Description
This Crockpot Butter Chicken is creamy, rich, and full of bold spices—all made easily in the slow cooker. Tender chicken thighs simmer in a velvety tomato-based sauce with butter and cream, creating the ultimate comfort food that pairs perfectly with rice and naan.
Ingredients
2 tbsp oil (or ghee for richer flavor)
1 large yellow onion, diced
2 tbsp ginger & garlic paste
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp turmeric
1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
2 tsp garam masala
1 can (14 oz) diced or crushed tomatoes (fire-roasted recommended)
2 lbs chicken thighs, trimmed (breasts optional but less juicy)
4 tbsp unsalted butter
1 cup heavy cream
Optional: red pepper flakes, 1 tsp sugar, fresh cilantro
Instructions
Heat oil or ghee in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add onion, garlic, and ginger. Sauté until golden (3–6 minutes).
Stir in smoked paprika, cumin, turmeric, and salt. Cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
Add tomatoes and scrape the pan to release browned bits. Let cool slightly, then transfer mixture to the slow cooker.
Trim chicken thighs, leaving a little fat for flavor. Add chicken to the slow cooker, stirring to coat in sauce. Arrange in a single layer.
Cover and cook on High for 2½–4 hours or Low for 4–6 hours, until chicken reaches 165°F.
Remove chicken, chop into bite-sized pieces. Blend the sauce with an immersion blender (or regular blender) until smooth.
Stir butter and cream into the sauce until rich and silky.
Return chicken to the sauce, stir, and simmer for 5 minutes. Garnish with cilantro if desired.
Serve hot with rice and naan.
Notes
Chicken thighs are recommended for tenderness; chicken breasts can dry out.
Adjust spice level with red pepper flakes or cayenne.
Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 4 days or freezer for up to 3 months.
Dairy-free option: use coconut oil and coconut milk instead of butter and cream.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Indian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Serving
- Calories: 385 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 27 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg