Sometimes you just need a cozy dinner that doesn’t take much effort, and this crockpot butter chicken is perfect for that kind of day.

The sauce comes together right in the crockpot, so there’s no extra fuss or stovetop prep. As it cooks, the chicken turns tender and soaks up all those warm spices. Serve it with rice, and you’ve got an easy, comforting meal that feels special without any stress.

Jump to Recipe

Butter chicken served over rice next to warm naan and a slow cooker.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Hands off cooking: Everything simmers in the crockpot, so you can walk away.
Family friendly: Mild spices make it great for both kids and adults.
Simple ingredients: Pantry staples come together for a comforting meal.
Perfect for meal prep: Leftovers reheat beautifully for easy lunches or dinners the next night.

Crockpot Butter Chicken Ingredients

Ingredients for crockpot butter chicken arranged on a counter.

Boneless skinless chicken breast
Yellow onion chopped
Tomato sauce
Garlic minced
Ginger paste
Cumin
Garam masala
Turmeric
Curry powder
Salt
Tomato paste
Butter
Heavy whipping cream

How To Make Crockpot Butter Chicken

This visual guide is helpful for making this recipe. For the full printable recipe with measurements, scroll to the bottom of the post.

Add the tomato sauce, garlic, ginger paste, cumin, garam masala, turmeric, curry powder, salt, and tomato paste to the crockpot and whisk until smooth.

Add the chicken and chopped onion, turning the chicken so it is fully coated in the sauce.

Tomato sauce mixture in a crockpot, then chicken added and coated in sauce.

Slice the butter into thin pieces and place them on top of the chicken.

chicken in slow cooker with butter slices on top

Cook on low for 4 to 6 hours or high for 3 to 5 hours until the chicken is tender.

Remove the chicken from the crockpot and chop it into large chunks.

Chunks of butter chicken in a rich sauce inside a crockpot.

Stir the heavy whipping cream into the sauce in the crockpot until combined.

Return the chicken to the pot, stir to coat, and serve over rice.

Crockpot Butter Chicken FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead?
Yes, chicken thighs work well and stay tender during long cooking.

Can I make this recipe dairy free?
You can substitute coconut milk for the heavy cream, though the flavor will be slightly different. We haven’t tested it with coconut milk, so we aren’t sure exactly how it will turn out.

How spicy is this dish?
It is mildly spicy, but you can increase the heat by adding cayenne pepper.

Can I prep this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the ingredients in the crockpot insert, refrigerate overnight, and cook the next day.

Does this freeze well?
The chicken freezes well, but the sauce texture may change slightly due to the cream.

What should I serve with butter chicken?
Serve with rice, naan, or steamed vegetables to soak up the sauce.

Print Pin

Crockpot Butter Chicken

This crockpot butter chicken is rich, creamy, and perfect for busy nights with hardly any prep required.

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 4

Total Time 4 15

Servings 6

Ingredients

2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast
1 pc small yellow onion chopped
15 ounce can tomato sauce
2 cloves garlic minced
1 1/2 tsps ginger paste
1 tsp cumin
1 tbsp garam masala
1 tsp turmeric
1 tsp curry powder
1 tsp salt
1 tbsp tomato paste
3 tbsp butter
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream

Instructions

Add the tomato sauce, garlic, ginger paste, cumin, garam masala, turmeric, curry powder, salt, and tomato paste to the crockpot. Whisk until the mixture is smooth.
Add the chicken and chopped onion, turning the chicken so it’s fully coated in the sauce.
Slice the butter into thin pieces and place them on top of the chicken.
Cook on low for 4–6 hours or high for 3–5 hours, until the chicken is tender.
Remove the chicken from the crockpot and chop it into large chunks.
Stir the heavy whipping cream into the sauce in the crockpot.
Return the chicken to the pot, stir to coat, and serve over rice.