Name: Slow Cooker Butter Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 4 h 30 min
Total time: 4 h 50 min
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 2 medium yellow onions, peeled, cut in half and sliced (~13 oz); 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast, cubed; 1 medium red bell pepper, diced; 3 medium carrots, diced (5-6 oz); 1 (15-oz) can tomato sauce; 1 (6-oz) can tomato paste; Juice of ½ lemon; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger (~2-inch piece); 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 (whole, low-fat, or fat-free); ½ cup half-and-half

There’s something truly comforting about the rich, creamy flavors of a homemade Slow Cooker Butter Chicken Recipe. It’s that perfect mix of tender chicken bathed in a luscious spiced tomato sauce that’s so easy to throw together in your slow cooker and let it do the magic.

A white round plate holds two main layers: on the left side is fluffy white rice with a soft texture, and on the right side is a thick orange sauce with chunks of tender meat mixed inside. The sauce looks smooth and creamy with a few small red bits, and it covers part of the rice. Fresh green cilantro leaves are scattered on top, along with white sesame seeds, adding a touch of color and texture. A golden spoon is placed in the sauce, standing upright. The plate rests on a white marbled surface with some green herbs placed around it for decoration. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Slow Cooker Butter Chicken Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Slow Cooker Butter Chicken Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Slow Cooker Butter Chicken Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I have to say, this Slow Cooker Butter Chicken Recipe quickly became a weeknight hero in my kitchen. It blends familiar Indian spices with creamy yogurt and butter, delivering deep flavor without standing over the stove. Plus, it’s practically foolproof!

Hands-Off Cooking: The slow cooker does all the work, leaving you free to relax or prep sides without stress.
Rich, Authentic Flavor: A blend of curry powder, garam masala, and fresh ginger gives this dish that signature warming taste.
Great for Meal Prep: It reheats beautifully and even tastes better the next day, perfect for busy weeks.
Customizable and Kid-Friendly: Mild enough to win over kids but easily amped up with extra spice to suit your mood.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient plays a critical role in creating that velvety, full-flavored sauce that defines butter chicken. I always suggest grabbing fresh ginger and good-quality spices for the best results. Here’s a quick look at my ingredient favorites and why they work so well together:

Flat lay of two medium yellow onions, peeled and halved, bright red diced bell pepper, three fresh orange carrots diced, several whole garlic cloves unpeeled, a small chunk of fresh ginger root, a fresh lemon halved with juice visible, a few pieces of chilled salted butter, raw boneless skinless chicken breast cubes, small white ceramic bowls with smooth red tomato sauce and thick tomato paste, small white bowls with golden curry powder and brown garam masala powder, fine white salt grains in a bowl, a small bowl of thick plain Greek yogurt, a small bowl of creamy half-and-half cream, all arranged perfectly symmetrical and balanced, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Yellow onions: Sweet and aromatic, they form the flavorful base cooked slowly in the slow cooker.
Boneless skinless chicken breast: Tender and lean, cubes soak up the sauce beautifully during the long cook.
Red bell pepper: Adds a subtle sweetness and pops of color for visual appeal.
Carrots: Provide natural sweetness and texture in the sauce.
Tomato sauce and tomato paste: These create the rich, tangy base that balances the creamy elements.
Lemon juice: A zingy brightness that cuts through the richness and wakes up the flavors.
Garlic and fresh ginger: Essential aromatics for that authentic warmth and depth.
Curry powder and garam masala: The spice blend backbone, delivering complexity with notes of cinnamon, cardamom, and cumin.
Salted butter: Adds a silky finish and luxurious mouthfeel I just can’t skip.
Greek yogurt and half-and-half: Creamy ingredients stirred in last to smooth out the sauce without curdling.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

Over time, I’ve come to love a few personal tweaks to this Slow Cooker Butter Chicken Recipe, and I encourage you to make it your own too. Whether you want to dial up the heat or add veggies, it’s flexible and forgiving.

