If you love rich, flavorful Indian dishes but want something incredibly easy to prepare, this Slow Cooker Indian Butter Chicken is the perfect recipe. With just a few minutes of prep, your slow cooker does all the work, transforming simple ingredients into a creamy, aromatic dish that tastes like it came from your favorite restaurant.
Tender chicken thighs simmer slowly in a flavorful sauce made with tomato paste, warm spices, garlic, and ginger. At the end, a splash of cream and lime juice creates the signature velvety butter chicken sauce that’s both comforting and deeply satisfying.
Serve it over fluffy basmati rice with warm naan bread for a complete meal that’s perfect for family dinners or cozy nights at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Minimal prep work
Simply add the ingredients to your slow cooker and let it handle the rest.
Restaurant-style flavor at home
Warm spices like garam masala, turmeric, and curry powder create a rich and authentic flavor.
Perfectly tender chicken
Slow cooking allows the chicken to become incredibly juicy and melt-in-your-mouth tender.
Great for busy days
Start it in the morning and enjoy a delicious homemade dinner later.
Ingredients
- 1 cup basmati rice
- ½ cup chicken stock
- 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons yellow curry powder
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- ½ sweet onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1½ teaspoons brown sugar
Instructions
1. Cook the Rice
In a medium saucepan, cook the basmati rice according to the package instructions using about 2 cups of water. Once cooked, fluff with a fork and set aside.
2. Prepare the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together:
- Chicken stock
- Tomato paste
- Curry powder
- Garam masala
- Turmeric
- Salt
- Black pepper
Mix until smooth and well combined.
3. Add Ingredients to the Slow Cooker
Place the following ingredients into a 4-quart slow cooker:
- Chicken pieces
- Diced onion
- Garlic
- Fresh ginger
Pour the prepared sauce mixture over the chicken and stir to combine.
4. Slow Cook
Cover and cook on low heat for about 4 hours, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
The slow cooking process allows the spices and sauce to develop deep flavor while keeping the chicken incredibly juicy.
5. Finish the Sauce
Once cooking is complete, stir in:
- Heavy cream
- Lime juice
- Brown sugar
Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
6. Serve
Serve the butter chicken hot over basmati rice. Pair it with warm naan bread for dipping into the rich, creamy sauce.
Tips for the Best Butter Chicken
Use chicken thighs
They stay juicy and tender during slow cooking.
Adjust the spice level
Add a pinch of chili powder or cayenne if you prefer more heat.
Don’t skip the cream
It gives the sauce its signature smooth, rich texture.
Save extra sauce for naan
The sauce is incredibly flavorful and perfect for dipping bread.
What to Serve with Butter Chicken
This dish pairs wonderfully with:
- Garlic naan
- Steamed basmati rice
- Cucumber yogurt salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Simple green salad
Storage and Reheating
Leftovers store beautifully and the flavors deepen over time.
- Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days
- Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave
- Add a splash of cream or broth if the sauce thickens too much
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Indian Butter Chicken is the perfect combination of convenience and flavor. With minimal effort, you get a rich, creamy dish that tastes like it simmered all day in a restaurant kitchen.
Whether you’re cooking for family, meal prepping for the week, or simply craving something warm and comforting, this easy slow cooker recipe is guaranteed to become a favorite.