Slow Cooker Butter Chicken

The moment you lift the lid off your slow cooker, a cloud of warm spices and creamy tomato aroma rises, telling you dinner is going to be unforgettable. This Slow Cooker Butter Chicken is a crowd-pleasing dish that brings the comfort of Indian cuisine right to your kitchen — no complicated ingredients, no fuss. A blend of garam masala, curry, and chili spices tenderizes the chicken while rich tomato sauce and creamy yogurt wrap it all in velvety goodness. The addition of cauliflower makes this meal feel wholesome and nourishing, without compromising on flavor. Whether you’re entertaining guests or prepping your weekly dinners, this dish delivers indulgence with every bite.

Full recipe:

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 4 medium breasts)

• 1 tablespoon coconut oil

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

• 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger

• 4 cloves garlic, minced (about 4 teaspoons)

• 1 ½ tablespoons curry powder

• 1 tablespoon garam masala

• 1 ½ teaspoons chili powder

• ¾ teaspoon kosher salt

• 1 (6-ounce) can no-salt-added tomato paste

• 1 small cauliflower or ½ large head, cut into florets (about 4 ½ cups)

• 1 (14-ounce) can tomato sauce

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces (use coconut oil for dairy-free)

• ½ cup half-and-half or full-fat coconut milk (do not use light)

• ½ cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt (or dairy-free yogurt for dairy-free option)

• Chopped fresh cilantro for garnish

• Brown rice, quinoa, or naan, for serving

Directions:

1. In a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, heat the coconut oil. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.

2. Stir in ginger, garlic, curry powder, garam masala, chili powder, salt, and tomato paste. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

3. Transfer mixture to a 6-quart (or larger) slow cooker. Add chicken, cauliflower florets, and pour in tomato sauce. Stir to coat vegetables, leaving chicken undisturbed.

4. Scatter butter on top. Cover and cook on high for 1½–2½ hours or low for 4–6 hours, until chicken reaches 165°F.

5. Remove chicken to a cutting board to cool slightly. Stir slow cooker contents; if cauliflower isn’t tender, cook an additional 30 minutes to 1 hour on high.

6. Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces and return to the slow cooker. Stir in half-and-half or coconut milk, then let cool for a few minutes.

7. Add Greek yogurt once the mixture has cooled slightly to prevent curdling.

8. Serve warm over rice, quinoa, or naan, garnished with chopped cilantro.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 4–6 hours (low) or 2–3 hours (high)
Total Time: Approx. 6 hours (max)
Kcal: 346 kcal | Servings: 6 servings

The Irresistible Allure of Slow Cooker Butter Chicken

Slow Cooker Butter Chicken is one of those rare recipes that manages to be comforting, exotic, and surprisingly easy to make all at once. It’s a fusion of rich tradition and modern convenience — a dish that brings the warmth and vibrancy of Indian cuisine to the average home kitchen with minimal effort. If you’re looking to add a bold, flavorful, yet family-friendly meal to your rotation, this version of butter chicken is simply one of the best recipes to start with.

A Brief History of Butter Chicken

Butter Chicken, also known as Murgh Makhani, originated in Delhi, India, during the 1950s. It was reportedly created by chefs at the legendary Moti Mahal restaurant when they needed to find a use for leftover tandoori chicken. The solution? Simmer it in a rich, buttery tomato sauce with spices and cream.

Since then, butter chicken has become one of the most popular Indian dishes worldwide, loved for its creamy texture and mild yet aromatic flavor profile. Traditionally cooked in a tandoor (clay oven) and finished in a buttery tomato sauce on the stovetop, this dish has been adapted many times — and this slow cooker version is a game-changer for busy home cooks.

Why Use a Slow Cooker for Butter Chicken?

The slow cooker is perfect for Indian-inspired dishes because it allows time for deep flavor development without requiring constant supervision. Spices bloom slowly, the sauce thickens naturally, and the chicken becomes incredibly tender. Unlike traditional stovetop or restaurant versions, which can require multiple steps and a fair bit of hands-on time, this recipe lets the appliance do the heavy lifting.

Using a slow cooker also makes this recipe accessible for weeknight meals, meal prep, or feeding a crowd with minimal stress. It’s also an excellent way for beginners to experiment with Indian spices in a low-risk, high-reward format.

Healthier, Lighter, but Still Rich in Flavor

One of the standout features of this particular recipe is its thoughtful approach to nutrition. Traditional butter chicken is often rich in heavy cream and butter — delicious, yes, but not ideal for everyday consumption. This version uses Greek yogurt and a touch of half-and-half (or full-fat coconut milk for dairy-free alternatives) to provide that signature creamy texture with significantly fewer calories and more protein.

