There’s just something so comforting about creamy, rich butter chicken that warms you from the inside out. This Easy Slow Cooker Butter Chicken Recipe is a game changer—perfectly tender chicken, vibrant spices, and a sauce that feels indulgent yet simple enough for any weeknight.

A white speckled bowl holds a serving of white rice on one side, with soft, fluffy texture and small green herb pieces mixed in; the other side features a thick orange sauce with chunks of tender meat, smooth and creamy in texture, garnished with fresh cilantro leaves and sprinkled with white sesame seeds. A gold spoon rests inside the bowl, partially submerged in the sauce, and the background is a white marbled surface with a few fresh herbs scattered near the bowl. 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 Easy Slow Cooker Butter Chicken Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Easy Slow Cooker Butter Chicken Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Easy Slow Cooker Butter Chicken Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made plenty of butter chicken over the years, but slow cooking it? Total game changer. It lets all those spices and flavors mingle slowly, so the chicken becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender without you having to babysit the stove.

Hands-Off Cooking: Just toss everything in the slow cooker and walk away—it’s one less thing on your to-do list.
Big Flavor Build-Up: Slow cooking means the spices develop beautifully, giving you that rich, authentic taste every time.
Customizable Comfort: Whether you like it a bit spicier or creamier, you can tweak it easily to suit your taste buds.
Perfect for Meal Prep: Makes excellent leftovers that taste just as good (if not better!) the next day.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Easy Slow Cooker Butter Chicken Recipe plays its part to create a harmonious blend of flavors. From the richness of butter and yogurt to the warmth of garam masala and curry powder, these ingredients combine to give you that signature buttery, spiced sauce.

Flat lay of two medium yellow onions halved and sliced, cubed raw boneless skinless chicken breast, one medium red bell pepper diced, three medium carrots diced, a small white ceramic bowl of smooth tomato sauce, a small white ceramic bowl of thick tomato paste, half a fresh lemon cut in half, two peeled garlic cloves, a small piece of fresh ginger root sliced, a small white ceramic bowl filled with bright yellow curry powder, a small white ceramic bowl with ground garam masala spices, a small white ceramic bowl of fine salt, several chilled pieces of salted butter, a small white ceramic bowl of plain Greek yogurt, a small white ceramic bowl of half-and-half cream 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: Provide natural sweetness and depth when slow cooked, forming the base layer that keeps the chicken moist.
Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast: Gets beautifully tender with slow cooking, soaking up all the spices.
Red Bell Pepper: Adds a subtle sweetness and a pop of color to the dish.
Carrots: Bring a slight earthiness and natural sweetness that balances the tangy tomato base.
Tomato Sauce & Tomato Paste: These create the rich, tangy foundation of your sauce.
Lemon Juice: Brightens the flavors and adds just the right amount of acidity.
Garlic & Fresh Ginger: Classic aromatics that add warmth and a little zing to the dish.
Curry Powder & Garam Masala: Two layers of Indian spices that bring complexity and heat without overpowering.
Salted Butter: A key ingredient that melts into the sauce, adding luscious richness and silkiness.
Plain Greek Yogurt: Adds creaminess and tang while keeping the sauce light and velvety—you’ll want to add it at the right time to avoid curdling.
Half-and-Half: Blends with the yogurt to give the sauce its signature smooth richness without getting heavy.

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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

This recipe is a wonderful base but I love how easy it is to make it your own. Sometimes I add a little extra chili powder if I’m feeling spicy or swap in coconut milk for half-and-half to give it a tropical twist!

Variation: Once, I added a handful of frozen peas right at the end for a pop of color and sweetness—totally delicious and easy.
Dietary Swap: Use full-fat coconut yogurt instead of Greek yogurt for a dairy-free version that’s just as creamy.
Spice Adjustment: Play with cayenne pepper or fresh chopped green chilies if you want more heat.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Easy Slow Cooker Butter Chicken Recipe

The image shows a white bowl filled with a rich orange curry that has chunks of meat covered in creamy sauce with visible red and green herbs. The curry is sprinkled with white sesame seeds and small green leaves. On one side of the bowl, there is a serving of white rice with a soft, folded piece of pale yellow flatbread resting on the edge and slightly dipping into the curry. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with a small white bowl filled with chopped green herbs visible near it. A gold spoon is placed inside the bowl, partially submerged in the curry, with a woman's hand slightly holding the bowl. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Layer the Onions

Start by peeling and slicing your onions, then lay them evenly in the bottom of your slow cooker. This isn’t just about onion flavor—it also acts like a little “rack” to keep the chicken from sticking and helps with even cooking.

