Crockpot Butter Chicken – A Creamy Comfort Food Classic Made Easy

If you’re craving a rich, flavorful, and comforting dish that’s surprisingly simple to make, this Crockpot Butter Chicken is the answer. Known as a restaurant favorite, butter chicken (or “murgh makhani”) features tender chicken pieces simmered in a buttery, creamy, and mildly spiced tomato-based sauce. With the help of your slow cooker, you can enjoy all the authentic flavors of this beloved Indian-inspired dish without spending hours in the kitchen. The best part? It’s a crowd-pleaser that pairs perfectly with rice, naan, or even a side of roasted vegetables.

This recipe combines convenience with bold taste, giving you the perfect balance of savory spices, rich butter, and silky creaminess. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight family dinner or serving it at a cozy gathering, Crockpot Butter Chicken delivers every time.

In this post, I’ll walk you through the benefits of making butter chicken in a crockpot, the ingredients you’ll need, step-by-step instructions, pro tips, delicious variations, pairing ideas, storage tips, and answers to the most common questions.

Why You’ll Love Crockpot Butter Chicken

Butter chicken has a global reputation for being both flavorful and approachable, even for those who are new to Indian-inspired cuisine. Making it in the crockpot not only saves you time but also develops a deep, slow-cooked flavor.

• Effortless cooking – Just toss everything into the slow cooker and let it work its magic.
• Restaurant-style taste – Enjoy the same creamy, rich flavors you’d get at your favorite Indian restaurant.
• Perfect for meal prep – Make a batch ahead of time and reheat for easy weeknight dinners.
• Customizable spice level – You control the heat, making it family-friendly or extra bold.
• Versatile serving options – Serve with fluffy rice, naan, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb twist.

Cooking butter chicken in the crockpot allows the chicken to soak up all the spices, while the sauce develops into a smooth, buttery richness that makes every bite irresistible.

Ingredients for Crockpot Butter Chicken

Here’s what you’ll need to make this flavorful dish:

• 1 tablespoon melted coconut oil or olive oil – Adds richness and helps sauté the onion and spices.
• 1 large yellow onion, finely diced (about 1 ½ cups) – Provides sweetness and depth.
• 1 tablespoon ginger paste – Fresh ginger paste adds warm, zesty notes.
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic – Essential for building flavor.
• 1 ¼ teaspoons smoked paprika – Adds a hint of smokiness.
• 1 ¼ teaspoons ground cumin – Earthy and aromatic.
• 1 ¼ teaspoons ground turmeric – Brings color and warmth.
• 1 ¼ teaspoons salt – Balances the flavors.
• 2 ¼ teaspoons garam masala – The key Indian spice blend that gives butter chicken its signature taste.
• 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) – For a little extra heat.
• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional) – Helps balance the acidity of tomatoes.
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced or crushed tomatoes (fire-roasted recommended) – The base of the sauce.
• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs – Juicy and flavorful, perfect for slow cooking.
• 8 tablespoons unsalted butter (sliced into tablespoons) – The signature “butter” element.
• 1/2 cup heavy cream – Makes the sauce luxuriously smooth and creamy.
• 1/3 cup finely chopped cilantro (optional) – For garnish and freshness.
• Naan, warmed, for serving – Essential for scooping up the sauce.
• Cooked rice – A classic pairing to soak up all that flavor.

How to Make Crockpot Butter Chicken

Making butter chicken in a slow cooker couldn’t be simpler. Follow these easy steps:

Step 1: Prepare the base

Heat the coconut oil or olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until softened and golden brown, about 5–7 minutes. Stir in the ginger paste and minced garlic, cooking until fragrant. This step builds the aromatic foundation of the dish.

Step 2: Add spices

Sprinkle in smoked paprika, cumin, turmeric, salt, garam masala, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir for 1–2 minutes until the spices bloom and release their fragrance.

Step 3: Transfer to crockpot

Transfer the onion and spice mixture into the crockpot. Add the diced tomatoes and sugar (if using), stirring to combine.

Step 4: Add chicken and butter

Place the chicken thighs into the sauce, making sure they’re fully coated. Scatter the butter slices over the top.

Step 5: Cook low and slow

Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shredded.

Step 6: Stir in cream

Once the chicken is cooked, stir in the heavy cream. Let it warm through for another 5–10 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 7: Garnish and serve

Sprinkle with fresh cilantro and serve hot with rice or naan.

Pro Tips for the Best Butter Chicken

• Toast your spices – Cooking them in oil with onions enhances their depth.
• Use chicken thighs – They stay tender and juicy compared to chicken breasts.
• Don’t skip the butter – It gives the dish its signature richness.
• For extra creamy sauce – Add an additional splash of cream or a spoonful of plain Greek yogurt at the end.
• Fire-roasted tomatoes – They add a subtle smokiness that elevates the flavor.

Variations

• Dairy-free – Swap butter for ghee or plant-based butter and cream for coconut cream.
• Spicy version – Add more red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño.
• Vegetarian – Substitute chicken with chickpeas or paneer.
• Low-carb – Serve over cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice.

What to Serve with Butter Chicken

Butter chicken is wonderfully versatile and pairs well with:

• Steamed basmati or jasmine rice – The classic option.
• Garlic naan or plain naan – Perfect for scooping up the sauce.
• Roasted vegetables – Like carrots, cauliflower, or broccoli.
• Cucumber raita – A cooling yogurt-based side dish.

Storage and Reheating

• Refrigerator – Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer – Freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
• Reheat – Warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream if the sauce thickens.

FAQs

What is butter chicken?
Butter chicken, or murgh makhani, is an Indian-inspired dish made with tender chicken in a creamy tomato-based sauce flavored with butter, spices, and cream.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, but chicken breasts may dry out. Thighs are preferred for their juiciness.

Is butter chicken very spicy?
No, it’s mild compared to many Indian dishes, but you can adjust the heat by adding or reducing chili flakes.

Can I make it ahead of time?
Absolutely. In fact, the flavors deepen as it sits, making it great for meal prep.

What’s the best way to thicken the sauce?
If your sauce is too thin, let it simmer uncovered in the crockpot for 10–15 minutes after adding the cream.

Nutrition Facts

(Per serving — recipe makes about 6 servings, without rice or naan)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	~567 kcal
Protein	~40.9 g
Total Fat	~41.6 g
Saturated Fat	~20.4 g
Carbohydrates	~6.5 g
Dietary Fiber	~1.3 g
Total Sugars	~3.5 g
Sodium	~735 mg

Conclusion

Crockpot Butter Chicken is the ultimate combination of comfort and flavor, bringing the rich taste of Indian-inspired cuisine right to your dinner table with minimal effort. The slow cooker makes the process easy, allowing all the spices and ingredients to meld into a creamy, buttery sauce that’s simply irresistible. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this recipe will quickly become a go-to favorite.

So grab your crockpot, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself to a restaurant-worthy meal made simple at home. Once you taste this buttery, flavorful dish, you’ll wonder why you didn’t start making it sooner!