Slow Cooker Butter Chicken

The magic of Indian cuisine comes home with this Slow Cooker Butter Chicken. Bursting with warm spices and balanced with creamy coconut milk and Greek yogurt, this dish is a satisfying comfort food without the heaviness. Whether you’re new to Indian cooking or a seasoned pro, this recipe makes it incredibly easy to bring restaurant-quality flavor into your kitchen with minimal effort. Set it, forget it, and come back to a pot full of tender chicken simmered in a rich, spiced tomato gravy. Serve it with fluffy rice or pillowy naan for a meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. This butter chicken is not only family-friendly, but also easily customizable for gluten-free or dairy-free lifestyles.

Full recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces

• 1 tablespoon coconut oil or olive oil

• 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger

• 1 tablespoon garam masala

• 1 tablespoon curry powder

• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)

• 1 (14-ounce) can tomato sauce

• 1/2 cup full-fat canned coconut milk

• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)

• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

• Fresh cilantro and cooked brown rice or naan for serving

Directions:

1. In a large skillet, heat the coconut oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft, about 4 minutes. Add the garlic and ginger; sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.

2. Stir in the garam masala, curry powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne. Cook for 1 more minute to toast the spices.

3. Transfer the mixture to a 4- to 6-quart slow cooker. Add the tomato sauce and stir to combine.

4. Add the chicken to the slow cooker and stir to coat.

5. Cover and cook on LOW for 5-6 hours or on HIGH for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.

6. Stir in the coconut milk and Greek yogurt. If desired, mix the cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water, then stir it into the slow cooker to thicken the sauce.

7. Let cook uncovered for 10-15 minutes more. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

8. Serve hot, topped with fresh cilantro over brown rice or with warm naan.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 6 hours | Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 6 servings

The Origin of Butter Chicken

Butter chicken, known in Hindi as Murgh Makhani, originated in Delhi, India in the 1950s. It was accidentally created by the chefs at the iconic Moti Mahal restaurant who combined leftover tandoori chicken with a rich tomato-butter-cream sauce to avoid waste. The resulting dish was an instant hit. Today, butter chicken is a globally loved comfort food, known for its creamy, flavorful sauce and tender chicken pieces. It’s often served with naan or basmati rice and is a staple at Indian restaurants worldwide.

The version we’re talking about today—Slow Cooker Butter Chicken—is a modern twist on this classic. It maintains the traditional flavors but adapts to today’s busy lifestyle. By utilizing a slow cooker, we achieve tender, flavor-infused chicken with minimal effort, perfect for anyone craving homemade Indian food without hours of stove time.

Why This Slow Cooker Butter Chicken Is the Best

There are hundreds of butter chicken recipes out there, but this version stands out for its balance of flavor, simplicity, and healthy adaptations. Here’s why this recipe is so well-loved:

• Hands-Off Cooking: Using a slow cooker means less time in the kitchen. Just a bit of sautéing at the start, then everything simmers to perfection over a few hours while you go about your day.

• Balanced Flavor Profile: Many butter chicken recipes can be overly rich or spicy. This one has a perfectly balanced blend of aromatic spices like garam masala and paprika, combined with a touch of heat from cayenne (optional) and creaminess from coconut milk and yogurt.

• Healthier Ingredients: Traditional recipes use heavy cream and lots of butter. This version lightens things up with Greek yogurt and coconut milk, without sacrificing the creamy texture we love.

• Family-Friendly: The spices are warm, not hot, making it great for kids or spice-sensitive eaters. Plus, it pairs well with all kinds of sides, from rice to flatbreads, and even roasted veggies.

Nutritional Benefits and Dietary Considerations

This butter chicken is more than just delicious—it’s nourishing too. Here’s a breakdown of the benefits:

• High Protein: Chicken thighs are a rich source of lean protein, essential for muscle growth, immune function, and staying full longer.

• Gut-Friendly Ingredients: Greek yogurt adds not only creaminess but also probiotics, which support digestive health.

• Dairy-Light Option: By using coconut milk, this recipe is easier on those who are sensitive to dairy. Full-fat canned coconut milk provides healthy fats without the heaviness of cream.

• Low in Sugar: Unlike some restaurant versions that add sugar to enhance the sauce, this homemade version relies on the natural sweetness of tomatoes and coconut milk, making it a cleaner option.

