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My Slow Cooker Butter Chicken is one of the meals that I lean on when I want something simple and comforting. I usually get everything into the slow cooker earlier in the day so dinner is mostly finished before the evening rush. While cooking the sauce turns rich and smooth without needing constant attention.
👉 You need to try my Slow Cooker High-Protein Chicken & Veggies next.
This slow cooker butter chicken is made with chicken, warm spices, and a creamy tomato-based sauce. Everything cooks together gently, which keeps the chicken tender and the sauce smooth. It is a practical option for busy days when I still want a comforting dinner. This recipe works especially well served with rice or naan.
Table of Contents
- How I Make This Recipe Step by Step
- What You’ll Need for Slow Cooker Butter Chicken
- Full Ingredients List
- About What This Costs
- How to Make Slow Cooker Butter Chicken
- Slow Cooker Butter Chicken Variations
- Tips and Tricks
- Recipe FAQs – Slow Cooker Butter Chicken
- Serving Suggestions
- Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheating
- How I Use the Leftovers
- More Great Slow Cooker Dinners
- Slow Cooker Butter Chicken Recipe
How I Make This Recipe Step by Step
Why you’ll love this recipe…
I keep making this recipe because it is steady and predictable in the best way. The flavors develop slowly without needing extra steps, and the sauce always turns out smooth. It fits well into busy days when I want something comforting but not complicated.
⏰ Total Time: About 5 hours
🍂 Perfect For: Cozy dinners, make-ahead meals
🛒 Key Ingredients: Chicken, tomato paste, yogurt
🍽️ Servings: 4
🥄 Skill Level: Easy
🧊 Storage: Refrigerator friendly
👉 If you like slow cooker meals with bold flavor, my Slow Cooker Sticky Honey Chicken & Vegetables is another great recipe to add to your rotation.
Made With Love,
What You’ll Need for Slow Cooker Butter Chicken
- Chicken breasts: Stay tender and cook evenly in the sauce.
- Tomato sauce & paste: Creates a thick, rich sauce.
- Greek yogurt and half-and-half: Finish the sauce with creaminess.
👉 I usually make my Homemade Naan Bread to serve alongside this dinner.
Full Ingredients List
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon minced ginger
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1/2 tablespoon curry powder
- 1 tablespoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 6 oz tomato paste
- 14 oz tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup half-and-half
- Cooked rice, for serving
- Naan bread, for serving
🔒 The printable recipe card below includes the full ingredient list and exact amounts — perfect for saving or printing for later.
About What This Costs
Estimated total cost: $13 to $15
Servings: 4
Estimated cost per serving: About $3.50
This estimate is based on average US grocery prices and may vary depending on location, store, and seasonal pricing.
It works well as a main dish without needing additional sides.
How to Make Slow Cooker Butter Chicken
Step 1: Add the cubed chicken, diced onion, ginger, garlic, curry powder, garam masala, chili powder, salt, tomato sauce, and tomato paste to the slow cooker.
Step 2: Stir everything together until well combined.
Step 3: Cover and cook on LOW for 4 to 5 hours or on HIGH for 2 to 3 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
Step 4: Stir in the Greek yogurt and half-and-half until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Step 5: Serve warm over cooked rice with naan on the side.
🔒 The step-by-step instructions are also available in the printable recipe card below — don’t forget to save it for later!
Slow Cooker Butter Chicken Variations
- Add extra chili powder for more heat.
- Stir in spinach at the end for added greens.
- Serve the chicken shredded instead of cubed.
👉 You might like to try my Creamy Tortellini Vegetable Soup.
My Pro TipS
Tips and Tricks
- Stir well before cooking to prevent sticking.
- Add dairy at the end to keep the sauce smooth.
Recipe FAQs – Slow Cooker Butter Chicken
Yes, it reheats very well.
It is mild with warm spice, not heat.
Yes, freeze after cooking and cool completely.
Yes, it thickens slightly after resting.
👉 For another delicious chicken dinner try my Slow Cooker High-Protein Chicken & Veggies.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve over rice.
- Pair with naan or flatbread.
- Add a simple salad on the side.
Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheating
- Fridge: Store up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Warm gently on the stove or microwave.
👉 For another freezer-friendly option, my Slow Cooker Cabbage Roll Casserole works well.
How I Use the Leftovers
- Spoon over rice bowls.
- Serve in wraps with naan.
- Reheat for easy lunches.
More Great Slow Cooker Dinners
If you make this dinner, tag me @julia.pacheco.cooking on Instagram. I love seeing your dinners.
Slow Cooker Butter Chicken
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon minced ginger
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- ½ tablespoon curry powder
- 1 tablespoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 6 oz tomato paste
- 14 oz tomato sauce
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
- ½ cup half-and-half
- Cooked rice, for serving
- Naan bread, for serving
Instructions
- Add the cubed chicken, diced onion, ginger, garlic, curry powder, garam masala, chili powder, salt, tomato sauce and tomato paste to the slow cooker.
- Stir until everything is evenly coated.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 4 to 5 hours or on HIGH for 2 to 3 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked.
- Stir in the Greek yogurt and half-and-half until smooth.
- Serve warm over rice with naan.
Video
Notes
- Add dairy at the end to avoid curdling.
- Sauce thickens slightly as it rests.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
