Easy Crockpot Butter Chicken: Creamy & Flavorful (Print Version)

Whip up easy Crockpot Butter Chicken! Tender chicken in a rich, creamy sauce, simmered all day. Pure comfort, minimal fuss. You'll love this simple recipe.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 4-8 Hours minutes
Total Time: 19 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Indian-inspired
Dietary: Gluten-Free (check spice labels)

# Ingredients:

→ Chicken & Base

01 - 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
02 - 1 large yellow onion, diced
03 - 4 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated

→ Creamy Sauce Essentials

05 - 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
06 - 1/2 cup heavy cream
07 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter

→ Aromatic Spices

08 - 2 tbsp garam masala
09 - 1 tbsp ground cumin
10 - 1 tsp ground turmeric
11 - 1/2 tsp chili powder (or Kashmiri chili powder)
12 - 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
13 - 1/2 tsp black pepper

→ Finishing Touches & Optional

14 - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
15 - Basmati rice, for serving
16 - Naan bread, for serving

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, grab your chicken thighs and give them a quick chop into bite-sized pieces. I usually aim for about 1-inch chunks, nothing too big, nothing too small. Then, get your onion diced up – try to make those pieces fairly small so they can melt into the sauce later. Mince your garlic and grate that fresh ginger. This is where the kitchen starts to smell good, honestly, even before cooking! I always feel so accomplished just getting these first few steps done, even if my cutting board ends up a bit chaotic.
02 - Now for the fun part: building the flavor base for your Crockpot Butter Chicken. In your slow cooker, combine the chopped chicken, diced onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Next, pour in the crushed tomatoes. Sprinkle in all those lovely spices: garam masala, cumin, turmeric, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Give it a good stir to make sure everything is nicely coated. I find a rubber spatula works best here to really get into all the nooks and crannies. Don't worry if it looks a bit chunky now; it will all transform into a silky sauce.
03 - Pop the lid on your slow cooker. You’ve got options here, hon! Cook on HIGH for 3-4 hours, or if you're out for the day, set it to LOW for 6-8 hours. The chicken will get unbelievably tender, practically falling apart. The smells that will fill your home are just incredible – warm, spicy, and so inviting. I've had moments where I've come home and just stood by the crockpot, inhaling, before even taking off my shoes! It's a little sensory treat, and a testament to the magic of slow cooking this Crockpot Butter Chicken.
04 - Once the cooking time is up and the chicken is falling apart, it's time for the magic touch. Stir in the heavy cream and the unsalted butter. Give it a good whisk or stir until the butter has completely melted and the sauce looks smooth and luscious. This step is crucial for that signature creamy, rich texture of classic butter chicken. I always taste it at this point, sometimes adding a pinch more salt if it needs it. This is where you see the sauce transform from a rustic simmer to a velvety dream.
05 - If your sauce isn't quite as thick as you like it (sometimes slow cookers can be a bit watery), here's my trick. In a small bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to form a slurry. Stir this into the Crockpot Butter Chicken sauce in the slow cooker. Cook on high for another 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your liking. I usually do this because I like a really substantial sauce that clings to the rice. It’s a simple step that makes a big difference, honestly.
06 - Finally, it’s time to serve up your delicious Crockpot Butter Chicken! Ladle generous portions over fluffy basmati rice or with warm naan bread. Before serving, sprinkle generously with fresh chopped cilantro. The vibrant green against the rich orange sauce just looks so inviting, and the fresh herbiness really brightens the whole dish. The aroma of the finished dish is just pure comfort, making all that minimal effort totally worth it. Enjoy every spoonful, you've earned this easy deliciousness!

# Notes:

01 - Don't skip searing the chicken if you have time; it adds so much depth!
02 - This sauce freezes beautifully for those busy weeknights. Just thaw and reheat gently.
03 - No heavy cream? Coconut milk works for a dairy-free twist, though the flavor changes.
04 - A dollop of plain yogurt right before serving makes it extra luscious.

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Crockpot/Slow Cooker
02 - Cutting board
03 - Knife
04 - Whisk

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 450
Total Fat: 30g
Total Carbohydrate: 15g
Protein: 30g

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