Variation: Sometimes I swap chicken breast for thighs—they stay juicier and absorb flavors like a dream
Spice Level: Feel free to add a pinch of cayenne or red chili flakes if you like a kick, or keep it mild for family-friendly meals.
Vegetable Boost: Toss in some peas or cauliflower florets halfway through cooking for extra nutrition and color.
Dairy-Free Option: You can substitute coconut milk for the half-and-half and skip the yogurt for a dairy-free twist.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Slow Cooker Butter Chicken Recipe

The image shows a white bowl filled with white rice on the left side, topped with fresh green cilantro leaves. On the right side of the bowl, there is a creamy orange curry with small chunks of meat covered in a smooth sauce, sprinkled with sesame seeds and more cilantro. Behind the bowl, a piece of soft naan bread is placed upright, leaning on the rim of the bowl. A gold spoon is partially submerged in the curry on the right side. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface with some green herbs scattered in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Layer the Flavors

I start by putting the sliced onions right in the bottom of the slow cooker. Their sweetness and texture are the foundation for our sauce, and layering means they cook gently without getting mushy.

Step 2: Mix Your Chicken and Spices

In a large bowl, toss together cubed chicken breast, diced red bell pepper, carrots, tomato sauce, tomato paste, lemon juice, fresh minced garlic and ginger, curry powder, garam masala, and salt. This is the heart of your sauce, so I take a moment to mix it well to coat every piece.

Step 3: Assemble in the Slow Cooker

Pour the chicken mixture over the onions in the slow cooker, spreading it out evenly. Then, dot the pieces of chilled butter over the top. This little step adds a richness that makes the sauce extra silky when cooked low and slow.

Step 4: Slow Cook and Finish

Cover and cook on high for 4 ½ hours or low for 6 ½ hours. When time’s up, take the lid off, stir everything together, and turn off the slow cooker. Let it cool for 5 to 10 minutes until the steam dies down—this pause is key.

Once it’s cooled a bit, gently stir in the Greek yogurt and half-and-half until creamy and smooth. This prevents curdling and gives you that signature buttery texture.

Top Tip

Honestly, the key to this Slow Cooker Butter Chicken Recipe that makes the biggest difference is patience with the final step: letting it cool before stirring in the yogurt and half-and-half. I learned this the hard way when my sauce curdled the first time I rushed it!

Don’t Skip the Onion Layer: It adds depth to your sauce and prevents the chicken from sticking or scorching on the bottom.
Chill the Butter: Adding cold butter pieces lets them melt slowly for a richer sauce without separating.
Cooling Period: Wait 5-10 minutes after cooking to reduce heat—this avoids curdling when adding dairy.
Stir Gently: When adding yogurt and half-and-half, fold them in carefully to preserve the creamy texture.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Butter Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping my butter chicken with fresh chopped cilantro—it brightens the dish with a burst of color and fresh herbal notes. Toasted sesame seeds add a subtle nutty crunch, but if you want an extra pop of texture, a handful of chopped cashews is divine too.

Side Dishes

Serve it over steamed basmati rice for classic comfort or cauliflower rice if you’re cutting carbs. Naan bread is my must-have for soaking up every last bit of sauce. For veggies, a simple cucumber raita or roasted broccoli pairs beautifully to balance the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, try serving butter chicken in small, individual mini cocottes or ramekins—perfect for a dinner party. Garnish with a lemon wedge on the side, and a drizzle of extra yogurt for that really polished touch. It feels so luxe yet easy to pull off.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I put leftover butter chicken in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge. It lasts beautifully for up to 4 days, and honestly, it tastes even better the next day once the flavors have had time to meld even more.

Freezing

I’ve frozen butter chicken a handful of times, and it reheats very well. Just make sure to cool it completely before freezing in a freezer-safe container or bag. It keeps well for up to 3 months—perfect for meal prep lifelines!

Reheating

For reheating, I gently warm leftovers on the stove over low heat. Adding a splash of water or half-and-half helps keep the sauce silky. Microwaving also works but stirring halfway through will prevent hot spots.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs stay moister and absorb the sauce even better. Just cut them into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.

How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?

The key is to let the butter chicken cool down for 5 to 10 minutes after cooking before stirring in the yogurt and half-and-half. Adding dairy to hot sauce can cause curdling otherwise.

Can I make this recipe spicy?

Definitely! You can add cayenne pepper, red chili flakes, or even fresh chopped chili to the spice mix. Adjust gradually to find your perfect heat level.

What sides pair best with butter chicken?

Classic choices include basmati rice and naan bread. For lighter options, try cauliflower rice or roasted veggies. A cucumber raita adds a fresh cool contrast.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Butter Chicken Recipe is one of those dishes that’s become a staple in my home. The ease of throwing everything into the slow cooker and coming back to a house smelling like an Indian restaurant is unbeatable. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—it’s a warm hug of a meal that’s sure to become a favorite in your rotation too.