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.
- Author: ssam
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 6 hrs
- Total Time: 6 hrs 10 mins
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Indian-Inspired
- 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
- 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
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
Keywords: crockpot butter chicken, slow cooker butter chicken, Indian chicken curry