Creamy Crockpot Butter Chicken

If you love Indian-inspired comfort food but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen, this Creamy Crockpot Butter Chicken is the perfect recipe for you.

It’s rich, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. The slow cooker does most of the work, letting the chicken simmer in a buttery, spiced tomato sauce until it becomes tender and full of flavor.

This version is made without alcohol or pork and uses wholesome, easy-to-find ingredients. It’s perfect for a cozy family dinner, meal prep, or when you’re craving something comforting and hearty with minimal effort.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken Marinade:

• 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup plain yogurt (Greek or regular)
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 ½ teaspoons ground coriander
• 1 ½ teaspoons garam masala
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon salt

For the Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
• 1 can (15 ounces) tomato puree or crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup heavy cream or coconut cream (for a dairy-free option)
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon sugar (balances acidity from tomatoes)
• ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

In a large bowl, combine the yogurt, lemon juice, and all the marinade spices. Add the chicken pieces and stir well to coat them evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, but for the best flavor, let it marinate overnight. This step infuses the chicken with deep flavor and helps it stay tender during slow cooking.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Before adding everything to the slow cooker, take a few minutes to build flavor on the stovetop. In a large pan, melt the butter with olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook until golden and soft, about 5 to 6 minutes. Stir in the garlic and ginger, cooking for another minute until fragrant. This step gives the sauce a rich, layered taste that sets it apart.

Step 3: Add the Sauce Ingredients

Add the tomato puree, garam masala, cumin, sugar, salt, and pepper to the pan. Stir well and let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes to slightly reduce and deepen the flavor. If the sauce tastes too tangy, you can add a pinch more sugar.

Step 4: Transfer to the Crockpot

Transfer the cooked sauce mixture into your slow cooker. Add the marinated chicken (with any remaining yogurt marinade). Stir well to coat the chicken with the sauce.

Step 5: Slow Cook

Cover and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through. The sauce will thicken slightly as it cooks, and the flavors will meld beautifully.

Step 6: Stir in the Cream

Once the chicken is cooked, stir in the heavy cream (or coconut cream). Let it cook for another 10 to 15 minutes on low heat to blend the flavors and make the sauce rich and silky.

Step 7: Taste and Adjust

Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if needed. You can add a little more salt or a sprinkle of garam masala for extra warmth.

Step 8: Serve and Garnish

Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and a small pat of butter on top for extra richness. Serve hot with steamed basmati rice, naan bread, or even quinoa for a healthier twist.

Tips for the Best Butter Chicken

• Use thighs for juicier meat: Chicken thighs stay tender and flavorful even after long cooking times.
• Marinate longer for deeper flavor: An overnight marinade helps the spices soak deep into the chicken.
• Coconut cream for dairy-free: It gives the same creamy texture with a mild sweetness that pairs beautifully with the spices.
• Don’t skip sautéing onions: This small step makes a big difference in developing a rich, buttery flavor.

This Creamy Crockpot Butter Chicken is the kind of meal that makes your home smell amazing while it cooks slowly throughout the day.

It’s the perfect balance of creamy, spicy, and comforting. Whether you’re feeding family or making extra for leftovers, it’s one of those dishes that only gets better the next day. Pair it with warm naan and a little rice, and you’ve got a restaurant-quality meal without the fuss.