces and mince the garlic and ginger finely. This will ensure they infuse maximum flavor into your dish.
Sauté Aromatics
In a skillet over medium heat, melt some butter until it’s bubbly but not browned. Add minced garlic and ginger sautéing until fragrant—about one minute should do it! This step builds an aromatic foundation.
Combine Everything in the Slow Cooker
Transfer your sautéed aromatics into your slow cooker along with chicken pieces, canned tomato sauce, coconut milk, and spices. Stir well until everything is combined beautifully.
Set It and Forget It
Cover your slow cooker and set it on low heat. Let it work its magic for about 6 hours or high heat for 3 hours. The longer it cooks, the more tender your chicken will be! For more inspiration, check out this Explore more main dishes recipe.
Final Touches
Once cooked through and tender, stir in brown sugar and lemon juice right before serving. Adjust seasoning if necessary—more salt? A pinch more spice? It’s totally up to you!
Serve It Up!
Ladle generous portions onto plates or bowls over rice or alongside naan bread. Don’t forget a sprinkle of fresh cilantro if you’re feeling fancy! Enjoy every luscious bite as flavors dance on your palate.
Your culinary adventure with Slow Cooker Butter Chicken awaits! Each step is filled with anticipation as rich aromas fill your kitchen creating an inviting atmosphere perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in with friends. Get ready to impress without breaking a sweat!
You Must Know
- This Slow Cooker Butter Chicken transforms weeknight dinners into a creamy, flavorful adventure
- The rich spices create a heavenly aroma, filling your home with warmth
- It’s perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a cozy night in, served over rice or with naan
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by sautéing onions and garlic before adding chicken and spices to the slow cooker. This enhances the flavors and ensures a deep, rich sauce.

Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap coconut milk for heavy cream for a lighter version or toss in some spinach for extra nutrients. Personalize it to fit your taste!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always brown the chicken before slow cooking; it adds depth
- Use fresh ginger for a zesty kick, and don’t skip the marination time for maximum flavor
- Adjust spice levels according to your preference; some like it hot!
Cooking this dish reminds me of that one dinner party where my friends couldn’t stop raving about how delicious it was. Their compliments made me feel like a superstar chef!

FAQ
What can I serve with Slow Cooker Butter Chicken?
Pair it with basmati rice, naan bread, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Can I use frozen chicken in this recipe?
Yes, just ensure it’s fully cooked through before serving for safety.
How do I adjust the spice level?
To adjust spice levels, add less garam masala or include more cream to mellow flavors.

Slow Cooker Butter Chicken
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
Description
Slow Cooker Butter Chicken is a comforting dish that brings the flavors of India right to your table with minimal effort. Tender pieces of chicken are simmered in a rich, creamy sauce infused with aromatic spices like garlic, ginger, and garam masala. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish pairs beautifully with rice or naan, making it a family favorite that’s both satisfying and delightful.
Ingredients
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomato sauce
- 1 can (13.5 oz) full-fat coconut milk
- 4 tbsp butter
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 2 tsp ground coriander
- 2 tsp garam masala
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Prepare your ingredients by chopping the chicken into bite-sized pieces and mincing the garlic and ginger.
- In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter until bubbly but not browned. Sauté the garlic and ginger for about one minute until fragrant.
- Transfer the sautéed aromatics to the slow cooker. Add chicken, crushed tomato sauce, coconut milk, spices, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
- Cover and cook on low for about 6 hours or high for 3 hours.
- Before serving, stir in brown sugar and lemon juice. Adjust seasoning as desired.
- Serve over rice or with naan bread, garnished with fresh cilantro if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: For a lighter version, substitute coconut milk with heavy cream. Feel free to add spinach for extra nutrients and flavor.
