Looking for an easy dinner that tastes like your favorite takeout? This Crockpot Butter Chicken is rich, creamy, and packed with warm Indian-inspired spices. The slow cooker does all the work, giving you incredibly tender chicken in a silky tomato-butter sauce. It’s the perfect recipe for busy weeknights, family dinners, or meal prep. Serve it with fluffy rice or warm naan for a comforting meal everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Butter Chicken
- Set it and forget it with minimal prep.
- Rich, creamy, restaurant-style flavor.
- Tender chicken that melts in your mouth.
- Perfect for meal prep and leftovers.
- Family-friendly and easy to customize.
- Great served with rice, naan, or cauliflower rice.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into chunks
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons garam masala
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon curry powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon turmeric
- ½ teaspoon chili powder (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt (optional)
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
How to Make Crockpot Butter Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a skillet and sauté the onion until soft.
- Add the garlic and ginger, cooking for about one minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the tomato sauce, tomato paste, garam masala, paprika, curry powder, cumin, turmeric, chili powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Pour the sauce into the crockpot.
- Add the chicken pieces and stir until fully coated.
- Place the butter on top of the chicken.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours.
- Stir in the heavy cream during the last 20 minutes of cooking.
- Mix in Greek yogurt if using for extra creaminess.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot over basmati rice or with warm naan bread.
Tips for the Best Butter Chicken
- Chicken thighs stay juicier than chicken breasts.
- Don’t overcook to keep the chicken tender.
- Add more cream for a richer sauce.
- Stir well before serving for a smooth texture.
- Adjust the spice level by increasing or reducing chili powder.
- Fresh ginger gives the best flavor.