Step 2: Toss the Chicken and Veggies

In a large bowl, combine the cubed chicken, diced red bell pepper, carrots, tomato sauce, tomato paste, lemon juice, garlic, ginger, curry powder, garam masala, and salt. Give it a good toss so everything is well coated in those beautiful spices.

Step 3: Assemble and Cook

Place the marinated chicken and veggies over the onion bed, then dot the top with chilled pieces of butter. Cover with the lid and cook on high for about 4 ½ hours or low for 6 ½ hours. The slow simmer is where the magic happens.

Step 4: Stir and Finish the Sauce

Once the slow cooker time is up, take the lid off and stir everything together to combine all those flavors. Then, let the mixture cool down for around 5-10 minutes—this cooldown is key so the yogurt doesn’t curdle.

Step 5: Add Creaminess and Serve

Stir in the Greek yogurt and half-and-half until smooth and creamy. Serve over hot rice or cauliflower rice with a side of naan bread. I love topping mine with fresh chopped cilantro and maybe some toasted sesame seeds for a little extra crunch.

Top Tip

After making this Easy Slow Cooker Butter Chicken Recipe several times, I’ve learned a few tricks that really help nail the flavor and texture every time. These little tips keep you from common pitfalls like curdled sauce or dry chicken.

Butter Placement: Dot chilled butter on top of the chicken before cooking—it melts slowly, enriching the sauce beautifully.
Cooling Down: Always wait 5-10 minutes before stirring in yogurt and half-and-half to avoid curdling—the temperature difference matters!
Layering: Using onions as a bed helps prevent chicken from sticking and adds a subtle sweetness to every bite.
Spice Balance: Taste your curry powder and garam masala beforehand; adding them gradually lets you adjust to your preferred heat level.

How to Serve Easy Slow Cooker Butter Chicken Recipe

Slow Cooker Butter Chicken - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

Fresh chopped cilantro is a must for me—it adds a fresh, herbal brightness that cuts through the richness. I also love to sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds on top for a little extra texture and nuttiness. A wedge of lime on the side is a lovely finishing touch if you like a bit of zing.

Side Dishes

Serving it over steamed basmati rice or fluffy cauliflower rice is my go-to. Warm naan bread on the side is practically a requirement for mopping up every last bit of that gorgeous sauce. Sometimes, I add a simple cucumber raita to cool things down and add a creamy contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For special dinners, I like to serve the butter chicken in small bowls alongside a vibrant salad of chopped tomatoes, red onions, and cucumber tossed in lemon juice and chaat masala. This adds both freshness and a pop of color to the plate, making it feel festive and inviting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so the next day’s meal tastes even more delicious. Make sure to cool it completely before refrigerating to keep that creamy texture.

Freezing

This butter chicken freezes beautifully. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers, leaving some room for expansion, and it’ll keep for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

When reheating, I recommend warming it gently on the stove over low heat to preserve the sauce’s silky texture. Stir often and avoid boiling. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of water or half-and-half to loosen it.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this Easy Slow Cooker Butter Chicken Recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are actually a great alternative and tend to stay even more tender and juicy during slow cooking. Just adjust cooking time slightly if needed, though 4 ½ hours on high typically works well for both.

How do I prevent the yogurt from curdling when I add it to the slow cooker?

The key is to let the cooked chicken mixture cool for about 5-10 minutes after turning off the slow cooker, before stirring in the yogurt and half-and-half. Adding dairy to hot, simmering liquid can cause it to curdle, so patience here is important.

Can I make this recipe spicier?

Definitely! You can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped green chilies along with the other spices. Just add a little at a time and taste as you go to reach your preferred heat level without overpowering the dish.

What’s the best way to serve butter chicken for a crowd?

Serving the butter chicken buffet-style over a big tray of rice with plenty of naan bread on the side is my favorite. It’s also fun to offer a range of garnishes like fresh cilantro, lime wedges, and chopped onions so guests can personalize their plates.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Slow Cooker Butter Chicken Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it delivers that takeout favorite feeling without the hassle and with all the fresh flavors you want at home. I love how you can set it and forget it, then come back to a dinner that feels like a warm hug. I can’t wait for you to try it and see how it fits right into your busy week—or your leisurely weekend!