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

Nothing beats the comforting, creamy warmth of a classic Indian dish cooked low and slow. This Slow Cooker Indian Butter Chicken Recipe is my go-to for easy, flavorful dinners that fill the house with cozy aromas and satisfy everyone at the table.

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 Indian Butter Chicken Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Slow Cooker Indian Butter Chicken Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Slow Cooker Indian Butter Chicken Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Making butter chicken in the slow cooker means you get rich, deep flavors without ever feeling rushed. I love how the chicken turns tender and the sauce becomes buttery and luscious with minimal effort on busy days.

Simplicity: Just toss everything in the slow cooker and forget it until dinnertime.
Authentic Flavors: The perfect blend of curry powder and garam masala brings that classic Indian taste.
Rich & Creamy Texture: The mix of yogurt and half-and-half stirred in at the end makes it irresistibly smooth.
Customizable: Whether you prefer more spice or a dairy-free twist, it's easy to make this dish your own.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Slow Cooker Indian Butter Chicken Recipe plays a role in creating layers of flavor and the perfect sauce texture. I always look for fresh ginger and quality spices to get that authentic punch.

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 during slow cooking, adding depth to the sauce.
Boneless skinless chicken breast: Cooks tenderly and absorbs all the spices without drying out.
Red bell pepper: Adds a subtle sweetness and texture contrast.
Carrots: Bring earthiness and a little natural sweetness that balances the spices.
Tomato sauce and tomato paste: These provide richness and body to the sauce without overpowering it.
Lemon juice: Brightens the flavors and adds a nice tang.
Garlic and fresh ginger: The aromatic backbone of any good Indian curry.
Curry powder and garam masala: These spices mix the warm, fragrant notes essential for authentic taste.
Salted butter: Adds creaminess and richness after slow cooking.
Greek yogurt and half-and-half: Stirred in at the end for silky texture and a bit of tang without curdling.

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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 experimenting with the spice levels and sometimes adding a splash of cream instead of half-and-half for an extra decadent finish. Feel free to tweak it to match your taste buds or pantry staples!

Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or fresh chopped green chilies if you want more heat; I've found it gives that extra kick without overwhelming the dish.
Dairy-free: Try coconut milk instead of half-and-half and omit the yogurt—works beautifully for a creamy texture with a tropical twist.
Protein swap: Use skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier, more forgiving cook.
Veggie boost: Toss in frozen peas or spinach in the last 15 minutes of slow cooking for added color and nutrition.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Slow Cooker Indian 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 Your Base with Layered Onions

I start by slicing the onions and placing them in the bottom of my slow cooker. They act like a fragrant bed that keeps the chicken from sticking and slowly sweeten as they cook, which builds flavor from the bottom up.

Step 2: Mix the Chicken & Veggies with Spices

In a big bowl, I toss cubed chicken breasts with diced red bell pepper, carrots, tomato sauce, tomato paste, lemon juice, garlic, ginger, curry powder, garam masala, and salt until everything is well combined. This ensures every bite is bursting with flavor.

Step 3: Layer and Butter Up

Next, I spoon the saucy chicken mixture over the onions in the slow cooker and dot it with chilled pieces of salted butter. Those little butter chunks melt into the sauce, giving it a velvety richness you just can't skip.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

I cover and cook on high for 4½ hours or low for 6½ hours. Slow cooking gently melts the chicken tender and lets the spices mingle without any need for stirring or fussing—an absolute win for busy days!

Step 5: Finish with Creamy Goodness

Once the cooking time is up, I remove the lid, stir everything well, and turn off the slow cooker. I let it cool for about 5–10 minutes (super important here!) before stirring in the Greek yogurt and half-and-half. This step keeps the sauce silky and prevents curdling—a little patience pays off deliciously.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Finally, I serve this butter chicken over hot rice or cauliflower rice with some naan on the side. Fresh cilantro and toasted sesame seeds on top add a vibrant, fresh crunch that’s the perfect finishing touch.

Top Tip

After years of trying different methods, I’ve learned a few things that really help with the quality of this slow cooker butter chicken.

Layer the onions first: This simple step prevents burning at the bottom and adds subtle sweetness.
Let it cool before adding dairy: Always wait for the mixture to stop steaming before stirring in yogurt and half-and-half to avoid curdling.
Use chilled butter: Adding small pieces of cold butter on top helps it melt gradually into the dish, creating richness without separating.
Don’t skip stirring at the end: Mixing everything after cooking lets flavors marry beautifully before serving.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Indian Butter Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

I’m a sucker for fresh chopped cilantro—which adds a lovely, fresh pop—and toasted sesame seeds for a little crunch and nuttiness. Sometimes I throw on a few thinly sliced green chilies if my family wants some extra heat.

Side Dishes

This dish shines with steamed basmati rice or fluffy cauliflower rice to keep things lighter. For bread lovers, naan or garlic naan is a must. And if you want to round out the meal, a simple cucumber raita or a fresh green salad complements the rich sauce beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like serving the butter chicken in a pretty copper bowl or small cast-iron skillet straight from the slow cooker to the table. Adding edible flowers or thin lemon slices can make it festive and inviting—perfect for sharing with guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover butter chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Before reheating, I give it a good stir to recombine the sauce, which sometimes thickens as it cools.

Freezing

This recipe freezes really well! I portion out the cooled butter chicken into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to retain its lovely texture and flavor.

Reheating

To reheat, I gently warm the butter chicken on the stove over low heat, stirring often, until heated through. You may want to add a splash of water or half-and-half if the sauce feels too thick. Avoid microwaving if you can, as it can cause the creamy sauce to separate.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts in this recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs work great and tend to stay even more tender and juicy during slow cooking. Just cut them into similar-sized pieces and follow the same process.

How do I prevent the yogurt from curdling when adding it?

The key is to let the slow cooker mixture cool for 5-10 minutes after cooking so it’s not piping hot. Then gently stir in the yogurt and half-and-half. Adding it immediately while it’s still very hot can cause curdling.

Can I make this Slow Cooker Indian Butter Chicken Recipe spicier?

Definitely! You can add cayenne pepper, chili powder, or fresh chopped chilies to the mix before cooking. Start with small amounts and adjust to your heat preference.

What’s the best way to serve this recipe?

Serving over hot basmati rice or cauliflower rice pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce. Don’t forget fresh cilantro and naan bread on the side to complete the meal.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Indian Butter Chicken Recipe is one of those dishes I come back to again and again, especially when I want something comforting with minimal fuss. It fills the kitchen with the most inviting scent, and the leftovers taste even better the next day. Give it a try—I’m confident you’ll keep it in your regular rotation, just like I do!