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Crockpot Butter Chicken

Crockpot Butter Chicken: Creamy Comfort Made Effortlessly

Experience the magic of Crockpot Butter Chicken, a flavorful Indian dish that's easy to prepare and family-friendly.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Lunch
Cuisine: Indian
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken Base
  • 2 pounds Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts Chicken thighs can also be used for extra flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt Adjust to taste or switch to sea salt if preferred.
For the Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Coconut Oil Can be swapped with olive or vegetable oil if needed.
  • 1 medium Yellow Onion You can use shallots for a milder taste.
  • 2 teaspoons Fresh Ginger Dried ginger works in a pinch, but fresh is best.
  • 4 cloves Garlic You can substitute with minced garlic or garlic powder (1 teaspoon).
  • 1 tablespoon Curry Powder Feel free to try a blend of your favorite spices as an alternative.
  • 1 teaspoon Garam Masala If unavailable, combine cumin and cardamom for a DIY version.
  • 1 teaspoon Chili Powder Adjust amount to your spice tolerance, or use paprika for a milder flavor.
  • 2 tablespoons Tomato Paste Don't skip this for depth of flavor.
  • 1 cup Tomato Sauce The base for your sauce.
For the Creaminess
  • 4 tablespoons Unsalted Butter Coconut oil is a great dairy-free alternative.
  • 1 cup Half-and-Half or Full-Fat Coconut Milk Reduced-fat options will yield a thinner sauce.
  • ½ cup Plain Nonfat Greek Yogurt Use dairy-free yogurt for a vegan twist.
For the Veggies
  • 3 cups Cauliflower Florets Carrots or broccoli can be delicious substitutes.

Equipment

  • slow cooker

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Crockpot Butter Chicken
  1. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of coconut oil over medium heat. Add one chopped yellow onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened and translucent. Stir in 2 teaspoons of fresh ginger and 4 cloves of minced garlic, cooking until fragrant—approximately 1 minute. Then, mix in 2 tablespoons of tomato paste, 1 tablespoon of curry powder, and 1 teaspoon of garam masala, allowing the spices to bloom for an additional minute.
  2. Transfer the onion mixture to your slow cooker. Layer the bottom with 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts, followed by 3 cups of cauliflower florets. Pour in 1 cup of tomato sauce, ensuring everything is evenly coated. Give the mixture a gentle stir to combine, but do not disrupt the chicken too much, as it will release its juices while cooking.
  3. Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set the temperature to high for 1.5 to 2.5 hours, or low for 4 to 6 hours. The chicken is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and feels tender—check for doneness by gently pulling apart a piece of chicken with two forks.
  4. If after the initial cooking time the cauliflower isn’t tender enough, switch the slow cooker to high and cook for an additional 30 to 60 minutes.
  5. Once the chicken and cauliflower are perfectly cooked, shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker using two forks. Stir in one cup of half-and-half or full-fat coconut milk, followed by a generous ½ cup of plain nonfat Greek yogurt, mixing gently until combined.
  6. Once everything is combined, let the Crockpot Butter Chicken sit for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Serve it over fluffy brown rice, quinoa, or with homemade naan, garnished with fresh cilantro.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 16gProtein: 29gFat: 19gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 98mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 4gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 800IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 80mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Ensure your chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) to prevent dryness; cooking times can vary between slow cooker models. Stir in yogurt only when the dish is warm, not hot, to prevent curdling.

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