Slow Cooker Indian Chicken Curry
Dinner

Slow Cooker Indian Chicken Curry

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The bold flavors of Indian spices meet the comforting creaminess of yogurt and butter in this family-style Indian Butter Chicken. This dish transforms a weeknight meal into something truly special with rich tomato sauce, gentle heat, and tender chicken that falls apart with every bite.

Using a slow cooker makes the process effortless, allowing the ingredients to meld beautifully while freeing you up for the rest of your day. Whether served over fluffy rice or scooped up with warm naan, it’s a deeply satisfying dish that celebrates both convenience and cultural flavor.

Full recipe:

Ingredients:

  • 2 medium yellow onions, peeled, halved and sliced

  • 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast, cubed

  • 1 medium red bell pepper, diced

  • 3 medium carrots, diced

  • 1 (15-oz) can tomato sauce

  • 1 (6-oz) can tomato paste

  • Juice of ½ lemon

  • 2 garlic cloves, minced

  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced

  • 3 tablespoons curry powder

  • 2 teaspoons garam masala

  • ½ teaspoon fine salt

  • 1 tablespoon salted butter, chilled and cut into pieces

  • ½ cup plain Greek yogurt

  • ½ cup half-and-half

  • Optional toppings: cooked white or cauliflower rice, naan, chopped cilantro, lime wedges, toasted sesame seeds

Directions:

  1. Place sliced onions at the bottom of a 6- or 8-quart slow cooker.

  2. In a large bowl, combine chicken, bell pepper, carrots, tomato sauce, tomato paste, lemon juice, garlic, ginger, curry powder, garam masala, and salt. Toss well.

  3. Pour the mixture over the onions in the slow cooker.

  4. Dot the top with butter pieces.

  5. Cover and cook on High for 4½ hours or Low for 6½ hours.

  6. Once finished, remove the lid and let the steam release for about 10 minutes.

  7. Stir in the yogurt and half-and-half gently to avoid curdling.

  8. Serve over rice or with naan, garnished with fresh cilantro, lime juice, and sesame seeds.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 270 minutes (slow cooker) | Total Time: ~5 hours
Kcal: 298 kcal | Servings: 6–8 servings

The History and Origins of Indian Butter Chicken

Indian Butter Chicken, also known as Murgh Makhani, is one of the most iconic and beloved dishes in Indian cuisine. It originated in the bustling city of Delhi in the 1950s, at a restaurant called Moti Mahal, where chefs accidentally created it by combining leftover tandoori chicken with a rich tomato-based gravy infused with butter and cream. The result was a velvety, mildly spiced dish that quickly became a national and eventually international sensation.

What makes Butter Chicken unique among Indian dishes is its balance. Unlike fiery vindaloos or dry curries, Butter Chicken is creamy, tangy, and subtly spiced—making it a perfect entry point for those new to Indian cuisine. Its popularity has since spread globally, with variations appearing in home kitchens and restaurants around the world, each adding a regional or personal twist.

Why This Indian Butter Chicken Recipe Stands Out

This particular recipe is a wholesome, slow-cooked version adapted for modern kitchens and busy lifestyles. Developed by registered dietitians, it stays true to the comforting essence of traditional Butter Chicken while focusing on real, clean ingredients that support balanced nutrition. It’s also incredibly family-friendly, with a mild heat level that even kids can enjoy.

A key reason this recipe stands out is its use of a slow cooker, which ensures that the chicken turns out exceptionally tender and the flavors have time to deeply develop. It also simplifies the process—no hovering over the stove, no complicated cooking techniques. Just layer, set, and forget.

Health Benefits of This Butter Chicken

Contrary to its indulgent name, this Butter Chicken is surprisingly nutritious and balanced. Here’s why:

  • Lean Protein: Chicken breast is a high-quality source of lean protein, helping to support muscle health and satiety.

  • Vegetable Boost: With the addition of carrots, bell peppers, and onions, this version of Butter Chicken packs in extra fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.

  • Anti-Inflammatory Spices: Spices like ginger, garlic, garam masala, and curry powder contain natural anti-inflammatory properties that support immune health.

  • Low Saturated Fat: This dish uses just one tablespoon of butter for richness and relies on Greek yogurt and half-and-half for creaminess, keeping saturated fat to a minimum.

  • Gluten-Free: Naturally gluten-free, it fits a wide range of dietary needs and preferences.

This recipe proves that Indian food can be both indulgent and health-conscious when made with smart, wholesome ingredients.

Family-Friendly and Meal-Prep Friendly

One of the biggest advantages of this Butter Chicken recipe is how well it fits into a busy lifestyle. Whether you’re feeding a family of five or preparing meals for the week, it’s a reliable go-to.

  • Mild Flavor Profile: Kids often love the creamy texture and mellow spices, and you can always adjust the seasoning to suit your family’s preferences.

