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Crockpot Butter Chicken: Easy Creamy Curry

An easy, rich, and creamy Crockpot Butter Chicken made with tender chicken simmered in a spiced tomato-butter sauce. This slow cooker version delivers classic Indian-inspired flavor with minimal effort perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 cup tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup tomato paste
  • 1 cup heavy cream or coconut milk
  • 4 tbsp butter, cubed
  • 1 tbsp garam masala
  • 1 1/2 tsp curry powder
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp chili powder (optional)
  • 1 tbsp sugar or honey
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish
  • Cooked basmati rice or naan, for serving

Instructions

  • 1. Add chicken to the crockpot.
  • 2. Top with onion, garlic, ginger, tomato sauce, and tomato paste.
  • 3. Sprinkle in garam masala, curry powder, paprika, cumin, salt, pepper, chili powder, and sugar.
  • 4. Stir gently to coat the chicken.
  • 5. Place butter cubes on top.
  • 6. Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until chicken is tender.
  • 7. Stir in heavy cream and cook an additional 20–30 minutes.
  • 8. Shred or cube chicken as desired and mix well.
  • 9. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve over rice or with naan.

Notes

  • Chicken thighs stay extra juicy, but breasts work well too.
  • For a dairy-free version, use coconut milk instead of cream.
  • Adjust spice level by increasing or reducing chili powder.

Nutrition

Keywords: crockpot butter chicken, slow cooker butter chicken, Indian chicken curry