Description
This rich and creamy Butter Chicken Slow Cooker recipe brings bold spices and tender chicken together in a warm, comforting sauce that practically cooks itself. Perfect for busy nights, meal prep, or anyone craving a cozy, flavor-packed dinner with minimal effort.
Ingredients
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, divided and room temperature
6 tablespoons tomato paste
2 tablespoons cornstarch
3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (5–6 pieces)
4 cups cooked jasmine rice (for serving)
Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
In a sauté pan over medium-high heat, melt the butter. Add the onions, garlic, ginger, curry powder, chili powder, garam masala, cumin, and salt. Cook for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and the onions are tender.
Transfer the onion-spice mixture to a blender. Add the tomato sauce, tomato paste, and ¾ cup of the heavy cream. Blend until smooth.
Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker and pour the blended sauce over them. Cook on HIGH for 2½–3 hours.
Remove the chicken, cut into 1-inch bite-sized pieces, and set aside.
In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining ½ cup heavy cream and cornstarch to create a slurry. Stir it into the sauce in the slow cooker to thicken.
Add the chicken pieces back to the slow cooker and gently stir to coat. Turn off the heat.
Serve with jasmine rice and garnish with fresh cilantro.
Notes
Room-temperature cream helps keep the sauce silky smooth.
Add a pinch of cayenne for extra heat.
Sauce too thick? Stir in 1–2 tablespoons of water or cream.
Even better the next day as flavors deepen.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Category: Dinner, Slow Cooker
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Indian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: ~585 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 560 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 39 g
- Cholesterol: 165 mg