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–+ servings

Crockpot Butter Chicken

A hands-off dinner featuring tender chicken thighs in a buttery, spiced tomato sauce, finished with cream for a cozy, family-friendly meal.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 20 minutes
Serving Size 6 servings

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 2 lbs boneless chicken thighs (skinless preferred) Thighs stay juicy during long cooking
  • 1/2 cup butter Provides the signature richness; use ghee for nuttier flavor
  • 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices) The acid balances the cream
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced (or 1 tsp ground ginger)
  • 2 teaspoons garam masala
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional) Adjust for heat
  • 1 cup heavy cream (or full-fat coconut milk for dairy-free)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Rice or naan for serving

Instructions

Preparation

  • Season the chicken: Place the thighs in the crockpot and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
  • Melt butter: Warm a skillet over medium heat and add butter until it foams.
  • Sauté onion: Add the chopped onion and cook 5–7 minutes until soft and translucent.
  • Bloom the spices: Stir in garlic, ginger, garam masala, cumin, paprika, and cayenne. Cook 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
  • Add tomatoes: Pour in the diced tomatoes with juices and simmer a minute to combine flavors.
  • Combine: Pour the tomato-spice mixture over the seasoned chicken in the slow cooker.
  • Slow cook: Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is very tender and shreds easily.
  • Finish with cream: About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the heavy cream (or coconut milk). Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or cayenne.
  • Serve: Shred the thighs with two forks or leave whole. Spoon sauce over rice or serve with warm naan.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Freeze cooled butter chicken in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of water or cream if the sauce has thickened.