Name: Slow Cooker Butter Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 6 h 30 min
Total time: 6 h 50 min
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 2 medium yellow onions, peeled, cut in half and sliced (~13 oz); 1 medium red bell pepper, diced; 3 medium carrots, diced (5-6 oz); 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger (~2-inch piece); 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast, cubed; 1 (15-oz) can tomato sauce; 1 (6-oz) can tomato paste; Juice of ½ lemon; ½ cup plain Greek yogurt (whole, low-fat, or fat-free); ½ cup half-and-half; 3 tablespoons curry powder; 2 teaspoons garam masala; ½ teaspoon fine salt; 1 tablespoon salted butter, chilled and cut into pieces

There’s something about the rich, creamy sauce and tender chicken in my Slow Cooker Butter Chicken Recipe that just feels like a warm hug on a plate. The way the spices mingle slowly throughout the day in the slow cooker really brings out all those delicious flavors — it’s absolutely worth the wait!

A white speckled bowl holds a serving of white rice on one side, with soft, fluffy texture and small green herb pieces mixed in; the other side features a thick orange sauce with chunks of tender meat, smooth and creamy in texture, garnished with fresh cilantro leaves and sprinkled with white sesame seeds. A gold spoon rests inside the bowl, partially submerged in the sauce, and the background is a white marbled surface with a few fresh herbs scattered near the bowl. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Slow Cooker Butter Chicken Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Slow Cooker Butter Chicken Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Slow Cooker Butter Chicken Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I honestly adore this recipe because it takes one of my favorite Indian dishes and makes it so simple to prepare without sacrificing flavor. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, letting the spices get perfectly cozy with the chicken while you get on with your day.

Effortless cooking: Just set it and forget it – the slow cooker means deliciousness with minimal hands-on time.
Rich, authentic flavor: Classic Indian spices like garam masala and curry powder slowly infuse the dish for that signature taste.
Family-friendly: The creamy sauce and tender chicken are gentle on picky eaters while still satisfying bold flavor lovers.
Versatile serving options: Whether you’re spooning it over rice, cauliflower rice, or wrapping it in naan, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe is all about balance — the tang of tomato sauce paired with fragrant spices, the richness from butter and cream, and the freshness from ginger and garlic. Each ingredient plays its part in building deep, well-rounded flavor.

Flat lay of two medium yellow onions halved and sliced, cubed raw boneless skinless chicken breast, one medium red bell pepper diced, three medium carrots diced, a small white ceramic bowl of smooth tomato sauce, a small white ceramic bowl of thick tomato paste, half a fresh lemon cut in half, two peeled garlic cloves, a small piece of fresh ginger root sliced, a small white ceramic bowl filled with bright yellow curry powder, a small white ceramic bowl with ground garam masala spices, a small white ceramic bowl of fine salt, several chilled pieces of salted butter, a small white ceramic bowl of plain Greek yogurt, a small white ceramic bowl of half-and-half cream placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Yellow onions: They add sweetness and a savory base when sliced and slow-cooked underneath everything.
Boneless skinless chicken breast: Lean, tender, and readily absorbs all those spices and sauces.
Red bell pepper: Adds a touch of sweetness and vibrant color.
Carrots: Sweetness and texture that play nicely with the creaminess of the sauce.
Tomato sauce: Brings acidity and depth, a classic base for butter chicken sauce.
Tomato paste: Concentrated tomato flavor that thickens the sauce beautifully.
Lemon juice: A splash of brightness to balance the richness.
Garlic cloves: Essential aromatic that adds pungency and warmth.
Fresh ginger: Adds sharpness and zest, cutting through the creamy sauce.
Curry powder: Provides the characteristic Indian spice blend — earthy and fragrant.
Garam masala: A warming spice mix that elevates the dish with cinnamon, cardamom, and more.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering them.
Butter: The star of 'butter chicken' — it enriches the sauce with silky texture.
Greek yogurt: Adds creaminess and a slight tang without curdling when added carefully.
Half-and-half: Rounds out the sauce with smooth dairy richness.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I like to tweak the recipe depending on my mood or what’s in the fridge. You can add veggies, swap dairy for coconut milk, or even tune the spice levels — it’s super forgiving and easy to customize.

