Flavorful Crockpot Butter Chicken

Created on December 17th, 2025 at 10:05 am

Easy Crockpot Butter Chicken for Busy Weeknights

Imagine walking into your kitchen after a long day, greeted by the rich, inviting aroma of spices wafting through the air. The warm hues of golden turmeric and vibrant paprika coat tender pieces of chicken, simmering gently in a creamy sauce. This is the allure of Flavorful Crockpot Butter Chicken, a dish that wraps you in comfort with each spoonful. The sauce is silky yet robust, clinging lovingly to the juicy chicken thighs, while a sprinkle of cilantro adds a refreshing pop of color and flavor.

As you scoop a generous helping onto your plate, the rice catches the luxurious sauce perfectly, and the naan awaits to soak up every last drop. The experience brings a sense of warmth, making it a favorite for those busy weeknight dinners when you crave something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. Each bite is a delightful blend of spices that dances on your palate, leaving you feeling content and cozy. As you sit down for the meal, the soothing sounds of laughter and chatter fill the air, turning an ordinary night into a special moment shared with loved ones.

Quick Facts

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 hours (on low) or 3 hours (on high)
• Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes (or 3 hours 15 minutes)
• Yield: 6 servings

Kitchen Utensils

In the kitchen, having the right tools can make all the difference. Using reliable, helpful utensils ensures a smooth cooking journey without breaking the bank. Stick to simple, essential items that help your cooking process flow seamlessly while creating delicious meals.

• Slow Cooker
• Cutting Board
• Chef’s Knife
• Measuring Cups
• Measuring Spoons
• Mixing Spoon

A Cozy Family Tradition

Butter chicken is more than just a meal; it’s a nostalgic journey through taste and smell that binds family together. Growing up, my mother would often prepare this cozy dish on Sundays. The kitchen would fill with laughter and chatter as my siblings and I set the table. The moment the lid came off the crockpot, it was like unwrapping a cherished gift—the steam rising, the warm spices embracing us like a cozy blanket.

The recipe has sewn itself into the fabric of our family traditions, transforming simple ingredients into a dish that sparks joy. I remember stealing spoonfuls of the sauce when my mom wasn’t looking, eager to sneak a taste of the rich, tangy flavor. Now, as I replicate her recipe, I feel her warmth and love shine through each bite. It’s become a comforting weeknight staple, a bridge between generations, where I pass down the same cozy moments to my children, hoping to instill in them the same appreciation for this flavorful food that once brought my family together.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons Coconut Oil (or Olive Oil)
• 1.5 cups Yellow Onion (finely diced)
• 2 tablespoons Ginger Paste
• 4 cloves Minced Garlic (fresh preferred)
• 2 teaspoons Smoked Paprika (or regular paprika)
• 2 teaspoons Ground Cumin
• 1 teaspoon Ground Turmeric
• 1 teaspoon Salt (adjust to taste)
• 2 teaspoons Garam Masala
• 1/2 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (optional)
• 1 teaspoon Sugar (optional)
• 28 ounces Diced Tomatoes (fire-roasted preferred)
• 2 pounds Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs
• 4 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (or coconut oil for dairy-free)
• 1 cup Heavy Cream (or coconut cream for dairy-free)
• 1/4 cup Finely Chopped Cilantro (optional)
• 1 package Naan (warm)
• 2 cups Cooked Rice (warm)

Instructions

As you gather the ingredients, the colors come alive. The vibrant yellow onions glisten, while the ginger paste adds a fragrant punch. Even before cooking, the air begins to fill with the enticing scent of garlic and spices. As the chicken thighs soak in the blend of flavors, the anticipation builds. Once everything is in the crockpot, you can hear the gentle bubbles as the mixture begins to warm and meld.

1. Heat the coconut oil in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the diced yellow onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in the ginger paste and minced garlic, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
4. In the slow cooker, combine the sautéed onions, ginger, and garlic with smoked paprika, cumin, turmeric, salt, garam masala, and red pepper flakes (if using).
5. Add the fire-roasted diced tomatoes, chicken thighs, and butter. Stir to coat the chicken in the spices.
6. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours.
7. About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the heavy cream and allow it to warm through.
8. Adjust seasoning to taste.
9. Serve each portion over warm rice, garnished with cilantro and accompanied by naan.

