Crockpot Butter Chicken
Who doesn’t love that warm, spicy aroma filling your kitchen?
Imagine walking into your home after a long day and being greeted by the mouthwatering scent of Crockpot Butter Chicken simmering away. This dish is creamy, comforting, and incredibly easy. You just dump everything in one pot, set it, and forget it. Plus, it’s become a bit of a viral sensation for all the right reasons!
Why make this recipe
Okay, let’s be real. Who wouldn’t want an effortless dinner that’s tasty enough to impress anyone? Here are a few reasons to whip this up:
- Easy cleanup: One pot means fewer dishes, which is a win when you’d rather binge-watch your favorite show than start a dishwashing marathon.
- Family-friendly: Kids can be picky, but this creamy delight lands well with even the fussiest eaters.
- Budget-friendly: Chicken thighs are affordable, and with just a few pantry staples, you’re cooking like a pro without breaking the bank!
Ingredients
You don’t need fancy stuff — just these basics!
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup butter
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
- Naan or rice, for serving
Directions
Follow these simple steps to create buttery nirvana:
- Place the chicken thighs in the crockpot.
- In a bowl, mix together the butter, onion, garlic, ginger, garam masala, cumin, paprika, turmeric, and tomato sauce.
- Pour the mixture over the chicken in the crockpot.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender.
- Shred the chicken in the sauce and stir in the heavy cream.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve with naan or over rice, garnished with fresh cilantro.

How to make Crockpot Butter Chicken (Overview)
It’s as simple as toss, cook, and enjoy! Start with placing your chicken in the crockpot. Mix up that buttery goodness with all the spices — trust me, you will want those flavors. Pour the mixture over the chicken, set your cooker on either low or high, and relax!
Pro tip: Don’t skimp on the heavy cream at the end; it adds richness that transforms your dish into a restaurant-worthy meal.
How to serve Crockpot Butter Chicken
Serve your creamy butter chicken over fluffy rice or with warm, pillowy naan. The colors are vibrant; the bright orange sauce is inviting, and the fresh cilantro adds a pop of green. Dive in and enjoy the rich aromas, the softness of the chicken, and the satisfying hug of flavors in every bite.
How to store Crockpot Butter Chicken
Got leftovers? Lucky you! This dish lasts about 3-4 days in the fridge. Just stash it in an airtight container. For longer storage, freeze it for up to three months.
When you’re ready to eat, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the microwave or stovetop until it’s piping hot.
Tips to make Crockpot Butter Chicken
- Use thighs over breasts: They stay juicier during slow cooking.
- Batch cook: Double up the recipe for meal prep! It freezes beautifully.
- Adjust the spice: If you love heat, toss in some chili powder or fresh peppers!
- Add veggies: Toss in some spinach or peas for extra nutrients and color.
- No time? Swap the heavy cream with coconut milk for a lighter version.
Variation
Feeling adventurous? Try adding sweet potatoes or cauliflower for a hearty twist. Or if you want to make this dish vegan, swap chicken for chickpeas and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. You can still enjoy that exquisite flavor!
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, but they might dry out a bit. Thighs are more forgiving in a slow cooker.
How spicy is this dish?
It’s mild! You can always adjust the spices to your taste if you like more heat.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prep it the night before, store it in the fridge, and pop it in the crockpot in the morning. Easy peasy!
📌 Pin this recipe for your next cozy dinner night!

Crockpot Butter Chicken
Ingredients
Method
- Place the chicken thighs in the crockpot.
- In a bowl, mix together the butter, onion, garlic, ginger, garam masala, cumin, paprika, turmeric, and tomato sauce.
- Pour the mixture over the chicken in the crockpot.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender.
- Shred the chicken in the sauce and stir in the heavy cream.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve with naan or over rice, garnished with fresh cilantro.