• Gluten-Free: Naturally free of gluten, it’s a safe option for those with gluten intolerance or celiac disease.

Time-Saving Benefits for Busy Cooks

Let’s face it: weeknight dinners can be a challenge. That’s where this slow cooker butter chicken shines. You can:

• Prep it in 10 minutes in the morning, set it on LOW, and come home to dinner.

• Make it ahead and store in the fridge for up to 4 days—flavors actually improve over time.

• Freeze leftovers for future meals; it reheats beautifully.

It’s also perfect for meal prepping. Portion it with rice into containers and you have lunch for the week that you’ll actually look forward to eating.

Customizations and Substitutions

Another reason this butter chicken recipe is a keeper? It’s incredibly flexible:

• Spice Level: Like it hotter? Add an extra pinch of cayenne or fresh chili. Prefer mild? Omit the heat entirely.

• Protein Swaps: Not a fan of chicken thighs? Use chicken breasts, tofu, or chickpeas for a vegetarian version.

• Dairy-Free Version: Omit the yogurt or use a dairy-free alternative to make it completely dairy-free.

• Add Veggies: Toss in some spinach, peas, or even diced sweet potatoes for added nutrients and color.

These variations make it a go-to recipe that fits different dietary needs and taste preferences without compromising on taste.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Butter Chicken

The rich and spiced sauce begs to be soaked up with something delicious. Here are a few of the best ways to serve it:

• Over Steamed Basmati Rice: The fluffy, fragrant grains absorb all the creamy goodness of the sauce.

• With Warm Naan Bread: Perfect for scooping and savoring every bite.

• Alongside Roasted Vegetables: A great low-carb option that adds texture and extra nutrition.

• With Quinoa or Cauliflower Rice: Ideal for those on grain-free or lower-carb diets.

You can also top it with a dollop of yogurt or fresh chopped cilantro to brighten the flavors.

Make It a Party Dish

Hosting a dinner party or family gathering? This slow cooker butter chicken is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser:

• Serve Buffet-Style: With bowls of rice, naan, and toppings like chopped herbs, yogurt, or pickled onions.

• Double the Batch: The recipe scales easily—just use a larger slow cooker.

• Make Ahead: The flavors deepen overnight, so making it the day before an event can make it even better.

It’s also perfect for potlucks or cozy holiday dinners where you want to offer something a little different, yet universally appealing.

Storage and Leftover Ideas

Butter chicken stores incredibly well and may even taste better the next day. Here’s how to make the most of leftovers:

• Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

• Freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.

• Repurpose: Use leftovers in wraps, over baked potatoes, or in a curry-style quesadilla.

Batch cooking this dish can be a great time-saving strategy—cook once, eat multiple times in different forms.

What Sets This Recipe Apart from Restaurant Versions

Restaurant butter chicken can sometimes be overly rich or oily, and may include artificial flavor enhancers or preservatives. This slow cooker version offers:

• Full Flavor with Cleaner Ingredients: You control what goes in—no hidden oils or added sugar.

• Less Sodium: Homemade sauces let you season to your taste, making it suitable for low-sodium diets.

• Health-Conscious Creaminess: Achieved with Greek yogurt and coconut milk instead of heavy cream and butter.

These tweaks mean you can enjoy your favorite dish more often, guilt-free.

Tips for Perfecting This Recipe

Even though it’s simple, a few tips can take your slow cooker butter chicken to the next level:

• Sautéing the Spices: Don’t skip this step—it unlocks the aroma and flavor of the spices.

• Cut Chicken Evenly: This ensures every bite is juicy and tender.

• Let It Rest: Allow the sauce to sit uncovered for 10-15 minutes after cooking. It thickens and intensifies the flavors.

• Taste and Adjust: Add salt or more garam masala at the end if needed.

These small steps help transform a good dish into an unforgettable one.

Conclusion

This Slow Cooker Butter Chicken is a beautiful fusion of tradition and convenience. Rooted in the rich culinary heritage of Indian cuisine, it’s made accessible through the ease of modern appliances and smart ingredient swaps. Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal-prepping for the week, or hosting guests, this recipe delivers on flavor, nutrition, and practicality. What truly sets it apart is its versatility. It’s customizable, freezer-friendly, gluten-free, and can be made dairy-free without losing its soul-warming charm. Once you try it, you’ll find yourself making it again and again—because few dishes are this comforting, flavorful, and easy all at once.