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); 1 medium red bell pepper, diced; 3 medium carrots, diced (5-6 oz); 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger (~2-inch piece); 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast, cubed; 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; 1 (15-oz) can tomato sauce; 1 (6-oz) can tomato paste; Juice of ½ lemon; 3 tablespoons curry powder; 2 teaspoons garam masala; ½ teaspoon fine salt

There’s something irresistibly cozy about letting flavors slowly meld all day, isn’t there? This Slow Cooker Butter Chicken Recipe is one of my go-to dishes when I want that rich, creamy comfort food without fussing too much in the kitchen. It’s a perfect blend of tender chicken, warm spices, and creamy sauce that warms your soul.

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 can’t tell you how many times this slow cooker butter chicken has saved my evenings. It cooks while you’re out living life, filling your home with the most inviting aromas. Plus, the flavors are spot-on—rich, tangy, and just a little bit indulgent.

Hands-Off Cooking: Just toss everything in, set your slow cooker, and forget it until dinner is ready.
Perfectly Tender Chicken: Slow cooking makes the chicken melt-in-your-mouth tender without drying it out.
Layered Flavors: The combination of curry powder, garam masala, and fresh ginger makes each bite deeply flavorful.
Family Friendly: Mild spices with creamy richness make this a winner with both kids and adults alike.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient here serves a purpose to build a rich, comforting profile. I always recommend using fresh ginger and good quality curry powder for authentic flavor, and you’ll find the balance between tomato and creaminess is spot-on.

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: Their natural sweetness mellows with slow cooking and provides a flavorful base.
Chicken Breast: Cubed for even cooking and absorbing all the spices in the sauce.
Red Bell Pepper: Adds sweetness and color for that inviting, vibrant look.
Carrots: Tender texture and subtle sweetness complement the spices beautifully.
Tomato Sauce and Tomato Paste: Together, they create the perfect tangy and thick sauce base.
Lemon Juice: A little brightness to balance the rich creaminess.
Garlic and Fresh Ginger: Essential aromatics that pack tons of flavor without heat.
Curry Powder & Garam Masala: These layered spices define the dish with warm notes and complexity.
Salted Butter: Adds richness and depth—don’t skip it!
Greek Yogurt and Half-and-Half: Whisked in at the end for creamy, smooth texture without turning the sauce heavy.

📝

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

I love tweaking this slow cooker butter chicken recipe depending on the mood and what’s in my fridge. Some days I’ll add extra veggies or swap chicken breasts for thighs to get even more juicy results. It’s a forgiving recipe that’s easy to adapt.

Variation: Sometimes I swirl in some coconut milk instead of half-and-half for a subtly tropical twist—I really enjoy the extra smoothness it adds.
Spice Level Adjustment: If you want a little kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes with the curry powder.
Vegetable Boost: Toss in some frozen peas or green beans about 30 minutes before it finishes cooking to up your veggie intake.

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: Prep and Layer with Love

I start by layering the sliced onions at the bottom of my slow cooker. This isn’t just about flavor but also makes a nice cushion so the chicken doesn’t stick or dry out. The onions slowly caramelize and add a subtle sweetness that’s magic in the final dish.

Step 2: Toss Together Your Chicken and Sauce

In a big bowl, I mix the chicken cubes, chopped bell pepper, carrots, tomato sauce, tomato paste, lemon juice, garlic, ginger, curry powder, garam masala, and salt. Get your hands in there or use a spoon until everything is evenly coated. This helps the flavors really penetrate the chicken as it cooks.

Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection

Pour that saucy mix over the onions in the slow cooker, then dot the top with chilled butter pieces. I find that adding butter this way gives the sauce a luscious finish without overpowering the spices. Cover and cook on high for about 4 ½ hours or set it low for 6 ½ hours if you’re around for longer.

Step 4: Stir in Creaminess

Once it’s done, remove the lid and give everything a good stir. Here’s a little trick I’ve learned: wait for the mixture to cool for about 5–10 minutes before folding in the Greek yogurt and half-and-half. Adding these too soon sometimes makes the yogurt curdle, which no one wants. The wait ensures the sauce stays silky and smooth.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Spoon this beautiful butter chicken over fluffy cooked rice or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. Serve with warm naan bread and sprinkle with fresh cilantro for that restaurant-style finish!

Top Tip

From my experience cooking this recipe multiple times, I found that patience is key. Slow and steady wins the race—and your taste buds will thank you!

Butter Timing: Adding butter in pieces on top helps it melt evenly without making the sauce greasy.
Cool Before Yogurt: Letting the mixture cool prevents curdling and keeps the final sauce creamy, a small step that makes a big difference.
Layer Your Veggies: Putting onions on the bottom gives a nice flavor base that’s worth the few extra seconds.
Use Fresh Spices: Fresh curry powder and garam masala bring out authentic, vibrant flavors—your dish will taste so much better.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Butter Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping mine with chopped fresh cilantro for brightness and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for a subtle nuttiness and a bit of crunch. They brighten up the dish and make it look like you really know your way around the kitchen!

Side Dishes

A simple cucumber raita pairs wonderfully, balancing the warm spices. You can also serve this with garlic naan or basmati rice to soak up every last drop of the sauce. Sometimes, I do a quick sautéed spinach on the side to get a bit of green on the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I try serving this in individual mini cast iron skillets or rustic bowls. Adding a lime wedge and a sprig of cilantro on top makes it really pop visually. It’s always fun to bring that little wow factor without extra effort.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I put leftovers in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually develop beautifully overnight, so it tastes even better the next day. Just give it a good stir before reheating.

Freezing

This recipe freezes extremely well. I portion it out in freezer-safe containers and it keeps for up to 3 months. When I thaw it in the fridge overnight, the texture is still creamy and the chicken remains tender—not at all dry or rubbery.

Reheating

I prefer reheating on the stove over low heat with a splash of water or extra half-and-half to loosen the sauce. This method gently warms the dish without separating the dairy, keeping that lovely creamy texture intact.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts in this Slow Cooker Butter Chicken Recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs provide extra juiciness and richness. Just cut them into similar-sized pieces for even cooking, and slow cook as directed.

What can I substitute for Greek yogurt if I’m dairy-free?

You can use a dairy-free plain yogurt as a one-to-one substitute. Just add it at the end like the regular yogurt, making sure the dish cools slightly to avoid curdling. Coconut-based yogurt works well.

How do I prevent the sauce from curdling when adding yogurt and half-and-half?

The key is to let the slow cooker butter chicken cool for 5 to 10 minutes after cooking before stirring in the yogurt and half-and-half. Adding these while the mixture is still very hot can cause curdling.

Can I make this butter chicken recipe on the stove instead of a slow cooker?

Yes! You can simmer everything on the stovetop in a pot over medium heat for about 20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the veggies are tender, then add the dairy last once it’s slightly cooled.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Butter Chicken Recipe is one of those dishes I’m always excited to share because it feels like a hug in a bowl—rich, warming, and full of flavor with minimal effort. Whether you’re busy, cooking for family, or just want something to comfort your soul, give it a try. I promise you’ll find yourself making it over and over.