
This Crockpot Butter Chicken recipe is a fantastic way to bring the rich and fragrant flavors of India right to your kitchen with the ease of a slow cooker. It's a healthy and flavorful meal that's perfect for any night of the week, offering authentic taste with minimal effort.
Gathering Your Ingredients
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Provides a lean protein source. You can also use chicken thighs for a richer flavor.
- Finely Chopped Onion, Minced Garlic, and Grated Ginger Root: Creates a flavorful aromatic base.
- Curry Powder, Garam Masala, Chili Powder, Salt, and Freshly Ground Black Pepper: These spices create a rich and complex flavor profile.
- Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and flavor to the dish.
- Full-Fat Coconut Milk: Provides a creamy texture and a subtle sweetness.
- Tomato Paste: Adds depth and acidity to the sauce.
- Maple Syrup or Honey: Provides a touch of sweetness to balance the spices.
- Cornstarch and Cold Water: Used to thicken the sauce, creating a smooth and velvety texture.
- Finely Chopped Cilantro: Used for garnish and added freshness.

Cooking Instructions
- Sautéing the Aromatics:
- In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the finely chopped onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger root. Sauté for 5 minutes, or until the onion is softened.
- Blooming the Spices:
- Add the curry powder, garam masala, chili powder, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to the skillet. Cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly, to bloom the spices and enhance their flavor.
- Transferring to the Slow Cooker:
- Transfer the sautéed mixture to the slow cooker. Add the chicken pieces, coconut milk, and tomato paste. Stir to combine all the ingredients.
- Cooking the Chicken:
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on HIGH for 2 hours or LOW for 4 hours. The long cooking time allows the chicken to become tender and flavorful.
- Thickening the Sauce:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water until smooth. Add this slurry to the slow cooker and stir. Cover and cook on HIGH for 10 minutes, or until the sauce thickens.
- Serving the Butter Chicken:
- Garnish with finely chopped cilantro and serve hot with rice, naan bread, or your choice of sides.
This crockpot butter chicken has become a favorite for weeknight dinners at my house. It's so easy to prepare, and the flavors are always a hit with my family. I love how versatile it is, pairing well with a variety of side dishes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this butter chicken with basmati rice, brown rice, cauliflower rice, or naan bread. Garnish with fresh cilantro, scallions, or sesame seeds. Pair with a side salad, roasted vegetables, or cucumber salad.
Creative Variations
Adjust the amount of chili powder or add red pepper flakes for extra heat. Add more maple syrup or honey for sweetness. Simmer the sauce uncovered to thicken it if you prefer not to use cornstarch. Add vegetables like cauliflower, broccoli, or spinach towards the end of the cooking time. Use chicken thighs for a richer flavor.

Storage and Reheating
Store leftover crockpot butter chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Prepare the recipe up to step 3 and refrigerate for up to 2 days before cooking. Follow the recipe up to step 3 and freeze uncooked. Thaw in the refrigerator for 24 hours before cooking. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.
This crockpot butter chicken is a fantastic and flavorful meal that's perfect for any occasion. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
- Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe and often result in even more tender meat. The cooking time remains the same, and thighs won't dry out as easily as breasts.
- → What can I substitute for garam masala if I don't have it?
- If you don't have garam masala, you can make a simple substitute by mixing 1/4 teaspoon each of ground cumin, coriander, cardamom, black pepper, cinnamon, and cloves. Alternatively, adding extra curry powder will work in a pinch, though the flavor profile will be slightly different.
- → Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
- Yes, this recipe is easy to make dairy-free. Simply substitute the butter with coconut oil or a plant-based butter alternative. The coconut milk already provides plenty of creaminess without any additional dairy ingredients.
- → What sides go well with butter chicken?
- Traditional accompaniments include basmati rice, naan bread, or roti. For a lower-carb option, serve with cauliflower rice. A simple cucumber raita (yogurt sauce) or a fresh green salad also complements the rich flavors of butter chicken.
- → How spicy is this butter chicken recipe?
- This recipe is mildly spicy as written. The heat comes mainly from the chili powder, so you can adjust according to your preference. For more heat, add an extra 1/2 teaspoon of chili powder or a pinch of cayenne pepper. For a milder version, reduce the chili powder to 1/2 teaspoon.