Crockpot Butter Chicken is a wonderful and easy way to enjoy classic Indian flavors without spending hours in the kitchen. This dish combines tender chicken cooked slowly in a rich, buttery tomato sauce that’s full of fragrant spices like garam masala, cumin, and coriander. The creamy sauce melts in your mouth, making every bite comforting and flavorful.
I love how simple it is to prepare this in the crockpot—you just toss all the ingredients in, set it, and forget it until dinnertime. It’s one of those dishes that tastes like you put lots of effort into it, but really, it’s mostly fuss-free. A little tip I follow is to stir in some cream or yogurt at the end to make the sauce even silkier and more delicious.
My favorite way to serve this butter chicken is over fluffy basmati rice or with warm naan bread to soak up all that yummy sauce. It’s always a hit when I make it for family or friends – cozy, flavorful, and so satisfying. If you haven’t tried making butter chicken in the crockpot before, I promise it’ll become a go-to comfort meal for you too!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I prefer boneless, skinless thighs because they stay juicy during slow cooking. You can swap for breasts, just watch cooking time as they cook faster.
Tomato Sauce: Canned crushed tomatoes give body and tang. If you want less acidity, use tomato puree or add a pinch of sugar to balance.
Yogurt & Cream: Plain yogurt adds creaminess and tang. Greek yogurt thickens the sauce nicely. For dairy-free, try coconut milk instead of heavy cream for rich texture.
Butter: Unsalted butter is classic for that rich mouthfeel. You can reduce butter or replace with ghee for a nutty flavor.
Spices: Garam masala is key for authentic flavor. If you don’t have it, mix cumin, coriander, cardamom, and cinnamon. Adjust chili powder for heat preference.
How Do I Make Sure the Chicken Stays Tender and Not Dry?
Slow cooking chicken in the crockpot is easy, but here are some tips to keep it juicy:
- Use chicken thighs if possible—they’re fattier and less likely to dry out.
- Cut chicken into even chunks so they cook evenly.
- Do not lift the crockpot lid too often; this lets heat escape and lengthens cooking time.
- Add the cream or coconut milk towards the end to avoid curdling and to keep sauce rich.
- Use low heat for a longer time if you have it—it helps keep chicken tender.
Following these tips, your chicken will be soft and soak up all the delicious spices perfectly.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Crockpot/Slow cooker – makes cooking hands-off and the chicken perfectly tender.
- Cutting board and sharp knife – for chopping onions, garlic, ginger, and chicken.
- Measuring spoons – help keep your spice balance just right.
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula – to stir ingredients gently without scratching the crockpot.
- Mixing bowl – useful for combining yogurt and spices before adding to the crockpot.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap chicken for paneer or tofu for a vegetarian version that soaks up the rich sauce beautifully.
- Add diced bell peppers or peas in the last hour for a pop of color and mild sweetness.
- Stir in a spoonful of peanut butter for a subtle nutty twist and thicker sauce.
- Try using coconut milk instead of cream for a dairy-free option with a tropical flavor hint.
How to Make Crockpot Butter Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into chunks
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
- 1 can (14 oz) tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
- ½ cup plain yogurt or Greek yogurt
- ½ cup heavy cream or coconut milk
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tsp garam masala
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- ½ tsp turmeric powder
- ½ tsp chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp paprika (for color)
- 1 tsp salt, or to taste
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
- Cooked basmati rice, for serving
- Optional: 1-2 tsp sugar or honey (to balance acidity)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10-15 minutes for prep, plus 3-7 hours to cook in the crockpot depending on your setting. Use low heat for 6-7 hours or high heat for 3-4 hours. Then, add cream and cook another 30 minutes to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Combine Main Ingredients in Crockpot:
Place the chicken chunks, chopped onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger in the crockpot. Stir in tomato sauce, yogurt, garam masala, cumin, coriander, turmeric, chili powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well so all chicken pieces are coated evenly with the sauce and spices.
2. Add Butter and Cook:
Cut the butter into small pieces and scatter over the top. Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be tender and fully cooked when done.
3. Finish With Cream and Serve:
About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the heavy cream or coconut milk. Taste the sauce and add sugar or honey if you want to balance the acidity of the tomatoes. Let the sauce cook uncovered for the last 30 minutes to thicken up a bit.
Serve the butter chicken hot over cooked basmati rice and garnish with fresh chopped cilantro. Enjoy your creamy, flavorful, and comforting meal!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, but make sure to thaw the chicken completely before adding it to the crockpot. Thaw in the fridge overnight or use the cold water method for quicker thawing to ensure even cooking.
Can I Make This Butter Chicken Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the butter chicken a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to keep the sauce creamy and smooth.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, warm gently to avoid curdling the cream and stir well to bring the sauce back to its silky texture.
What Are Good Substitutions for Dairy Ingredients?
You can substitute heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free option. Use dairy-free yogurt or skip it if unavailable, but adding coconut milk helps maintain the creamy texture and rich flavor.
