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When the day’s busy and you’re craving something creamy, cozy, and restaurant-level, this slow cooker butter chicken is the move. It’s rich and saucy, but a little lighter than the classic.
Everything simmers low and slow so the chicken turns ultra tender and the spices bloom. Spoon it over fluffy rice, add warm naan on the side, and dinner basically serves itself.
Why You’ll Love This
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Hands-off slow cooker method with a creamy, spiced sauce that tastes like takeout—but cozier.
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Lighter spin (keep “buttery” flavor without the heaviness).
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Family-friendly heat; easy to adjust.
You see, there was a reason for that Naan yesterday.
Butter Chicken.
Butter Chicken and Naan just need each other. Especially when both are homemade and both are incredibly awesome.
And oh my gosh… So easy!
When I set out to make the Butter Chicken I wanted it to be crazy easy.
My cousin Maggie graduated from college with a teaching degree in May, and in August she started teaching full-time. Yeah, only three months later she landed her first teaching job and it’s full-time, with her very own kindergarten classroom! I know, right? The girl is pretty awesome and one of the hardest workers I know.
She’s also very busy, but really who the heck isn’t these days?
Maggie has been asking for easy crockpot recipes. You know, the ones that you can just throw everything in the bowl, turn it on and go!
So I adapted the classic Butter Chicken recipe, made a few changes to make it healthier, threw everything in the crockpot and prayed. Prayed that this (way too easy, most likely would never work) meal actually tasted somewhat edible.
Sometimes when I experiment things can turn out just plain bad. Like all the recipes I made this past weekend. Ugh…so disappointing. Let’s just not go there. But sometimes…
Yeah, sometimes I get lucky. I knew three hours in that the recipe was gonna be good.
The house smelled amazing. Almost fall like. It was awesome and so cozy.
Gotta love cozy comfort food that is not really comfort food.
I mean it’s comfort food, just a little lighter.
It’s seriously so cozy and perfect for quick weeknight meals.
Like I said, just throw it all in and go!
I have to say that normally I like browning my meat before I put it in the crockpot, but for this I did not miss it at all. There is so much flavor in the creamy sauce that you don’t need to brown the chicken first.
Which is just kind of awesome. I mean who wants to clean another pan? Not me, I’m already up to my eyeballs in dishes.
Oh, and seriously, the Naan is a must.
Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheat
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Make-ahead: Sauce develops flavor as it rests; make up to 1 day ahead and reheat gently.
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Fridge: Store airtight up to 3–4 days.
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Freeze: Up to 2–3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge.
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Reheat: Low and slow on the stove until hot and creamy; add a splash of water/stock if needed.
FAQ Block:
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yep—just cook until the chicken is tender and pulls apart easily. If using breasts, rely on doneness cues (juicy, easy to shred) rather than strict minutes to avoid dryness.How do I make this dairy-free?
Swap the cream for full-fat coconut milk and use olive oil in place of butter. Expect a slightly sweeter, coconut-forward finish that’s still rich and cozy.My sauce looks thin—how do I fix it?
Simmer uncovered until it coats the back of a spoon and leaves a line when you run a finger through it. A small cornstarch slurry also works in a pinch.Can I make it on the stovetop or in an Instant Pot?
Yes—follow the same flow: bloom spices, simmer until chicken is tender, then finish with butter/cream. Use texture and aroma cues (thick, glossy, fragrant) to know it’s ready rather than rigid timing.
Easy Healthier Crockpot Butter Chicken
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite size chunks
- 1/2 onion, finely minced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced or grated
- 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
- 2 teaspoons curry powder
- 1-2 teaspoons Thai red curry paste
- 2 tablespoons garam masala
- 1/2-1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper, use less if you are not a spicy person
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
- 1 (14 ounce) can coconut milk
- 1/2 cup greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup half and half or heavy cream
- cooked white rice, for serving
- Fresh homemade naan, for scooping (a must!)
Instructions
- In a large glass measuring cup or bowl mix together the coconut milk, greek yogurt and cream. Stir in the tomato paste, garlic, ginger and all the spices. Mix well.
- Spray the inside of your crockpot bowl with cooking spray or grease with olive oil. To the bowl sprinkle the onion over the bottom. Add the chicken and then pour the coconut milk mixture over the chicken so the chicken is completely covered. Add the butter and place the lid on the crockpot. Cook on high for 4 hours or on low for 6 to 8 hours. I like to stir mine once or twice during cooking, but it is not necessary. When ready to serve taste and season with salt and pepper if desired. Serve over rice with a big piece of fresh [Naan | https://www.halfbakedharvest.com/homemade-naan-step-step-photos/]
Nutrition
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Did you make this recipe? Please rate & comment below.