Additionally, the inclusion of cauliflower is a clever and welcome twist. It blends seamlessly into the sauce and adds nutritional density — fiber, vitamins, and minerals — while also reducing the overall calorie count per serving. This makes the dish feel indulgent without being heavy.

Ingredient Accessibility and Everyday Pantry Staples

Despite its complex flavor, Slow Cooker Butter Chicken doesn’t require a trip to a specialty market. All ingredients are readily available at most grocery stores:

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Onion, garlic, and ginger
• Tomato paste and tomato sauce
• Garam masala and curry powder
• Cauliflower
• Butter and Greek yogurt (or non-dairy substitutes)

Garam masala and curry powder may be the only two “specialty” items on the list, but they are increasingly common even in mainstream supermarkets. Once added to your spice rack, they can be reused in countless other dishes like lentil curries, roasted vegetables, or soups.

Flavor Profile: Balanced, Aromatic, and Family-Friendly

The magic of this recipe lies in its flavor balance. While rich in spices, it’s not spicy-hot, making it ideal for families and kids. The sauce combines sweet tomato notes with warm spice, creamy richness, and just a whisper of heat from the chili powder — though this can easily be adjusted up or down.

Ginger and garlic bring a pungent freshness, while garam masala and curry powder add complexity with layers of clove, cinnamon, cumin, and coriander. The result is a dish that feels luxurious and comforting, with a depth of flavor that develops even more over time — making it perfect for leftovers.

Meal Prep-Friendly and Freezer-Approved

If you’re a fan of cooking once and eating twice (or three times), you’ll appreciate how well this butter chicken stores. It keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 5 days and freezes for up to 3 months without losing flavor or texture.

To reheat, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm gently on the stove or in the microwave. It reheats like a dream and is just as good (if not better) the second time around. This makes it ideal for busy professionals, parents, or anyone who loves a ready-to-go homemade lunch or dinner.

Serving Suggestions: Versatile and Adaptable

This butter chicken shines on its own but truly comes to life when paired with the right sides. You can serve it over:

• Steamed basmati or jasmine rice
• Quinoa for a protein boost
• Homemade or store-bought naan
• Cauliflower rice for a low-carb option

Garnishing with fresh chopped cilantro adds brightness and a pop of color that enhances the overall dish. For a more indulgent experience, brush your naan with ghee or garlic butter — perfect for scooping up the sauce.

You can even turn this dish into a party platter: serve it buffet-style with multiple sides, toppings, and some pickled onions or raita to cool things down.

Variations to Suit Every Diet

One of the biggest strengths of this recipe is how easily it adapts to dietary needs:

• Vegan/Vegetarian: Use chickpeas or tofu instead of chicken, coconut milk instead of half-and-half, and dairy-free yogurt.
• Paleo/Whole30: Skip the yogurt and dairy, opt for coconut cream and ghee.
• Keto: Stick with the original cauliflower and chicken combo but serve with low-carb cauliflower rice instead of grains.

These variations don’t sacrifice taste or texture, meaning you can please nearly every dietary preference without creating entirely separate meals.

Tips for Perfect Butter Chicken Every Time

To get the most out of this dish, keep these helpful tips in mind:

• Don’t skip sautéing the onion and spices. This step unlocks the deep, aromatic flavors that make the dish special.
• Cut the cauliflower evenly. Uniform pieces cook more consistently and blend better into the sauce.
• Let the sauce cool slightly before adding yogurt. This prevents curdling and ensures a smooth, creamy finish.
• Use a meat thermometer. Ensure chicken is cooked through (165°F) but not overdone to keep it juicy.
• Customize your spice level. Add cayenne or omit chili powder depending on your preference.

A Dish That Feels Like Home — With Global Flair

One of the joys of cooking is the ability to travel the world from your kitchen. With Slow Cooker Butter Chicken, you’re bringing a slice of India’s culinary richness to your table in the simplest way possible. It’s the kind of meal that makes your home smell incredible, feels nourishing to eat, and earns rave reviews every time you serve it.

It’s also a gateway dish — an approachable, welcoming introduction to Indian cuisine for those who may feel intimidated by bold spices or complex techniques. If you’re new to cooking Indian-inspired meals, there’s no better recipe to start with.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Butter Chicken is more than just an easy dinner recipe — it’s a wholesome, delicious meal with deep cultural roots and modern appeal. Its creamy, savory sauce and melt-in-your-mouth chicken make it a comfort food classic, while the clever nutritional upgrades make it a healthy option that fits into nearly any lifestyle. With just a handful of common ingredients and minimal prep time, this butter chicken delivers restaurant-quality flavor with the ease and convenience that every home cook appreciates. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight, a special gathering, or meal prepping for the days ahead, this recipe will quickly become a go-to favorite in your household.