Variation: One time, I added a handful of spinach last 30 minutes for an extra veggie boost — it barely changed the cooking time and added great color and nutrition.
Make it dairy-free: Swap the Greek yogurt and half-and-half for coconut cream to keep it creamy without the dairy.
Spice it up: If you like heat, sprinkle in some cayenne or fresh chopped green chili for a kick.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Slow Cooker Butter Chicken Recipe

The image shows a white bowl filled with a rich orange curry that has chunks of meat covered in creamy sauce with visible red and green herbs. The curry is sprinkled with white sesame seeds and small green leaves. On one side of the bowl, there is a serving of white rice with a soft, folded piece of pale yellow flatbread resting on the edge and slightly dipping into the curry. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with a small white bowl filled with chopped green herbs visible near it. A gold spoon is placed inside the bowl, partially submerged in the curry, with a woman's hand slightly holding the bowl. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Layer onions in the slow cooker

I always start by placing the sliced onions at the bottom of the slow cooker. They act like a bed for the chicken and veggies, cooking down slowly to add a subtle sweetness and depth to the sauce.

Step 2: Combine chicken and sauce ingredients

In a large bowl, I toss together the cubed chicken, bell pepper, carrots, tomato sauce, tomato paste, lemon juice, garlic, ginger, curry powder, garam masala, and salt. Mixing them ensures the chicken is fully coated in those amazing flavors before going into the slow cooker.

Step 3: Add everything to the slow cooker and dot with butter

Once the chicken mixture is ready, I dump it over the onions in the slow cooker and then scatter the pieces of chilled butter on top. This step is crucial because the butter slowly melts into the sauce, giving it that classic richness.

Step 4: Slow cook and finish with creamy stir-ins

I set the slow cooker to high for 4 ½ hours or low for 6 ½ hours. Once it’s done, I let it sit for about 5-10 minutes so the sauce cools a bit before stirring in the Greek yogurt and half-and-half. That little waiting step is super important — it stops the yogurt from curdling and keeps the sauce silky smooth.

Top Tip

One thing I've learned from making this Slow Cooker Butter Chicken Recipe multiple times is that patience pays off. Giving the sauce a chance to cool before adding dairy keeps the texture just right. These tips make all the difference!

Layer the onions first: This prevents the chicken from sticking and adds natural sweetness as they cook down.
Don’t rush the dairy: Always wait for the sauce to cool slightly before stirring in yogurt and half-and-half to avoid curdling.
Use chilled butter: Dotting solid pieces of butter over the chicken helps distribute richness evenly.
Season well but taste at end: Slow cooking deepens flavors, so be mindful to adjust salt and spice levels after it's done.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Butter Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

I love finishing my butter chicken with a sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro for a burst of herbal brightness and some toasted sesame seeds for a subtle nutty crunch. These little touches kick up the presentation and flavor without stealing the spotlight.

Side Dishes

Serving this over basmati rice is my go-to, but cauliflower rice works well if you want something lighter. Naan bread is a must for soaking up the luscious sauce, and occasionally I add a simple cucumber raita or a side salad to balance the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve the butter chicken in mini cast iron skillets or rustic clay dishes – it makes the experience feel festive and cozy. Garnishing with thinly sliced fresh chili or a drizzle of cream elevates the look when guests arrive.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After cooling the butter chicken completely, I transfer leftovers to an airtight container and keep them in the fridge. It lasts beautifully for up to 3 days, and the flavors often deepen overnight — making it even better the next day.

Freezing

This recipe freezes exceptionally well. I portion it into freezer-safe containers and label them with the date — it keeps perfectly for up to 3 months. When thawed, it tastes just as fantastic as freshly made.

Reheating

I gently reheat leftover butter chicken on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. Adding a splash of water or cream helps maintain the silky sauce texture — I avoid microwaving to keep that fresh-from-the-pot feel.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast for this Slow Cooker Butter Chicken Recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs will be even more tender and juicy, plus they hold up well to slow cooking without drying out. Just cut them into chunks the same size as you would for the breast.

How can I prevent the yogurt from curdling when adding it?

The key is to let the sauce cool for 5-10 minutes after cooking before stirring in the yogurt and half-and-half. Adding dairy while the sauce is too hot can cause it to curdle, so patience here makes all the difference.

Can I make this Slow Cooker Butter Chicken Recipe vegan?

You can make a vegan version by substituting the chicken with tofu or chickpeas, using coconut milk or cashew cream instead of dairy, and ensuring the butter is plant-based. Adjust the seasoning to taste.

How long does it take to cook this in the slow cooker?

Cooking on HIGH takes about 4 ½ hours, while cooking on LOW takes 6 ½ hours. Both yield tender chicken and beautifully melded flavors—just pick the setting that fits your schedule best.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Butter Chicken Recipe has become a favorite in my house not just because it’s delicious but because it’s so reliable and comforting. I hope you find joy in making it as much as I do — it really feels like sharing a little piece of my kitchen with you. Go ahead, give it a try, and watch how it fills your home with the most mouthwatering aromas and flavors!