  • Great for Batch Cooking: This dish keeps well in the fridge for up to three days and can be frozen for up to three months, making it ideal for meal prepping.

  • Flexible Serving Options: Whether served with rice, naan, or cauliflower rice, this dish is easy to integrate into different meal plans—whether you’re low-carb, gluten-free, or vegetarian (with some tweaks).

Simple Ingredients with Authentic Flavor

Even though this recipe simplifies traditional Butter Chicken by using common pantry staples, it doesn’t compromise on flavor. Here’s what brings this dish to life:

  • Tomato Sauce & Paste: These give the dish its signature tangy base and deep red hue.

  • Garam Masala & Curry Powder: These traditional spice blends add warmth and complexity without overwhelming the palate.

  • Greek Yogurt & Half-and-Half: Instead of cream alone, this recipe uses yogurt for a healthy probiotic boost and half-and-half for a rich finish.

By combining these simple ingredients with the slow cooker method, you’re able to achieve a depth of flavor usually only found in restaurant-quality Indian food.

Cooking Methods: Slow Cooker, Instant Pot, or Stovetop

One of the great features of this recipe is its flexibility—you can choose the method that suits your time and equipment:

  • Slow Cooker: The most hands-off method. Just layer your ingredients and cook low and slow for incredibly tender chicken.

  • Instant Pot: Perfect for those who want flavor fast. With high pressure, you can replicate the slow-cooked depth in under 30 minutes.

  • Stovetop: Great for traditionalists who want to watch and adjust as they go. The stovetop method also allows for slight caramelization and extra flavor from sautéing.

All three methods are included in the original recipe, giving you full control over your kitchen.

Serving Suggestions for a Complete Meal

Indian Butter Chicken is a versatile main dish that pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Here are a few favorite ways to serve it:

  • Jasmine or Basmati Rice: These absorb the creamy sauce perfectly and help balance the spices.

  • Cauliflower Rice: A low-carb, grain-free alternative for those watching their carbs.

  • Naan Bread: A traditional and delicious companion—great for scooping up every last bit of sauce.

  • Garnishes: Fresh cilantro, lime wedges, and toasted sesame seeds elevate the flavor and presentation.

To make the meal even more complete, consider adding a side salad with cucumbers and yogurt-based raita or a warm lentil dish for extra protein and fiber.

Make It Your Own: Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is highly adaptable. Here are a few ideas for customizing the dish:

  • Make It Dairy-Free: Use coconut milk yogurt and vegan butter to replace the dairy while keeping the sauce creamy.

  • Add More Veggies: Toss in spinach, green peas, or zucchini during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

  • Use Chicken Thighs: If you prefer dark meat, boneless, skinless chicken thighs are an excellent alternative—they’re even more tender when slow-cooked.

  • Turn Up the Heat: Add a pinch of cayenne or red chili flakes if you like things spicier.

These small tweaks can completely change the flavor profile while keeping the base recipe intact.

Tips for Perfect Butter Chicken Every Time

Getting the most out of this recipe comes down to a few key techniques:

  • Don’t Add Yogurt Too Soon: Always let the mixture cool slightly before stirring in the yogurt and half-and-half to avoid curdling.

  • Cut Chicken Evenly: Uniform pieces cook more evenly and stay tender.

  • Layer Flavors Properly: Let the onions sit at the bottom of the slow cooker to build a natural base of sweetness and depth.

  • Taste and Adjust: Always taste before serving and adjust salt or acidity as needed—sometimes a little extra lemon juice brings it all together.

Following these tips will ensure a consistently delicious result every time you make it.

What People Are Saying

Many home cooks who try this recipe report that it quickly becomes a family favorite. The ease of preparation, balanced flavors, and flexibility make it a staple meal in households across dietary preferences. Even picky eaters and kids tend to love it, especially when served with their favorite sides.

Here are a few comments from readers:

“This was super easy and smells amazing! It’s the best Butter Chicken recipe we’ve made so far.”
“We’ve made it three times already. Love that I can freeze the leftovers!”
“My kids literally licked their plates clean. Mild enough for them, but still so flavorful.”

Conclusion

Indian Butter Chicken is more than just a comfort food—it’s a celebration of flavor, culture, and convenience. This slow cooker version is the perfect balance of authenticity and modern simplicity. It’s healthy, hearty, and easy to customize to your needs, making it ideal for busy families, meal preppers, and anyone looking to bring bold global flavors into their weekly meal rotation.

Whether you’re new to Indian cuisine or a long-time lover of curry, this Butter Chicken recipe is a must-try. It honors the rich culinary traditions of India while offering an accessible, dietitian-approved twist for the modern kitchen. With its creamy sauce, aromatic spices, and nourishing ingredients, it’s a dish you’ll return to again and again

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