Butter Chicken Slow Cooker: 6 Comforting, Powerful Steps

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If you’ve been craving a cozy, no-fuss dinner that practically cooks itself, this Butter Chicken Slow Cooker recipe is about to become your new weeknight hero. As someone who lives for set-it-and-forget-it meals (hi, it’s Mounia—keeper of the slow cooker and lover of anything that simmers while I try to live my life), I can tell you this dish checks all the boxes: creamy, bold, comforting, and incredibly easy.

Whether you’re juggling work, kids, errands, or—let’s be honest—just trying to catch your breath, slow cooker butter chicken steps in like a warm hug at the end of a long day. And yes, your house will smell like pure bliss… the kind that makes neighbors casually linger outside wondering what’s cooking.

Why You’ll Love This Butter Chicken Slow Cooker Recipe

This dish isn’t just delicious—it’s dependable. The kind of recipe you pull out when you “really should’ve started dinner an hour ago” or when you want something special without hovering over a stove. Here’s why it wins:

Minimal prep, maximum flavor. Your slow cooker does the heavy lifting.
Creamy tomato-butter sauce that tastes like you ordered takeout (but better).
Kid-friendly, partner-approved. Even picky eaters love it.
Perfect for meal prep. It reheats like a dream.
Pairs beautifully with jasmine rice for a complete comfort meal.

This Butter Chicken Slow Cooker recipe saved me more than once on those weeks when life felt like one giant to-do list. The aroma alone melts away stress.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything that goes into this dreamy slow cooker butter chicken:

1 cup diced onion (about 1 small onion)
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 tablespoon grated ginger
2½ teaspoons curry powder
2 teaspoons chili powder
2 teaspoons garam masala
½ teaspoon cumin
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup tomato sauce
1¼ cups heavy cream, room temperature and divided
6 tablespoons tomato paste
2 tablespoons cornstarch
3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (5–6 pieces)
4 cups cooked jasmine rice
Fresh cilantro for garnish

Simple, pantry-friendly, and perfect for busy home cooks.

How to Make Butter Chicken Slow Cooker Style

This is where the magic happens. The steps are simple, the flavors are bold, and the end result is something you’ll want on repeat.

1. Build Your Flavor Base

Heat a sauté pan over medium-high heat. Melt the butter, then add the onions, garlic, ginger, curry powder, chili powder, garam masala, cumin, and salt.

Cook for 2–3 minutes—or until the spices bloom and your kitchen starts smelling ridiculously good. You’ll know it when you smell it. This step deepens the flavor, which is why this Butter Chicken Slow Cooker recipe tastes restaurant-quality.

2. Blend the Sauce Until Smooth

Transfer your cooked onion-spice mixture to a blender. Add tomato sauce, tomato paste, and ¾ cup of the heavy cream.

Blend until velvety and smooth. This becomes your rich, spoon-worthy butter chicken sauce.

3. Slow Cook the Chicken

Place the chicken breasts into your slow cooker insert. Pour the blended sauce over the top, making sure everything is covered.

Cook on high for 2½ to 3 hours. The chicken will become tender without drying out—one of the many reasons slow cooker butter chicken is so foolproof.

4. Remove, Chop, and Thicken

Once cooked, remove the chicken and cut it into bite-sized 1-inch pieces.

In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining ½ cup heavy cream and cornstarch to make a slurry. Add it to the sauce in your slow cooker to thicken it. Stir to combine.

This step turns the sauce into that silky, creamy perfection we all crave.

5. Return Chicken to the Sauce

Add the chopped chicken back to the slow cooker and gently stir to coat everything without breaking up the pieces. Turn off your slow cooker—you’re ready to serve!

6. Serve With Rice & Garnish

Spoon ¾ cup of jasmine rice into a bowl, nestle your butter chicken next to it, and sprinkle fresh cilantro on top.

That’s it—your delicious Butter Chicken Slow Cooker dinner is complete.

Butter Chicken Slow Cooker served with jasmine rice and lime wedges — A warm Butter Chicken Slow Cooker bowl served beside fluffy jasmine rice.

Tips for Making the Best Butter Chicken Slow Cooker

Here are a few little tricks I’ve learned (usually the hard way):

⭐ Cut the chicken after cooking.
It stays juicier and more tender this way—trust me.

⭐ Room-temperature cream works best.
If it’s cold, it can make your sauce look like it’s having a bad day. Warm cream keeps things smooth.

⭐ If your sauce looks too thick…
Add a splash of water or cream. It’s not a mistake; it’s just extra comfort waiting to happen.

⭐ Want it spicier?
Add a bit more chili powder—or even a pinch of cayenne if you’re feeling bold.

⭐ Love leftovers?
Lucky you. This dish tastes even better the next day as the flavors settle in.

A Little Story From My Kitchen

I first made this Butter Chicken Slow Cooker meal on a week where everything seemed to go sideways—lost keys, late deadlines, a kid meltdown in the cereal aisle… you know the kind of week.

But the moment I opened the slow cooker and that creamy, fragrant steam floated up, it felt like the universe finally said, “Here, you deserve something good.” I sat down, took the first bite, and honestly—pure bliss.

That’s why I adore slow cooking. It doesn’t judge your chaos. It just shows up for you.

Butter Chicken Slow Cooker FAQs

Can I substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts?

Absolutely! They stay super tender and work beautifully in this recipe.

Can I freeze Butter Chicken Slow Cooker leftovers?

Yes! Freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently.

Can I use coconut milk instead of heavy cream?

You can—just know it adds a slightly sweeter, coconut-forward flavor. Still delicious, though!

How do I store leftovers?

Refrigerate in a sealed container for 3–4 days. It reheats wonderfully on the stove or in the microwave.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes—just make sure your slow cooker can handle the volume.

Bring It All Together

If you’ve been searching for a comforting dish that meets you right where you are—busy, tired, hungry, or all of the above—this Butter Chicken Slow Cooker recipe is about to earn a permanent spot in your rotation. With warm spices, creamy tomato sauce, and tender chicken, it’s the kind of meal that turns an ordinary night into something special.

Set it, forget it, and come back to a dinner that feels like a little celebration. You deserve that.

Butter Chicken Slow Cooker in a crockpot topped with fresh cilantro — Rich and creamy Butter Chicken Slow Cooker simmering beautifully in the crockpot.

More Cozy Recipes You’ll Love

If you enjoyed this Butter Chicken Slow Cooker recipe and want to fill your week with even more comforting meals, here are a few favorites my readers adore. Each one brings its own kind of warmth to the table—perfect for busy nights, chilly days, or anytime you’re craving something soothing and delicious.

For another creamy, belly-warming dish, try my creamy and comforting Tuscan White Bean Soup. It’s hearty, wholesome, and incredibly satisfying.
If you’re in the mood for something bold and full of spice, you’ll love my simple and nourishing Curry Lentil Soup. It’s cozy, budget-friendly, and packed with flavor.
When you want a comforting classic that practically melts in your mouth, my crowd-pleasing Crockpot White Chicken Chili is always a winner.
And for a creamy slow cooker dinner that feels a little extra special, don’t miss my ultra-creamy Crockpot Marry Me Chicken. It’s one of the most beloved recipes on the site for a reason!
If you’re curious to explore even more ways to enjoy this dish, check out this beautifully seasoned version from another creator: Crockpot Butter Chicken. It offers a fun twist you may want to try next.