Crockpot Butter Chicken

Crockpot Butter Chicken is a rich, comforting, and incredibly flavorful dish that brings all the cozy goodness of classic butter chicken with the ease of slow cooking. Tender pieces of chicken simmer slowly in a creamy, spiced tomato sauce until they’re melt-in-your-mouth soft and infused with warm Indian-inspired flavors. This version is perfect for busy days because the slow cooker does most of the work, allowing the spices to develop deeply while you go about your day. It’s mild, creamy, and family-friendly, making it a great introduction to butter chicken for anyone new to the dish.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into chunks
• 1 medium onion, finely diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 1 cup tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
• ½ cup tomato paste
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 3 tablespoons butter, cubed
• 1 tablespoon garam masala
• 1½ teaspoons curry powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon turmeric
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon chili powder (optional, for heat)
• 1 tablespoon sugar or honey
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)

Preparation Steps

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Place the chicken pieces into the bottom of the crockpot. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt, pepper, paprika, cumin, turmeric, curry powder, and garam masala. Toss gently so the chicken is evenly coated with the spices.

Step 2: Add Aromatics
Add the diced onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger on top of the seasoned chicken. These aromatics will slowly soften and flavor the sauce as everything cooks together.

Step 3: Build the Sauce
Pour in the tomato sauce and tomato paste, then add the sugar or honey to balance the acidity. Stir gently to combine everything without breaking up the chicken pieces too much.

Step 4: Slow Cook
Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or on HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is very tender and easily pulls apart with a fork.

Step 5: Finish with Butter and Cream
About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the butter and heavy cream. Cover again and let the sauce become rich, smooth, and creamy as it finishes cooking.

Step 6: Taste and Adjust
Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if needed, adding more salt, spice, or cream depending on preference.

Step 7: Serve
Garnish with chopped cilantro if desired and serve hot.

Variations

• Use coconut milk instead of cream for dairy-free
• Add extra chili powder for more heat
• Use chicken thighs for juicier results
• Stir in cooked chickpeas for added texture

Serving Suggestions

• Serve over basmati rice
• Pair with naan or flatbread
• Add a side of cucumber yogurt sauce
• Serve with roasted vegetables

Prep Time / Cooking Time / Total Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 6 hours
• Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Approx. 420 calories – 34g protein – 26g fat – 12g carbs

Conclusion

Crockpot Butter Chicken is a comforting, creamy, and flavorful meal that’s perfect for busy days when you still want something homemade and satisfying. With tender chicken, warm spices, and a rich sauce that practically cooks itself, this recipe is an easy win for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or cozy family meals.