If you’re craving a dish that wraps you in comforting spices and rich flavors with effortless ease, this Creamy Crockpot Butter Chicken Recipe is exactly what your weeknight dinners have been missing. It’s a heavenly marriage of tender chicken soaked in a luscious, creamy tomato sauce that’s been simmered to perfection while you go about your day. Using a few simple ingredients, this recipe delivers all the warmth and depth of traditional butter chicken but with the convenience of your crockpot doing most of the work. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become a beloved staple for cozy meals that wow every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each of these ingredients plays a crucial role in building the beautiful layers of flavor and texture that make this dish unforgettable. From the aromatic spices to the creamy finish, every component is both simple and essential.
- 1 cup diced onion: Provides a natural sweetness and foundational flavor that caramelizes perfectly.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps bring out the aromas of the spices.
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic: Infuses the sauce with its distinctive pungent warmth.
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger: Brings a fresh, zesty brightness that balances the creaminess.
- 2½ teaspoons curry powder: A fragrant spice blend that is the backbone of this dish’s flavor profile.
- 2 teaspoons chili powder: Adds a gentle kick and subtle smokiness without overwhelming heat.
- 2 teaspoons garam masala: Provides a complex warmth with notes of cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom.
- ½ teaspoon cumin: Contributes an earthy undertone that deepens the curry layers.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances and balances all the flavors.
- 1 cup tomato sauce: Lends a tangy base and beautiful color to the sauce.
- 1¼ cups heavy cream, divided: Splitting the cream helps build a gloriously silky texture that finishes the sauce perfectly.
- 6 tablespoons tomato paste: Concentrates the tomato flavor and thickens the sauce wonderfully.
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch: Used to thicken the sauce into a luscious consistency.
- 3 pounds large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (5 to 6 breasts): The star protein that soaks up the sauce and stays tender from slow cooking.
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish: Adds a pop of freshness and vibrant color just before serving.
- 4 cups cooked jasmine rice: The perfect fluffy base to soak up that rich sauce.
How to Make Creamy Crockpot Butter Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics
Begin by melting the butter in a sauté pan over medium-high heat. Toss in the diced onions, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Stir in the curry powder, chili powder, garam masala, cumin, and salt. Let these aromatics cook together until you can smell that intoxicating fragrance filling your kitchen. This step is the secret foundation where all the spices bloom and develop deep, layered flavors that will shine throughout the dish.
Step 2: Blend the Sauce
Transfer the sautéed mixture into a blender. Add the tomato sauce, tomato paste, and three-quarters of the heavy cream. Blend everything until the sauce is perfectly smooth and velvety. This silky texture is what makes the Creamy Crockpot Butter Chicken Recipe so indulgent and irresistible.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Place your chicken breasts in the crockpot, then pour the luscious blended sauce over them, making sure each piece is nicely covered. Set the slow cooker on high and let it work its magic for 2 and a half to 3 hours. While the chicken simmers gently, it absorbs all those incredible flavors, becoming juicy and tender beyond belief.
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce
To create that signature creamy yet thick sauce, mix the remaining half cup of heavy cream with the cornstarch until it forms a smooth slurry. Stir this into the crockpot and watch the sauce thicken into a beautifully rich, clinging coating perfect for the chicken.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Once the chicken is cooked through, cut it into bite-sized pieces and return it to the slow cooker. Give everything a good stir to make sure each bite is coated in the creamy sauce warmed through. Now it’s ready to be served over fluffy jasmine rice and sprinkled generously with fresh cilantro to add an herbaceous brightness.
How to Serve Creamy Crockpot Butter Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro is the classic choice, adding a fresh, herbal contrast to the rich sauce. For a touch more indulgence, a drizzle of heavy cream on top right before serving can heighten the creaminess and create a stunning presentation. Some like to add a few chopped cashews for crunch and a subtle nutty flavor that elevates the dish.
