Slow Cooker Butter Chicken

This Slow Cooker Butter Chicken is the epitome of comfort food, offering a rich, creamy sauce with tender chicken that’s packed with authentic Indian flavors. Perfectly spiced with curry powder, garam masala, and a hint of chili, this dish simmers to perfection in the crockpot with minimal effort. Serve it over fluffy jasmine rice and garnish with fresh cilantro for a truly delicious meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Butter chicken, also known as murgh makhani, is a classic Indian dish, and this slow cooker version brings the flavors straight to your table with ease. The sauce is creamy, flavorful, and mildly spicy, with a perfect balance of spices. The slow cooking process ensures the chicken becomes incredibly tender and soaks up all those delicious flavors. With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can have a comforting, satisfying meal waiting for you after a long day.

Ingredients

• 3 pounds (5-6 large) boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• 1 cup onion, diced (about 1 small onion)

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 1 cup tomato sauce

• 1 1/4 cups heavy cream, room temperature & divided

• 6 tablespoons tomato paste

• 1 tablespoon minced garlic

• 1 tablespoon grated ginger

• 2 1/2 teaspoons curry powder

• 2 teaspoons chili powder

• 2 teaspoons garam masala

• 1/2 teaspoon cumin

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 2 tablespoons cornstarch

• 4 cups cooked jasmine rice (cooked according to package directions)

• Fresh cilantro, for garnish

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Sauté the Onions and Spices:
   In a sauté pan over medium-high heat, melt the butter. Add the diced onion, garlic, ginger, curry powder, chili powder, garam masala, cumin, and salt. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, or until the onions are tender and the spices are fragrant.

2. Blend the Sauce:
   In a blender, combine the cooked onions and spices with the tomato sauce, tomato paste, and 3/4 cup of the heavy cream. Blend until smooth.

3. Cook the Chicken:
   Add the chicken to the insert of the slow cooker. Pour the blended sauce over the chicken, ensuring it’s well-covered. Cook on high for 2 1/2 to 3 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.

4. Shred the Chicken:
   Once the chicken is cooked, remove the pieces from the slow cooker and cut them into bite-sized, 1-inch pieces.

5. Thicken the Sauce:
   In a small bowl, combine the remaining 1/2 cup of heavy cream and cornstarch. Stir to create a slurry. Add this slurry to the sauce in the slow cooker and stir to combine. Let the sauce simmer to thicken for 5-10 minutes.

6. Combine Chicken and Sauce:
   Return the bite-sized chicken pieces to the slow cooker and gently stir them in the sauce, being careful not to break up the chicken too much. Turn off the slow cooker once the chicken is coated in the thickened sauce.

7. Serve:
   To serve, place 3/4 cup of jasmine rice in a bowl and spoon the butter chicken next to the rice. Garnish with fresh cilantro.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 3 hours

• Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes

• Servings: 6 servings

Variations

• Add Vegetables: For a more hearty meal, add vegetables like bell peppers, peas, or spinach to the slow cooker along with the chicken.

• Make it Spicier: Adjust the spice level by adding more chili powder or a finely chopped fresh chili pepper to the sauce.

• Use Bone-in Chicken: You can use bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks for even more flavor. Just make sure to cook them longer (about 4 hours on high or 6-7 hours on low).

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

• Freezer-Friendly: This butter chicken freezes well. Store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until hot.

• Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a bit of water or broth if needed to loosen the sauce.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a richer flavor. They will cook in the same time frame as the breasts.

2. Can I make this recipe without heavy cream?

You can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream for a dairy-free version, or use half-and-half for a lighter alternative.

3. Can I make this in the Instant Pot?

Yes, you can make this in the Instant Pot. Use the “Pressure Cook” function for 10-12 minutes, then allow the pressure to release naturally. Thicken the sauce using cornstarch as directed.

4. Can I adjust the spice level?

Absolutely! You can reduce the chili powder or omit the sriracha for a milder flavor. Add more for extra heat.

5. Can I add more sauce?

If you prefer extra sauce, simply increase the amounts of tomato sauce, heavy cream, and spices accordingly.

6. Can I skip the garlic and ginger?

While garlic and ginger add depth of flavor, you can skip them if needed, though the final dish may not have the same aromatic quality.

7. How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?

Be sure to follow the recommended cooking times. Overcooking the chicken can cause it to dry out, so it’s important to check for doneness and remove the chicken when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

8. Can I use low-fat cream?

Yes, you can use low-fat cream, but the sauce may be less rich and creamy. For a thicker texture, you may want to add a bit more cornstarch or use full-fat cream for the best results.

9. Can I use store-bought curry paste instead of curry powder?

Yes, you can substitute curry paste for the curry powder, though the flavor will be slightly different. Start with about 1 tablespoon of curry paste and adjust to taste.

10. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, butter chicken can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. The flavors will meld even more after resting overnight.

Conclusion

This Slow Cooker Butter Chicken is an incredibly flavorful and easy-to-make dish that brings the rich and creamy flavors of Indian cuisine right to your table. With tender chicken in a fragrant, spiced sauce, this dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner or when entertaining guests. Paired with jasmine rice and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, this butter chicken will quickly become a favorite in your household!

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