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); 1 medium red bell pepper, diced; 3 medium carrots, diced (5-6 oz); 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger (~2-inch piece); 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast, cubed; 1 (15-oz) can tomato sauce; 1 (6-oz) can tomato paste; Juice of ½ lemon; 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

There’s something about the creamy, spiced richness of this Slow Cooker Indian Butter Chicken Recipe that instantly warms you up from the inside out. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, making this dish not only delicious but effortless—perfect for busy nights when you want comfort food without the fuss.

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 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

I still remember the first time I tried making butter chicken in my slow cooker—it transformed how I think about home-cooked Indian food. This recipe captures all that rich, buttery goodness but lets the slow cooker develop those deep flavors while you get on with your day.

Set-it-and-forget-it ease: You just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it do its magic without constant stirring or babysitting.
Authentic flavor: The blend of curry powder and garam masala fills your kitchen with that classic Indian aroma you love, making it irresistible.
Creamy, luscious texture: The addition of yogurt and half-and-half stirred in at the end makes the sauce silky without any risk of curdling if you wait for it to cool down properly.
Super versatile: Whether you’re serving it with rice, naan, or cauliflower rice, it’s a crowd-pleaser every time.

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe comes together with ingredients you probably have on hand or can easily find at your local market. Each one contributes to that perfect balance of savory, tangy, and creamy—making the flavors shine without fuss.

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: Their sweetness builds a flavorful base when layered at the bottom of the slow cooker, softening just right over hours.
Boneless chicken breast: Lean and tender, it soaks up the spices beautifully without getting tough.
Red bell pepper: Adds a little crunch and brightness to balance the creaminess.
Carrots: I love how they add subtle sweetness and texture without overpowering the dish.
Tomato sauce and paste: These give you that rich, tangy tomato base critical for authentic butter chicken sauce.
Lemon juice: Just enough acidity to brighten the flavors at the end of cooking.
Garlic and fresh ginger: Essential aromatics for that warm, spicy kick.
Curry powder and garam masala: These spices are the heart of the dish, creating that classic Indian flavor profile with warmth and depth.
Salted butter: Dotting butter pieces on top ensures richness that’s perfectly balanced and melts into the sauce.
Greek yogurt and half-and-half: Stirred in at the end, these ingredients make the sauce velvety and creamy while keeping it light.

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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 like to mix it up depending on my mood or what I have on hand. The beauty of this Slow Cooker Indian Butter Chicken Recipe is how well it adapts, so definitely feel free to put your own spin on it.

Variation: Some days, I swap the chicken breast for thighs because they stay extra juicy and add a bit more flavor—totally personal preference!
Spice Level: If you like it spicier, try adding a pinch of cayenne or a chopped green chili to the mix.
Dairy-Free Option: For dairy-free, substitute coconut cream for the half-and-half and swap Greek yogurt with a coconut yogurt alternative. The flavor turns out beautifully creamy yet lighter.
Vegetable Boost: I’ve tossed in peas or spinach near the end for extra nutrients and color—you can’t go wrong.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Slow Cooker Indian 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 perfectly

Start by laying your sliced onions on the bottom of the slow cooker. This creates a flavorful bed that keeps the chicken elevated, preventing it from sticking and allowing it to cook evenly in the aromatic onion steam.

Step 2: Mix the marinade with love

In a large bowl, toss together the cubed chicken, diced bell pepper, carrots, tomato sauce, tomato paste, lemon juice, minced garlic, fresh ginger, curry powder, garam masala, and salt. Make sure everything’s coated evenly—this step is key to building those rich flavors in every bite.

Step 3: Set it up and let slow cooker work

Add the chicken mixture on top of the onions in the slow cooker, then dot with chilled pieces of butter. Pop the lid on, set it to high for 4 ½ hours or low for 6 ½ hours, and go about your day. The slow cooker does the rest, turning the chicken tender and infusing the sauce with deep, mellow flavors.

Step 4: Finish with creaminess and care

When the cooking time is up, remove the lid and give everything a good stir to blend all those lovely ingredients. Now the trick is to wait about 5 to 10 minutes until the mixture stops bubbling and steaming—you want this cooling period to prevent the yogurt and half-and-half from curdling.

Once cooled, fold in the Greek yogurt and half-and-half gently for that signature buttery creaminess that makes butter chicken so addictive.

Step 5: Serve and savor

Serve your Slow Cooker Indian Butter Chicken over fluffy basmati rice, cauliflower rice for a low-carb option, or alongside warm naan bread. A sprinkle of fresh cilantro and toasted sesame seeds on top makes it pretty and adds an extra herby crunch.

Top Tip

From my many slow cooker butter chicken attempts, waiting to add the yogurt and cream is absolutely worth it. I made the mistake of rushing this once, and it curdled quickly. Letting the dish cool just a bit keeps the sauce smooth and silky.

Marinate Thoroughly: Even though it’s a slow cooker dish, mix those spices well to ensure every chicken piece is bursting with flavor.
Butter Placement: Dot the butter on top—it melts gently and enriches the sauce without getting lost during cooking.
Slow Cook Low and Slow: Patience pays off. Low heat for longer creates tender chicken and fuller spices.
Don’t Skip the Cooling: The pause before stirring in dairy makes all the difference for that perfect, creamy texture.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Indian Butter Chicken Recipe

Indian Butter Chicken - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I always keep fresh cilantro on hand to sprinkle generously—its freshness cuts through the richness perfectly. Toasted sesame seeds add a subtle crunch and a lovely nutty note. Sometimes I add a lime wedge on the side for an extra hint of brightness.

Side Dishes

For sides, I love pairing this slow cooker butter chicken with warm naan bread—you can even brush it with garlic butter for added indulgence. Steamed basmati rice is classic, but cauliflower rice is a great lighter alternative. Sometimes I throw together a simple cucumber raita or a side of roasted vegetables for contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For special dinners, I've served this butter chicken in an elegant white bowl, garnished with a swirl of cream and a few toasted cashews on top. Adding edible flower petals or finely chopped mint leaves gives it a beautiful, festive touch that delights guests every time.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I like to store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so sometimes I’m more excited about the “leftover” butter chicken than the fresh batch!

Freezing

This dish freezes well too. Just cool it completely, portion into freezer-safe containers, and freeze. When you’re ready to reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

I reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring often and adding a splash of half-and-half or water if it looks too thick. Microwave works in a pinch, but slow reheating preserves the creamy texture best.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs work wonderfully in this Slow Cooker Indian Butter Chicken Recipe and often turn out juicier and more flavorful. Just adjust cooking time slightly if needed to ensure they’re cooked through.

How do I prevent the yogurt from curdling?

The key is to let the dish cool down for 5 to 10 minutes after cooking before you stir in the yogurt and half-and-half. This cool-down period reduces the risk of curdling and keeps the sauce silky.

Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot?

Yes! You can adapt this recipe to an Instant Pot by cooking the marinated chicken on high pressure for about 10 minutes, then letting it naturally release steam for 10-15 minutes before adding yogurt and cream.

What should I serve with this butter chicken?

Traditional basmati rice or warm naan are perfect companions. For a low-carb option, cauliflower rice pairs beautifully. You can also add a side of cucumber raita or simple vegetable dishes to balance the richness.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Indian Butter Chicken Recipe has become one of my go-to meals when I want something comforting but hands-off. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends when you want that rich, restaurant-quality flavor at home. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become a staple in your recipe rotation. I can’t wait for you to make it and hear what you think—feel free to swap in your favorite tweaks to make it truly yours!