Side Dishes
Jasmine rice is the perfect side to hold onto the sauce, but don’t stop there—serve with warm naan bread to scoop every bit of that saucy goodness. A simple cucumber raita or a cooling yogurt salad offers a refreshing counterpart to the richness of the butter chicken. Steamed or roasted vegetables like green beans, cauliflower, or spinach add a healthy balance and vibrant texture.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive twist, try serving the butter chicken in mini naan bread bowls for a fun, handheld option at parties or casual dinners. Alternatively, layering the chicken and sauce over a bed of cauliflower rice creates a low-carb version without sacrificing flavor. For a family-style meal, place everything in a large serving dish, sprinkle with cilantro, and let everyone help themselves!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Creamy Crockpot Butter Chicken Recipe keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days. Store it in an airtight container to preserve the flavors and moisture of the chicken and sauce. The spices intensify over time, so leftovers often taste even better the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover butter chicken for up to 3 months. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags, making sure to leave some space for expansion. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Gently reheat in a saucepan over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Add a splash of cream or water if the sauce appears too thick. Microwaving works too—just heat in short bursts, stirring in between, so the sauce stays smooth and the chicken tender.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are even more tender and juicy, and they hold up well to slow cooking. Just make sure to adjust cooking time slightly if they’re bone-in.
Is this recipe spicy?
This Creamy Crockpot Butter Chicken Recipe has a gentle warmth from the chili powder and garam masala but is not overly spicy. You can adjust chili powder amounts to your heat preference or add fresh chili if you like more kick.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, swap the heavy cream for coconut cream or a rich coconut milk alternative. Use vegan butter or oil instead of unsalted butter to keep it dairy-free while still creamy and delicious.
Do I need to brown the chicken before slow cooking?
No need! Because the chicken slowly cooks in the sauce, it stays moist and tender without browning. The sautéed aromatics give plenty of flavor depth instead.
How thick should the sauce be?
The sauce should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon, silky and rich but still saucy enough to spoon over rice or bread. The cornstarch slurry helps you achieve that perfect consistency.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Crockpot Butter Chicken Recipe is pure comfort food magic made effortless. Whether you’re feeding your family or impressing friends, it brings all the rich, fragrant flavors of restaurant butter chicken right into your home with minimal fuss. I can’t wait for you to try it and fall in love with the ease, creaminess, and unforgettable taste. Get that slow cooker fired up and savor every bite!
Print
Creamy Crockpot Butter Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Indian
Description
This comforting Butter Chicken Crockpot recipe combines tender chicken breasts simmered in a rich, creamy tomato-based sauce infused with classic Indian spices. Prepared with a simple slow cooker method, it delivers deep flavors without hours of active cooking, perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal served over jasmine rice and garnished with fresh cilantro.
Ingredients
Aromatics & Spices
- 1 cup diced onion (1 small onion)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 2½ teaspoons curry powder
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 2 teaspoons garam masala
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon salt
Sauces & Cream
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 6 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1¼ cups heavy cream, divided and at room temperature
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
Protein
- 3 pounds large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (5 to 6 breasts)
To Serve
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
- 4 cups cooked jasmine rice, prepared according to package directions
Instructions
- Saute Aromatics: In a sauté pan over medium-high heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add the diced onions, minced garlic, grated ginger, curry powder, chili powder, garam masala, cumin, and salt. Sauté the mixture until fragrant and the onions become translucent, releasing the rich blend of spices into the butter.
- Blend Sauce: Transfer the cooked aromatic mixture to a blender. Add tomato sauce, tomato paste, and ¾ cup of the heavy cream. Blend until the sauce is completely smooth to create a creamy, flavorful base.
- Cook Chicken: Place the boneless skinless chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Pour the blended sauce over the chicken, ensuring it’s fully covered. Cover and cook on the high setting for 2½ to 3 hours, allowing the chicken to become tender and infused with the sauce flavors.
- Thicken Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the remaining ½ cup of heavy cream with the cornstarch to form a slurry. Add this mixture back into the slow cooker and stir well. Continue cooking until the sauce thickens to a luscious, creamy consistency.
- Finish Dish: Remove the cooked chicken from the slow cooker and cut it into bite-sized pieces. Return the chicken to the slow cooker and toss to coat evenly with the thickened sauce. Warm through briefly. Serve the butter chicken over jasmine rice and garnish with fresh cilantro for a fragrant finish.
Notes
- For extra heat, adjust the chili powder according to your spice preference.
- To make the dish lighter, you can substitute half-and-half or a lower-fat cream alternative, but it may slightly alter the richness of the sauce.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on the stove or microwave.
- For a gluten-free meal, ensure the tomato sauce and paste do not contain any additives with gluten.
- If you prefer more sauce, add an extra ½ cup of tomato sauce when blending.
