Effortless Crockpot Butter Chicken: A Flavorful Family Dinner

This Crockpot Butter Chicken is rich, creamy, and full of warm spice. It cooks low and slow, so the chicken turns tender and the sauce gets silky. You add the cream at the end for a smooth finish. It is easy, cozy, and great for busy days. Serve it with rice or warm naan for a simple, comforting meal.

Why Make Crockpot Butter Chicken

Crockpot Butter Chicken gives you big flavor with little effort. You toss the ingredients in the slow cooker, go about your day, and come back to a hearty dinner. The slow heat blends tomatoes, spices, and butter into a smooth, rich sauce. Chicken thighs stay juicy and soak up all that creamy goodness.

This dish is great in cooler months because it feels warm and soothing. It is also perfect in summer because the slow cooker keeps your kitchen cool. It uses common pantry spices and simple items like tomatoes, cream, and butter. It is family-friendly, and you can adjust the heat to your taste. It also makes great leftovers, so it works well for meal prep. If you want a no-fuss dish that tastes like a restaurant meal, this recipe is a smart pick.

Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Butter Chicken

Cozy Flavor with Everyday Ingredients

You get deep, cozy flavor from basic items: tomatoes, butter, garlic, ginger, and a few spices. No hard-to-find steps. Just set it and let it cook.

Quick to Make, Easy to Love

Prep takes about 10 minutes. The slow cooker does the rest. It is simple for weeknights and tasty enough for guests.

Ingredients and Substitutions

What You’ll Need for This Recipe

• 2 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into chunks
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 1 can (14–15 oz) tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (or ghee)
• 2 teaspoons garam masala
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
• 1/2 to 1 teaspoon chili powder or cayenne (to taste)
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar or honey (optional, for balance)
• 1 teaspoon dried fenugreek leaves (kasoori methi), crushed (optional)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for dairy-free)
• Juice of 1/2 lemon
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
• Cooked basmati rice or warm naan, for serving

Smart Swaps for Dietary Needs

• Dairy-free: Use coconut oil or dairy-free butter and coconut cream instead of heavy cream.
• Leaner: Use chicken breast and reduce butter to 2–3 tablespoons. Check doneness earlier.
• Lower heat: Skip cayenne and use mild paprika only.
• Gluten-free: This dish is naturally gluten-free. Serve with rice.
• Vegetarian: Swap chicken for 2 cans chickpeas (drained) and 2 cups cauliflower florets.

Smart Variation (Optional)

• Extra smooth: Blend the sauce with an immersion blender before adding cream.
• Tomato-forward: Add 1 extra tablespoon tomato paste for a deeper tang.
• Butter Chicken Bowls: Serve over rice with cucumber, red onion, and a spoon of yogurt.

How to Make Crockpot Butter Chicken

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Mix the sauce base: In the slow cooker, add onion, garlic, ginger, tomato sauce, tomato paste, garam masala, cumin, coriander, turmeric, paprika, chili, salt, pepper, and brown sugar (if using). Stir well.
2. Add chicken and butter: Add chicken pieces and dot the top with butter. Stir to coat the chicken in the sauce.
3. Cook: Cover and cook on Low for 4–6 hours or on High for 2–3 hours, until the chicken is tender.
4. Finish the sauce: Stir in cream (or coconut cream), lemon juice, and fenugreek leaves (if using). Cover and cook on High for 10–15 minutes more to warm through and thicken slightly.
5. Taste and serve: Adjust salt, heat, and sweetness to taste. Garnish with cilantro. Serve with rice or naan.

Tips for Texture, Timing & Tools

• Use thighs for best tenderness. If using breasts, check at the early end of the time.
• For a thicker sauce, cook uncovered for the last 15 minutes after adding cream.
• Prevent curdling: Add cream at the end and keep the heat gentle.
• Deeper flavor: Sauté onion, garlic, ginger in a little butter on the stove first, then add to the slow cooker.
• Tools: A 4–6 quart slow cooker works well. An immersion blender makes the sauce extra smooth.

Storage & Reheating

How to Store It Right

• Cool fully. Store in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. For best texture, cool fully before freezing. Label with date.

Reheating Without Losing Flavor

• Stovetop: Warm on low with a splash of water or cream. Stir often.
• Microwave: Reheat at 50–70% power in short bursts, stirring between.
• From frozen: Thaw in the fridge overnight, then reheat gently.

A Dish Worth Making Again and Again

This recipe tastes even better the next day. It is great for batch cooking, lunches, and quick dinners. Make extra and freeze a portion for a no-stress meal later.

Print

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes. Use chicken breast and cook on Low 3–4 hours or High 1.5–2.5 hours. Check early to avoid drying out.

Do I need to brown the chicken first?

No. It is not required. Browning adds depth, but the slow cooker still gives rich flavor without this step.

How can I make it dairy-free?

Use coconut oil or dairy-free butter and coconut cream instead of heavy cream. The sauce will still be creamy.

How do I thicken the sauce?

Simmer uncovered for 10–15 minutes after adding cream, or stir in 1 extra tablespoon tomato paste. You can also blend the sauce.

Final Thoughts

Crockpot Butter Chicken is simple, rich, and very comforting. With basic ingredients and hands-off cooking, it fits any weeknight. Make it mild or spicy, keep it creamy or dairy-free, and enjoy a warm, cozy meal with very little work.

Need another way to enjoy high-protein meals without relying on meat? Our Recipes is a flavorful, filling dinner that fits the bill beautifully.

Want more cozy recipes like this? Follow us on Facebook for fresh ideas, tips, and seasonal inspiration right in your feed.