Coming home to the irresistible aroma of Crockpot Butter Chicken is pure comfort. This easy slow cooker recipe delivers all the creamy, spiced flavors of the restaurant favorite without the fuss. The chicken becomes fall-apart tender, the sauce turns silky and bold, and your kitchen fills with the mouthwatering scent of Crockpot Butter Chicken all day long.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Butter Chicken
You’ll love this recipe because it’s truly hands-off comfort food. Toss everything in the crockpot and let it cook while you go about your day. The sauce is creamy and packed with flavor from garam masala, cumin, and paprika. Chicken thighs stay juicy, so every bite soaks up the buttery sauce. It’s a recipe your kids will ask for again and again. Plus, it freezes well so you can stash a batch away for busy nights.
Ingredients You’ll Need
1 tablespoon coconut oil or olive oil
1 large yellow onion finely diced
1 tablespoon ginger paste
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1¼ teaspoons smoked paprika
1¼ teaspoons ground cumin
1¼ teaspoons ground turmeric
1¼ teaspoons salt
2¼ teaspoons garam masala
⅛ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
1 teaspoon sugar optional
1 can diced or crushed tomatoes (14.5 ounces) fire roasted if you can find it
2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs trimmed
8 tablespoons unsalted butter sliced
½ cup heavy cream
⅓ cup chopped cilantro optional
Cooked rice or warm naan for serving
Step by Step Instructions
Sauté the Aromatics
Heat oil in a pan over medium high. Sauté onion, garlic, and ginger until golden and fragrant.
Toast the Spices
Stir in the spices and let them bloom for about a minute. Add tomatoes and scrape the pan, then let this cool slightly before adding to the crockpot.
Slow Cook the Chicken
Place chicken thighs in the crockpot and stir into the sauce. Arrange them in a single layer. Cook on high for 2½ to 4 hours or on low for 4 to 6 hours until fully cooked.
Blend the Sauce
Remove the chicken and chop it into bite sized pieces. Blend the sauce until smooth with an immersion blender or carefully in a stand blender.
Finish and Serve
Return sauce to the crockpot. Stir in butter and cream until silky. Add chicken back and sprinkle with cilantro if you’d like. Serve hot with rice or naan.
Tips for the Best Butter Chicken
Use chicken thighs because they don’t dry out like breasts. Always sauté your onions, garlic, and spices before adding to the crockpot because this builds flavor. Blend the sauce carefully and let it cool for a minute to avoid spills. And don’t forget to warm your naan bread before serving just a quick char in a skillet makes a big difference.
Serving Suggestions
This butter chicken loves to be paired with basmati rice or fluffy naan. If you want something lighter, spoon it over quinoa or serve with roasted cauliflower. A fresh cucumber salad or yogurt based raita balances the richness beautifully. You could also set out stuffed bell peppers as a hearty veggie side dish to round out your meal.
Storing and Freezing
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of cream or water if the sauce is thick. You can also freeze it for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and warm slowly on the stove until smooth and creamy again.
FAQs About Crockpot Butter Chicken
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs
Yes, but they may dry out. If you prefer them, cut cooking time slightly and add a splash of extra cream at the end.
Can I make this dairy free
You can swap butter for coconut oil and cream for full fat coconut milk. The flavor changes slightly but it’s still rich and delicious.
Can I prep the sauce ahead of time
Absolutely. Sauté the onions, garlic, and spices the night before. Keep the mixture in the fridge and add it to the crockpot in the morning with chicken.
Try More Cozy Crockpot Recipes
If you’re craving another crockpot dinner, serve your butter chicken with this skillet apple cider chicken for a sweet savory fall dinner idea
If you love cozy crockpot meals, you’ve got to try this pumpkin chili recipe next
Round out your table with stuffed bell peppers for a colorful veggie packed side
Follow us on Pinterest for more cozy ideas, or join the fun on Facebook!
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Crockpot Butter Chicken
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
There’s something magical about coming home to the warm aroma of slow-cooked butter chicken. This crockpot version gives you the same rich, spiced creaminess of the restaurant favorite without standing over the stove. The chicken turns melt-in-your-mouth tender, the sauce is silky and bold, and your kitchen smells incredible all day.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil or olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion, finely diced
- 1 tablespoon ginger paste
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1¼ teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1¼ teaspoons ground cumin
- 1¼ teaspoons ground turmeric
- 1¼ teaspoons salt
- 2¼ teaspoons garam masala
- ⅛ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
- 1 can diced or crushed tomatoes (14.5 ounces), fire roasted if possible
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, trimmed
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, sliced
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ⅓ cup chopped cilantro (optional)
- Cooked rice or warm naan, for serving
Instructions
- Heat oil in a pan over medium-high. Sauté onion, garlic, and ginger until golden and fragrant.
- Stir in the spices and toast for 1 minute. Add tomatoes, scrape the pan, and let cool slightly before transferring to the crockpot.
- Place chicken thighs in the crockpot and stir into the sauce. Arrange in a single layer.
- Cook on high 2½–4 hours or on low 4–6 hours until chicken is fully cooked.
- Remove chicken and chop into bite-sized pieces. Blend the sauce until smooth with an immersion blender or carefully in a stand blender.
- Return sauce to crockpot. Stir in butter and cream until smooth, then add chicken back. Sprinkle with cilantro if using.
- Serve hot with rice or naan.
Notes
Use chicken thighs for juicy results—breasts can dry out. Always sauté onions, garlic, and spices first to build flavor. Blend the sauce carefully and let it cool slightly to avoid splatters. Don’t forget to warm your naan before serving!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Indian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 115mg