Obviously.
It doesnt really taste like butter chicken. Its really tangy and not sweet. ☹️ I think it was too much garam masala.
Hi Shelby! I’m so sorry to hear that, is there anything you did differently? xTieghan
Do you have to defrost the chicken before putting in the crockpot?
Hey Ari,
Yes, if you are using frozen chicken, you will want to thaw that first. I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you give it a try! xTieghan
This is an amazing recipe! I am usually not good at thinking ahead so I just brown the chicken and cook it all on the stovetop. I have made this countless times for many of my visitors and it always gets rave reviews. I even had someone tell me they didn’t need to go to Indian restaurants anymore – they could just come to my house for butter chicken and naan! I took that as a compliment:) so thank you for a favorite recipe! ♥️
Hey Raquel,
Wonderful! I am so glad this recipe was a hit, thanks a lot for making it! Have a lovely week:) xTieghan
Hi! This looks amazing. Any suggestions on the best way to freeze for a future dinner? Prepping post partum meals now 🙂
Hey Sydney,
Thanks so much! I would just add everything uncooked to a plastic bag and freeze and then just pop in the crockpot when you are ready to enjoy. I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
We make this ALL the time now, it’s so easy and yummy! We are a family of 5 so definitely have to use more than 1lb of chicken, but we don’t have to adjust anything else, there’s plenty of sauce.
Hey Keri,
Thanks so much for giving this recipe a try, I am so glad that it was enjoyed! Have a great week:) xTieghan
I love your recipes and can’t wait to try this one! Could I use a dutch oven instead of a slow cooker here?
Hey there,
You can go ahead and follow this recipe:
https://www.halfbakedharvest.com/butter-chicken/
Please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
Hey can i cook this ins the instant pot as well? How long would it under pressure?
Love that Recipes but sometimes it have to go quicker.
Love Annika
Hey Annika,
Yes, I would do 8 minutes on high pressure. I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
Can this be done in a pressure cooker?
Hey Sara,
Yes, I would do 8 minutes on high pressure. I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
If you want to find a good recipe for butter chicken or chicken tikka, check out Vijaya on YouTube. It’s funny that this yt Midwestern girlie is trying out “exotic” recipes lmao. You don’t use Thai curry paste in any Indian dishes. The amount of spices listed are super mellow and light. If you want healthy butter chicken- don’t eat it. Don’t compromise on flavor and authenticity to follow this privileged child. But most of you are middle aged yt women anyway so…
Hey there,
So sorry you did not enjoy my recipe, if you have any questions or if I can help in anyway please let me know! I really hope you have an awesome weekend:) xTieghan
Wow, “Not authentic.” The negativity is toxic. You don’t like the recipe? Okay. You want Thai curry paste in an authentic East Indian dish. Okay. You think the spices are not forward enough? Okay. I don’t see any reason to express these concerns in such a negative way. I tried the recipe. It was great! I may make some changes the next time, but I always do. Thank you, Teighan!
Looks yummy! Can you do this in the instant pot? If so, how long and on what setting do you suggest? Thank you!! 🙂
Hey Megan,
I would do 8 minutes on high pressure. I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
My husband and I loved it
Hey Julie,
Thanks so much for giving the recipe a try, I am so glad it was enjoyed! Happy New Year! xTieghan
Hi am I able to do this in the instapot ?
Hey Jennifer,
Yes you can do this in the instant pot for 8 minutes on high pressure. I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! Happy Holidays! xTieghan
Just made this for dinner & it was delicious & so easy to make, I add in some extra veggies. Next time I’m planning on making it with your garlic butter naan bread.
I am so happy to hear that! Thank you Lianne! xTieghan
Going to try this next week, would I would
In a slower cooker?
Hey Lianne,
The directions provided are for the slow cooker. I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
Thank you so much for all your posts. I’ve learned so much from you and I LOVE your recipes. Keep those delish ideas flowing!!
Thank you so much Debbie! I am really glad this recipe turned out so well for you! xTieghan
Where can I find the original delicious recipe? I can’t find it anywhere. Thanks ahead of time!
Hey Cynthia,
Sorry this recipe has been updated:) I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan