Few dishes are as beloved around the world as Indian Butter Chicken. Known for its rich tomato-based sauce, aromatic spices, and creamy texture, butter chicken is one of the most comforting and flavorful dishes in Indian cuisine. With this Slow Cooker Indian Butter Chicken recipe, you can enjoy all the traditional flavors with minimal effort.

The slow cooker does most of the work, allowing the spices to develop deep flavor while the chicken becomes incredibly tender. The result is a luxurious dish with a velvety sauce that perfectly coats every bite of chicken.

Whether you’re making dinner for your family or preparing meals ahead for the week, this slow cooker recipe delivers restaurant-quality butter chicken right at home.

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What Is Butter Chicken?

Butter chicken, also known as Murgh Makhani, is a classic Indian dish that originated in Delhi. Traditionally, it features marinated chicken simmered in a creamy tomato-based sauce made with butter, cream, and fragrant spices.

The flavor profile is a perfect balance of savory, slightly sweet, mildly spicy, and deeply aromatic. Unlike some other Indian dishes, butter chicken is typically mild enough for most palates while still offering rich spice complexity.

This slow cooker version simplifies the cooking process while maintaining the signature flavor that makes butter chicken so famous.

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Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Butter Chicken

Effortless Cooking

Simply combine ingredients in the slow cooker and let it do the work.

Deep, Developed Flavor

Slow cooking allows spices to bloom and blend beautifully.

Perfectly Tender Chicken

The gentle heat of the slow cooker makes the chicken incredibly juicy.

Great for Meal Prep

Butter chicken stores and reheats wonderfully, making it ideal for leftovers.

Family-Friendly

The mild spice level makes it perfect for the whole family.

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Ingredients

Chicken and Marinade

• 1½ lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into chunks
• ½ cup plain yogurt
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp grated ginger
• 1 tsp garam masala
• ½ tsp turmeric
• ½ tsp salt

Butter Chicken Sauce

• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp grated ginger
• 1½ cups tomato sauce
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp chili powder (optional)
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup heavy cream

Garnish

• Fresh cilantro, chopped
• Extra cream drizzle (optional)

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Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken

In a bowl, combine yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, ginger, garam masala, turmeric, and salt.

Add the chicken pieces and mix until evenly coated.

Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight for deeper flavor.

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2. Prepare the Sauce Base

In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter.

Add chopped onion and cook for about 4–5 minutes until softened.

Stir in garlic and ginger and cook for another minute until fragrant.

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3. Add Ingredients to Slow Cooker

Transfer the onion mixture to the slow cooker.

Add tomato sauce, tomato paste, garam masala, paprika, chili powder, and salt. Stir well.

Add the marinated chicken and mix gently.

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4. Slow Cook the Butter Chicken

Cover and cook on LOW for 5–6 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.

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5. Add the Cream

Stir in heavy cream during the last 20 minutes of cooking.

This creates the signature creamy butter chicken texture.

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6. Garnish and Serve

Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Serve hot, garnished with chopped cilantro and a drizzle of cream.

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Tips for the Best Butter Chicken

Use Chicken Thighs

Chicken thighs stay juicy and tender during slow cooking.

Marinate Longer for Flavor

Overnight marination enhances the spices and tenderizes the chicken.

Don’t Skip the Cream

The cream balances the spices and creates the iconic butter chicken sauce.

Adjust Spice Level

Add more chili powder or cayenne if you prefer a spicier dish.

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Delicious Variations

Coconut Butter Chicken

Replace half of the cream with coconut milk for a tropical twist.

Extra Creamy Butter Chicken

Add 2 tablespoons of cream cheese at the end for an ultra-rich sauce.

Butter Chicken with Vegetables

Add peas, spinach, or cauliflower for additional nutrition.

Instant Pot Version

Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes with a quick release.

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What to Serve with Butter Chicken

This dish pairs wonderfully with classic Indian sides.

Rice

• Steamed basmati rice
• Coconut rice
• Turmeric rice

Bread

• Garlic naan
• Butter naan
• Roti

Fresh Sides

• Cucumber raita
• Kachumber salad
• Mango chutney

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Storage and Reheating

Refrigeration

Store butter chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing

Butter chicken freezes well for up to 2 months.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of cream or water if the sauce thickens.

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Fun Fact About Butter Chicken

Butter chicken was reportedly created in the 1950s by chefs at the famous Moti Mahal restaurant in Delhi, who combined leftover tandoori chicken with a creamy tomato sauce to prevent it from drying out.

The result was such a hit that it quickly became one of the most famous Indian dishes worldwide.

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Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Indian Butter Chicken recipe proves that restaurant-quality Indian food can be made easily at home. With rich spices, creamy sauce, and tender chicken, it’s a dish that satisfies every comfort food craving.

Thanks to the slow cooker, the cooking process is simple while the flavors become deeply layered and aromatic. Serve it with warm rice or soft naan, and you have a meal that feels both comforting and indulgent.

Once you try this recipe, it may become one of your favorite slow cooker dinners.