Slow Cooker Butter Chicken Flavorful Easy Recipe

September 21, 2025 by Rosie

Craving a warm, savory meal that’s easy to make? Slow Cooker Butter Chicken is your answer! This dish combines tender chicken thighs, rich spices, and creamy coconut milk for a flavor explosion. You can set it and forget it while it simmers to perfection. In this guide, I’ll take you through simple steps and tips, ensuring that your dinner is both delicious and stress-free. Let’s dive into this mouth-watering recipe!

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 large onion, finely chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon ginger, grated
2 tablespoons curry powder
1 tablespoon garam masala
1 teaspoon turmeric
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon coriander

The main ingredients for this dish are chicken thighs, onion, and garlic. Chicken thighs are juicy and tender, which makes them perfect for slow cooking. The onion and garlic add depth and flavor. The spices, like curry powder and garam masala, create that warm, aromatic taste we love in butter chicken.

Additional Ingredients

1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
1 tablespoon brown sugar
Salt and pepper to taste

Coconut milk brings creaminess to the dish. It balances the spices and keeps the sauce rich. Crushed tomatoes add body and a bit of sweetness. A touch of brown sugar helps enhance the flavors. Don’t forget salt and pepper; they are key to making everything pop.

Garnishing and Serving Suggestions

2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Steamed basmati rice or naan bread

For garnishing, fresh cilantro adds a bright touch. It also gives a fresh flavor. A squeeze of lemon juice just before serving brightens everything up. Serve this dish with steamed basmati rice or warm naan. Both options soak up the delicious sauce perfectly.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation Steps

Preparing the vegetables: Start by chopping one large onion finely. This adds flavor and sweetness. Then, mince four garlic cloves. Garlic gives a nice aroma. Lastly, grate one tablespoon of ginger. It adds warmth to the dish.
Mixing the spices: In a large bowl, take two pounds of boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Cut them into bite-sized pieces. Add one tablespoon of curry powder, one tablespoon of garam masala, one teaspoon of turmeric, one teaspoon of cumin, and one teaspoon of coriander. Mix these spices well with the chicken. This will coat the chicken in a rich, warm flavor.

Cooking Instructions

Adding ingredients to the slow cooker: In your slow cooker, add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Stir them together. Next, add the seasoned chicken. Pour in one can of coconut milk and one can of crushed tomatoes. Add one tablespoon of brown sugar, and season with salt and pepper. Mix everything until it combines well.
Cooking times and settings: Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook. If you choose low, let it cook for six to seven hours. If you choose high, it should cook for three to four hours. The chicken will become very tender and juicy.

Final Touches

Stirring in lemon juice: About 15 minutes before serving, stir in one tablespoon of lemon juice. This adds a bright, fresh flavor to the dish.
Adjusting seasoning: Taste the butter chicken and adjust the seasoning. You can add more salt or pepper if needed. This ensures the dish has the perfect flavor before serving.

Tips & Tricks

Cooking Tips

Ensuring tender chicken: Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs. They stay juicy and soft when cooked low and slow. This method makes the chicken tender and full of flavor. Make sure to cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. This allows them to cook evenly.
Adjusting spice levels: If you like it mild, use less curry powder and garam masala. You can also skip the hot spices. For more heat, add chili powder or cayenne pepper. Start small; you can always add more later.

Serving Tips

Best side dishes to pair with butter chicken: Serve your butter chicken over steamed basmati rice. Naan bread is great for scooping up the sauce. You can also try it with a side of roasted vegetables. They add color and crunch to your meal.
How to store leftovers: Let the butter chicken cool before storing. Place it in an airtight container. It will last in the fridge for about three days. For longer storage, freeze it in a freezer-safe container. It can last up to three months in the freezer.

Kitchen Equipment Suggestions

Recommended slow cooker settings: Cook on low for 6-7 hours for the best flavor. If you’re short on time, use the high setting for 3-4 hours. Just make sure the chicken is cooked through.
Useful cooking utensils: Use a large bowl for mixing the spices and chicken. A good cutting board will help with chopping the onion and garlic. A spatula is handy for stirring the ingredients in the slow cooker.

Variations

Vegetarian Option

You can easily make this dish vegetarian. Simply swap the chicken for tofu or an array of vegetables. Firm tofu absorbs flavors well. Cut it into cubes and add it to the slow cooker. You can also use vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or even spinach. Just add them in the last hour of cooking. This keeps them fresh and vibrant.

