Butter Chicken, also known as Murgh Makhani, is a delicious meal in a creamy sauce flavored with warm spices and served over a bed of rice and a side of naan. It will quickly become one of your favorite slow cooker recipes and a meal you will want on regular rotation!

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This Slow Cooker Butter Chicken recipe, a take on a classic Indian dish that is full of warm spices in a flavorful sauce and juicy chicken. Whether you are cooking dinner for the whole family or impressing guests at a gathering, this delicious slow cooker meal is a go-to when you want to savor the essence of Indian cuisine.

Overhead image of a white bowl of slow cooker butter chicken recipe on a bed of rice and a side of naan bread.

❤️ Why you'll love it

Easy recipe: With the crock pot doing the work, you can enjoy flavorful Indian food at home without spending hours in the kitchen.

Flavorful dish: The combination of spices, tomato, and cream creates a flavorful sauce that will tantalize your taste buds.

Tender Perfection: Slow cooking allows the chicken to absorb the flavors, resulting in juicy, fork-tender bites.

Ingredients for slow cooker chicken recipe. — Ingredients for Slow Cooker Butter Chicken

🥘 Butter Chicken Ingredients

Tomato sauce: adds a luscious base and tangy sweetness to the dish.

Tomato paste: intensifies the tomato flavor, giving the sauce a robust taste.

Paprika: adds a mild smokiness and vibrant color to the Butter Chicken.

Chili powder: Brings a hint of heat, balancing the overall flavor profile.

Curry powder: A blend of spices that provides the quintessential Indian taste.

Ground cumin: Enhances the earthy tones, complementing the spices.

Salt: Seasoning that brings all the flavors together harmoniously.

Red pepper flakes: For those who crave an extra kick of heat.

Chicken breasts: will absorb the rich sauce beautifully.

Yellow onion: Adds depth and sweetness to the sauce.

Fresh garlic cloves: Infuses a robust garlic flavor that elevates the dish.

Butter: Unsalted butter for richness and a velvety texture.

Fresh Cilantro: A finishing touch for a burst of freshness.

Heavy cream: Creates a creamy and luxurious texture, making the sauce irresistible.

Large glas bowl with spices on top of the tomato sauce and paste mixture.

A large glass bowl with the tomato sauce and spices.

🔪 How To Make Slow Cooker Butter Chicken

In a large bowl, mix together the tomato sauce, tomato paste, paprika, chili powder, curry powder, ground cumin, salt, and red pepper flakes stirring until smooth.
Add the chicken, minced garlic, and diced onion to the butter chicken sauce mixture and stir to combine. Let sit to marinate for 15 minutes.
Transfer the meat and sauce mixture to your slow cooker with the butter and water, and cook on high setting for 4 hours.
Once the chicken is fully cooked, add the heavy cream and stir gently.
Let the cooked butter chicken rest for 15 minutes and then serve with warm naan bread and jasmine or basmati rice.
Garnish fresh cilantro (if using).

🥄 Equipment

Cutting board

Sharp knife

Garlic press: to easily mince the garlic

Slow cooker

Large bowl

Mixing spoon

Process shot of chicken recipe in a crock pot with butter on top of the chicken and sauce.. — Chicken mixture goes in the crock pot along with the butter and water.

Process shot of cooked chicken in sauce before adding the heavy cream. — Chicken mixture goes in the crock pot along with the butter and water.

🥫Storage

Refrigerate: store any leftover Butter Chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freeze: store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.

Reheat: this butter chicken recipe is even more flavorful the next day! To reheat, gently warm leftovers on the stove or in the microwave.

📖 Variations

Add vegetables like sliced bell peppers or green peas for extra color and nutrients.
Use boneless skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breast. Tender chicken thighs add a little more flavor to the meal than .chicken breasts

Angled view of a white bowl with butter chicken on a bed of rice sprinkled with fresh cilantro and a side of naan bread.

💭 Tips

Keep this lower carb by serving with a side of cauliflower rice instead of regular rice.
If time allows, try sautéing the onion and garlic before adding them to the slow cooker to enhance flavors.
For a lighter version, use Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream.
Make a dairy free version and substitute Earth Balance Margarine for the butter and full fat coconut milk for the heavy cream.
If you have garam masala on hand, substitute 2 teaspoons of that for the curry powder.

🙋 What You Should Know

This recipe is not a traditional butter chicken recipe, rather it is a take on a way to make it with the spices in most American households.

This recipe for Chicken Thighs with Cilantro Sauce is a quick and easy dinner packed with flavor.

Indian Spiced Butternut Squash Quinoa Salad is a delicious side dish recipe perfect for fall!

This Mango Lassi recipe is a delicious and creamy Indian beverage.

Looking for a quick and easy lunch? Try these Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches!

Bite shot of Slow Cooker Butter Chicken with a piece of naan bread, rice and chicken.

🍽 Serve with..

Serve this delicious crockpot butter chicken recipe on a bed of basmati or jasmine rice and a side of naan bread.

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When you make this recipe, please comment below and let me know what you think. I'd love it if you tag me on Instagram @grumpyshoneybunch or #grumpyshoneybunch so I can see your photos!

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