Slow Cooker Butter Chicken is the perfect blend of warm, comforting flavors and creamy textures. The combination of aromatic spices, tender chicken, and velvety tomato-based sauce creates a dish that’s deeply satisfying yet incredibly easy to prepare. With just a few simple ingredients and a slow cooker, you can achieve a restaurant-quality meal that fills your kitchen with the irresistible fragrance of Indian spices. Whether served with fluffy rice, soft naan, or a healthier side like quinoa, this butter chicken is a versatile crowd-pleaser. The rich, spiced sauce perfectly coats the chicken, and the hidden cauliflower adds a sneaky dose of veggies while enhancing the texture. Perfect for meal prep or family dinners, this dish is a true comfort food classic that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
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 minced garlic (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 1/2 large head, cut into florets (about 4 1/2 cups)
- 1 (14-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces (or coconut oil for dairy-free)
- ½ cup half-and-half or full-fat coconut milk
- ½ cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt (or non-dairy yogurt for dairy-free)
For serving:
- Brown rice
- Quinoa
- Homemade Naan
- Chopped fresh cilantro
Directions:
- In a nonstick skillet, heat the coconut oil over medium-high. Once hot, add the onion and cook until softened (about 5 minutes).
- Add the ginger, garlic, curry powder, garam masala, chili powder, salt, and tomato paste. Cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Transfer the onions and spices to a 6-quart or larger slow cooker. Lay the chicken on top, then add the cauliflower florets. Pour in the tomato sauce and stir slightly to combine.
- Scatter the butter pieces over the top, cover, and cook on HIGH for 1.5 to 2.5 hours or LOW for 4 to 6 hours until the chicken is cooked through (165°F internal temperature).
- Remove the chicken and let it cool slightly. Stir the cauliflower into the sauce and cook on HIGH for another 30 minutes to 1 hour, until tender.
- Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and return it to the slow cooker. Stir in the half-and-half (or coconut milk) and let cool slightly before adding the Greek yogurt.
- Serve warm over brown rice, quinoa, or naan, garnished with fresh cilantro.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 5 hours | Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
Kcal: 346 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
Slow Cooker Butter Chicken: A Flavorful and Comforting Classic
Butter Chicken, or Murgh Makhani, is one of the most beloved Indian dishes worldwide. With its creamy, spiced tomato-based sauce and tender, juicy chicken, it has become a staple in Indian cuisine and beyond. Traditionally, butter chicken is cooked in a tandoor (clay oven) and finished in a rich, buttery sauce. However, this slow cooker butter chicken recipe offers a simplified, healthier version that maintains all the rich flavors without the need for extensive cooking skills or special equipment.
This slow cooker adaptation is designed for busy home cooks who want to enjoy a restaurant-quality dish without standing over the stove. The long, slow cooking process allows the chicken to absorb the deep flavors of spices like garam masala, curry powder, and chili powder, making it incredibly tender and flavorful. Plus, with the added bonus of hidden veggies like cauliflower, this dish is a great way to sneak in extra nutrition while still indulging in a creamy, comforting meal.
The Origins of Butter Chicken
Butter Chicken originated in the 1950s in Delhi, India, when a chef named Kundan Lal Gujral accidentally discovered the dish. At his restaurant, Moti Mahal, he experimented with leftover tandoori chicken, combining it with a rich, buttery tomato sauce to prevent it from drying out. The result was an incredibly flavorful dish that quickly became one of the most famous Indian recipes worldwide.
Over the years, Butter Chicken has evolved, with different regions and chefs adding their own twists. In traditional Indian households, it is often made with a blend of fresh cream, butter, and a variety of aromatic spices, resulting in a luxurious texture and deep flavor. This slow cooker version stays true to the spirit of the original while making it more accessible, nutritious, and easy to prepare.
Why This Slow Cooker Butter Chicken Is the Best
There are countless butter chicken recipes out there, but this slow cooker version stands out for several reasons:
1. Time-Saving Convenience
Instead of spending hours in the kitchen, you can set and forget this dish in your slow cooker. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to develop beautifully, making it a perfect meal for busy weeknights, meal prep, or family dinners.
2. Healthier Than Traditional Butter Chicken
Unlike restaurant versions that use heavy cream and excessive butter, this recipe incorporates Greek yogurt and half-and-half (or coconut milk for a dairy-free option), cutting down on unhealthy fats while still keeping it creamy and indulgent. The addition of cauliflower also boosts the fiber and nutrient content, making this a more balanced meal.
3. Authentic Flavor Without the Fuss
Many Indian dishes require a long list of spices and complex cooking techniques, but this recipe simplifies the process by using readily available ingredients like curry powder, garam masala, and tomato sauce. Despite its simplicity, the end result is rich, aromatic, and deeply satisfying.
4. Customizable for Different Diets
- Dairy-Free: Use coconut milk and dairy-free yogurt instead of half-and-half and Greek yogurt.
- Low-Carb/Keto: Serve with cauliflower rice instead of regular rice.
- Paleo/Whole30: Swap butter for ghee and use coconut yogurt instead of Greek yogurt.
- Vegan Option: Replace chicken with chickpeas, tofu, or more cauliflower.
Nutritional Benefits of This Recipe
This Slow Cooker Butter Chicken is not just delicious but also nutrient-packed. Here’s what makes it a great meal choice:
✔ High Protein: With 39g of protein per serving, this dish helps build muscle and keep you full longer.
✔ Rich in Vitamins and Minerals: Tomatoes and cauliflower provide vitamin C, potassium, and antioxidants, which help boost immunity and improve heart health.
✔ Good for Digestion: The spices like ginger and garlic have anti-inflammatory properties and aid digestion.
✔ Lower in Calories: At only 346 kcal per serving, this butter chicken is much lighter than most restaurant versions, which can contain over 600 kcal per serving.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Butter Chicken
One of the best things about butter chicken is its versatility. You can pair it with:
- Fluffy basmati rice – to soak up the rich sauce
- Homemade naan or roti – for an authentic Indian experience
- Cauliflower rice – for a low-carb alternative
- Quinoa – for added protein and fiber
- Steamed vegetables – for a well-rounded, nutrient-dense meal
To elevate the dish further, garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten up the flavors.
Tips for Making the Best Slow Cooker Butter Chicken
✅ Sear the aromatics first: Cooking the onions, garlic, and spices before adding them to the slow cooker enhances their flavors and prevents a bland dish.
✅ Use full-fat yogurt or coconut milk: Low-fat options can curdle in the slow cooker, so always go for full-fat for a smoother, creamier texture.
✅ Don’t skip the butter or ghee: It adds richness to the dish, making it taste closer to the traditional version.
✅ Adjust spice levels to your taste: If you prefer a milder version, reduce the chili powder. If you love spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red chili flakes.
✅ For extra creaminess: Blend a portion of the sauce before adding the chicken back in, creating a velvety smooth texture.
Meal Prep and Storage Tips
This Slow Cooker Butter Chicken is excellent for meal prep, as the flavors deepen even more over time. Here’s how to store it:
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Butter chicken freezes well for up to 3 months. Store it in portion-sized containers for easy reheating.
- Reheat: Warm it on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave. Avoid high heat, as it may cause the yogurt to separate.
Conclusion
If you love bold flavors, creamy textures, and easy-to-make meals, this Slow Cooker Butter Chicken is a must-try! It brings all the warm, comforting goodness of traditional butter chicken without the extra calories or complicated steps. Whether you’re an Indian food enthusiast or new to these flavors, this dish is guaranteed to become a favorite in your home.