Different Flavor Profiles

You can change the taste of butter chicken by using different spices or sauces. Try adding a pinch of smoked paprika for depth. You might also like to use a bit of curry paste instead of powder. For a different twist, add a splash of soy sauce or honey. Each change can create a unique flavor that fits your taste.

Healthier Alternatives

If you want a lighter version, choose low-fat coconut milk. It still brings creaminess but cuts down on calories. You can also reduce the brown sugar. Start with half the amount, then taste and adjust as needed. This allows you to control the sweetness without losing flavor.

Storage Info

Storing Leftovers

To keep your butter chicken fresh, place leftovers in an airtight container. Store them in the fridge within two hours of cooking. This helps prevent bacteria growth. You can use the chicken for up to four days.

For longer storage, freeze the butter chicken. Make sure to cool it first, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. You can freeze it for about three months. Just label the container with the date.

How Long to Keep

In the fridge, the butter chicken lasts for about four days. If you freeze it, it stays good for three months. When reheating, make sure the chicken is hot throughout. You can use the microwave or heat it on the stove. Stir it well to heat evenly.

Meal Prep Ideas

To prep for the week, you can make a big batch of butter chicken. Divide it into meal-sized containers. This way, it’s ready to grab and go. You can serve it with rice or naan, making meals easy.

For quick lunches, portion out servings. Store rice and chicken separately to keep things fresh. This helps you enjoy tasty meals all week without extra work.

FAQs

How long does Slow Cooker Butter Chicken take to cook?

Cooking Slow Cooker Butter Chicken takes about 6-7 hours on low. If you are short on time, you can use the high setting. In that case, it will take about 3-4 hours. Both methods give you tender and juicy chicken. I like to start it early and let it cook on low for the best flavor.

What can I serve with Butter Chicken?

You have many great options for side dishes. Here are a few to consider:

Steamed basmati rice
Naan bread
Roti or chapati
A fresh salad
Roasted vegetables

These sides pair well with the creamy sauce of the butter chicken. They help balance the flavors and add texture to your meal.

Can I modify the spice levels?

Yes, you can easily adjust the spice levels in this recipe. If you like it mild, use less curry powder or garam masala. You can also add more coconut milk to tone down the heat. For more spice, try adding red pepper flakes or fresh chili peppers. Taste as you go to find the perfect balance for your palate.

We explored the key ingredients for slow cooker butter chicken, including chicken thighs, spices, and coconut milk. The step-by-step guide makes preparing this dish easy. Our tips and tricks ensure your chicken turns out tender and flavorful.

You can adjust spice levels and try variations like vegetarian options. Storing leftovers is simple, with clear guidelines for refrigeration and freezing.

Enjoy experimenting with this dish and make it your own! You’ll find it delicious and satisfying.

$- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces - 1 large onion, finely chopped - 4 garlic cloves, minced - 1 tablespoon ginger, grated - 2 tablespoons curry powder - 1 tablespoon garam masala - 1 teaspoon turmeric - 1 teaspoon cumin - 1 teaspoon coriander The main ingredients for this dish are chicken thighs, onion, and garlic. Chicken thighs are juicy and tender, which makes them perfect for slow cooking. The onion and garlic add depth and flavor. The spices, like curry powder and garam masala, create that warm, aromatic taste we love in butter chicken. - 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk - 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes - 1 tablespoon brown sugar - Salt and pepper to taste Coconut milk brings creaminess to the dish. It balances the spices and keeps the sauce rich. Crushed tomatoes add body and a bit of sweetness. A touch of brown sugar helps enhance the flavors. Don't forget salt and pepper; they are key to making everything pop. - 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish) - 1 tablespoon lemon juice - Steamed basmati rice or naan bread For garnishing, fresh cilantro adds a bright touch. It also gives a fresh flavor. A squeeze of lemon juice just before serving brightens everything up. Serve this dish with steamed basmati rice or warm naan. Both options soak up the delicious sauce perfectly. - Preparing the vegetables: Start by chopping one large onion finely. This adds flavor and sweetness. Then, mince four garlic cloves. Garlic gives a nice aroma. Lastly, grate one tablespoon of ginger. It adds warmth to the dish. - Mixing the spices: In a large bowl, take two pounds of boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Cut them into bite-sized pieces. Add one tablespoon of curry powder, one tablespoon of garam masala, one teaspoon of turmeric, one teaspoon of cumin, and one teaspoon of coriander. Mix these spices well with the chicken. This will coat the chicken in a rich, warm flavor. - Adding ingredients to the slow cooker: In your slow cooker, add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Stir them together. Next, add the seasoned chicken. Pour in one can of coconut milk and one can of crushed tomatoes. Add one tablespoon of brown sugar, and season with salt and pepper. Mix everything until it combines well. - Cooking times and settings: Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook. If you choose low, let it cook for six to seven hours. If you choose high, it should cook for three to four hours. The chicken will become very tender and juicy. - Stirring in lemon juice: About 15 minutes before serving, stir in one tablespoon of lemon juice. This adds a bright, fresh flavor to the dish. - Adjusting seasoning: Taste the butter chicken and adjust the seasoning. You can add more salt or pepper if needed. This ensures the dish has the perfect flavor before serving. - Ensuring tender chicken: Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs. They stay juicy and soft when cooked low and slow. This method makes the chicken tender and full of flavor. Make sure to cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. This allows them to cook evenly. - Adjusting spice levels: If you like it mild, use less curry powder and garam masala. You can also skip the hot spices. For more heat, add chili powder or cayenne pepper. Start small; you can always add more later. - Best side dishes to pair with butter chicken: Serve your butter chicken over steamed basmati rice. Naan bread is great for scooping up the sauce. You can also try it with a side of roasted vegetables. They add color and crunch to your meal. - How to store leftovers: Let the butter chicken cool before storing. Place it in an airtight container. It will last in the fridge for about three days. For longer storage, freeze it in a freezer-safe container. It can last up to three months in the freezer. - Recommended slow cooker settings: Cook on low for 6-7 hours for the best flavor. If you're short on time, use the high setting for 3-4 hours. Just make sure the chicken is cooked through. - Useful cooking utensils: Use a large bowl for mixing the spices and chicken. A good cutting board will help with chopping the onion and garlic. A spatula is handy for stirring the ingredients in the slow cooker. {{image_2}} You can easily make this dish vegetarian. Simply swap the chicken for tofu or an array of vegetables. Firm tofu absorbs flavors well. Cut it into cubes and add it to the slow cooker. You can also use vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or even spinach. Just add them in the last hour of cooking. This keeps them fresh and vibrant. You can change the taste of butter chicken by using different spices or sauces. Try adding a pinch of smoked paprika for depth. You might also like to use a bit of curry paste instead of powder. For a different twist, add a splash of soy sauce or honey. Each change can create a unique flavor that fits your taste. If you want a lighter version, choose low-fat coconut milk. It still brings creaminess but cuts down on calories. You can also reduce the brown sugar. Start with half the amount, then taste and adjust as needed. This allows you to control the sweetness without losing flavor. To keep your butter chicken fresh, place leftovers in an airtight container. Store them in the fridge within two hours of cooking. This helps prevent bacteria growth. You can use the chicken for up to four days. For longer storage, freeze the butter chicken. Make sure to cool it first, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. You can freeze it for about three months. Just label the container with the date. In the fridge, the butter chicken lasts for about four days. If you freeze it, it stays good for three months. When reheating, make sure the chicken is hot throughout. You can use the microwave or heat it on the stove. Stir it well to heat evenly. To prep for the week, you can make a big batch of butter chicken. Divide it into meal-sized containers. This way, it's ready to grab and go. You can serve it with rice or naan, making meals easy. For quick lunches, portion out servings. Store rice and chicken separately to keep things fresh. This helps you enjoy tasty meals all week without extra work. Cooking Slow Cooker Butter Chicken takes about 6-7 hours on low. If you are short on time, you can use the high setting. In that case, it will take about 3-4 hours. Both methods give you tender and juicy chicken. I like to start it early and let it cook on low for the best flavor. You have many great options for side dishes. Here are a few to consider: - Steamed basmati rice - Naan bread - Roti or chapati - A fresh salad - Roasted vegetables These sides pair well with the creamy sauce of the butter chicken. They help balance the flavors and add texture to your meal. Yes, you can easily adjust the spice levels in this recipe. If you like it mild, use less curry powder or garam masala. You can also add more coconut milk to tone down the heat. For more spice, try adding red pepper flakes or fresh chili peppers. Taste as you go to find the perfect balance for your palate. We explored the key ingredients for slow cooker butter chicken, including chicken thighs, spices, and coconut milk. The step-by-step guide makes preparing this dish easy. Our tips and tricks ensure your chicken turns out tender and flavorful. You can adjust spice levels and try variations like vegetarian options. Storing leftovers is simple, with clear guidelines for refrigeration and freezing. Enjoy experimenting with this dish and make it your own! You'll find it delicious and satisfying.$