Tips & Substitutions

• You can swap coconut oil for olive oil if preferred.
• Chicken breasts can be used for a leaner option, but thighs offer a richer flavor.
• For a spicier kick, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add diced green chili.
• Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream for a dairy-free variation.
• Add vegetables like spinach or peas in the last half hour of cooking for extra nutrition.
• Taste and adjust seasonings as needed, especially salt and sugar, to suit your preferences.
• Feel free to use leftover rotisserie chicken for a quicker preparation.

Storage & Make Ahead

To keep your butter chicken fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors continue to develop, making it even more delicious the next day. When it’s time to reheat, gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave it in 30-second intervals until hot.

For a make-ahead option, prepare the ingredients and store them in the crockpot insert in the fridge overnight. In the morning, simply plug in the slow cooker, and let it simmer while you go about your day.

FAQ

Can I use frozen chicken thighs?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken thighs. Just increase the cooking time by an hour on low.

What can I serve with butter chicken?
It pairs perfectly with naan, jasmine rice, or a side of sautéed vegetables.

Can I make this dish spicy?
Absolutely! Add more red pepper flakes or a fresh chili to the mix for added heat.

How can I thicken the sauce?
For a thicker sauce, mix in a tablespoon of cornstarch dissolved in cold water during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze it in an airtight container for up to three months. Thaw and reheat before serving.

Thank You for Joining Us!

Thank you for sharing this cooking adventure with us! We hope you find joy and comfort in making Flavorful Crockpot Butter Chicken. Each time you celebrate a dinner with family or friends, let it be a moment of warmth and happiness. Remember to save this recipe for your next weeknight meal or share it with someone who might need a dash of deliciousness in their life. Happy cooking!

Flavorful Crockpot Butter Chicken

Zac

A comforting and flavorful butter chicken made effortlessly in a slow cooker, perfect for busy weeknight dinners.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 6 hours hrs

Total Time 6 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine Indian

Servings 6 servings

Calories 550 kcal

Ingredients

  

For the Sauce

• 2 tablespoons Coconut Oil (or Olive Oil) Coconut oil gives a richer flavor.
• 1.5 cups Yellow Onion (finely diced) Finely diced for even cooking.
• 2 tablespoons Ginger Paste Fresh ginger can also be used.
• 4 cloves Minced Garlic (fresh preferred) Fresh garlic provides better flavor.
• 2 teaspoons Smoked Paprika (or regular paprika)
• 2 teaspoons Ground Cumin
• 1 teaspoon Ground Turmeric
• 1 teaspoon Salt (adjust to taste) Adjust according to preference.
• 2 teaspoons Garam Masala
• 1/2 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (optional) For heat, adjust according to preference.
• 1 teaspoon Sugar (optional) Balances flavors.
• 28 ounces Diced Tomatoes (fire-roasted preferred)
• 2 pounds Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs Thighs provide richer flavor.
• 4 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (or coconut oil for dairy-free)
• 1 cup Heavy Cream (or coconut cream for dairy-free) Provides creaminess.
• 1/4 cup Finely Chopped Cilantro (optional) Garnish for freshness.

For Serving

• 1 package Naan (warm) For scooping the sauce.
• 2 cups Cooked Rice (warm) To serve under the butter chicken.

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Heat the coconut oil in a skillet over medium heat.
• Add the diced yellow onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
• Stir in the ginger paste and minced garlic, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Cooking

• In the slow cooker, combine the sautéed onions, ginger, and garlic with smoked paprika, cumin, turmeric, salt, garam masala, and red pepper flakes (if using).
• Add the fire-roasted diced tomatoes, chicken thighs, and butter. Stir to coat the chicken in the spices.
• Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours.
• About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the heavy cream and allow it to warm through.
• Adjust seasoning to taste.
• Serve each portion over warm rice, garnished with cilantro and accompanied by naan.

Notes

You can substitute coconut oil for olive oil, or chicken breasts for a leaner option. For more spice, add more red pepper flakes or a green chili. Feel free to use leftover rotisserie chicken for quicker preparation.

Keyword Butter Chicken, Comfort Food, Crockpot Chicken, Easy Dinner, Slow Cooker