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Crockpot Butter Chicken

7 Powerful Reasons to Love Crockpot Butter Chicken (Indian Curry)

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This Crockpot Butter Chicken (Indian Curry) is rich, creamy, and deeply aromatic with authentic Indian spices. Made with tender chicken thighs, garam masala, tomato sauce, butter, and cream, this slow cooker butter chicken delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal prep. Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or comforting family dinners, this easy Indian curry recipe guarantees bold flavor, silky texture, and perfectly tender chicken every time.

  • Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

Scale

2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into large chunks
1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup full-fat plain Greek yogurt
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed
1 tablespoon garam masala
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon turmeric
½1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice

Optional Garnish
Fresh chopped cilantro
Extra drizzle of cream
Cooked basmati rice
Warm naan bread

Instructions

  1. Add diced onion, garlic, and grated ginger to the bottom of the crockpot.

  2. Place chicken thighs evenly over the aromatics.

  3. In a bowl, whisk together tomato sauce, tomato paste, garam masala, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, chili powder, salt, pepper, brown sugar, and lemon juice until smooth.

  4. Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken, ensuring it is well coated.

  5. Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until chicken is tender and easily shredded.

  6. During the final 30 minutes, stir in butter, heavy cream, and Greek yogurt.

  7. Cook uncovered for the last 20–30 minutes if you prefer a thicker sauce.

  8. Taste and adjust salt or spice level if needed.

  9. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with cilantro and extra cream.

Notes

NOTES

• For deeper flavor, sauté onions in butter before adding to the crockpot.
• If sauce is too thin, cook uncovered on HIGH for 20 minutes.
• For extra richness, add 1 tablespoon additional butter before serving.
• To make dairy-free, substitute coconut milk for cream and use dairy-free butter.
• Flavor improves the next day, making it perfect for meal prep.

  • Author: SOFIA
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6 hours (LOW)
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Slow Cooker
  • Cuisine: Indian