The Best Butter Chicken Slow Cooker Recipe for Flavorful Meals

Butter chicken slow cooker recipes are a lifesaver for busy weeknights or lazy weekends when you want maximum flavor with minimum effort. This dish combines tender, fall-apart chicken with a rich, creamy sauce infused with authentic Indian spices.

What makes it special? Not only is it incredibly easy to prepare, but the slow cooker method ensures the chicken absorbs every bit of the buttery, spiced tomato sauce.

Whether served over steaming white rice or with warm naan for dipping, this recipe is guaranteed to be a hit with your family.

The best part? You can also adapt this into an easy butter chicken recipe using an Instant Pot or stovetop, depending on your schedule.

Plus, there are tips for making a healthy butter chicken stovetop variation if you’re looking to lighten it up. Let’s dive in and make the most flavorful homemade butter chicken!

My Story Behind This Butter Chicken Slow Cooker

The first time I made butter chicken, I was in culinary school, learning about global flavor profiles. I was instantly hooked by the depth of flavor—creamy, tangy, and spiced with warm, aromatic seasonings. But it wasn’t until several years later, when I was experimenting with my slow cooker, that I thought to bring these incredible flavors to a simpler, hands-off recipe.

This version of homemade Indian butter chicken is my personal favorite because the hands-off cooking lets the ingredients meld into a beautifully bold dish.

The addition of Greek yogurt at the end brings creaminess while keeping it slightly lighter than the traditional recipe. I think this is the best butter chicken recipe I’ve ever made, and I’m thrilled to share it with you!

Ingredients for Butter Chicken Slow Cooker

• 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
• Optional: Cooked white rice or cauliflower rice, naan, chopped fresh cilantro, lime wedges, and toasted sesame seeds

Step-by-Step Butter Chicken Slow Cooker Instructions

1. Layer the sliced onions at the bottom of a 6-quart or 8-quart slow cooker.
2. In a large bowl, combine the chicken, bell pepper, carrots, tomato sauce, tomato paste, lemon juice, garlic, ginger, curry powder, garam masala, and salt. Toss everything until well mixed.
3. Pour the mixture over the onions in the slow cooker.
4. Dot the pieces of butter over the top for added richness.
5. Cover the slow cooker with a lid and cook on high for 4 ½ hours or on low for 6 ½ hours.
6. Once cooked, remove the lid and let the mixture cool for 5-10 minutes to prevent curdling.
7. Stir in the Greek yogurt and half-and-half until the sauce is velvety and smooth.
8. Serve hot over rice or alongside naan bread, garnished with cilantro and optional sesame seeds.

My Chef Tips for the Best Butter Chicken Slow Cooker

• Don’t skip the cooling step: Letting the mixture cool slightly before stirring in the yogurt ensures the creamy texture stays intact.
• For a dairy-free option: Use vegan butter, coconut milk yogurt, and full-fat coconut milk as substitutes.
• Boost the spice: Like it spicier? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some red chili flakes to the spice mix.
• Batch cooking advice: This dish freezes beautifully! Store portions in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
• Meal prep tip: Chop the veggies and cube the chicken the night before so you can quickly assemble everything in the morning.

Butter Chicken Slow Cooker FAQs

Can I make this butter chicken in an Instant Pot?

Yes! Follow the Instant Pot instructions in the recipe above for a quick and easy version. Use the pressure setting and cook for 10 minutes, then quick release.

Is this a healthy butter chicken stovetop option?

Absolutely! By using Greek yogurt and lean chicken breast, this recipe is lighter than classic butter chicken, especially when made without heavy cream.

What can I serve with butter chicken?

Classic sides include white rice, basmati rice, or naan. For a lower-carb option, serve it with cauliflower rice or steamed vegetables.

How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally.

Can I make this dish spicier?

Yes! Add some finely diced chili peppers or extra curry powder to the mix to boost the heat.

Ready to Make This Butter Chicken Slow Cooker?

If you’re looking for a dish that’s bursting with flavor, easy to prepare, and versatile enough for any occasion, this butter chicken slow cooker recipe is for you. The creamy, spiced sauce paired with melt-in-your-mouth chicken makes it a dish you’ll want to make again and again.

Have you tried making your own butter chicken before? Let me know in the comments how it turned out, or tag me on social media with your creations. Enjoy!