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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.
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What a perfect weeknight meal. As a huge fan of Indian flavors, I am truly excited to try this recipe this week!
Oh ya! Thanks so much, Anna! Hope you love this!
soooo my family had already decided that we just had to have butter chicken this week so we would have an excuse to bake your amazing looking naan bread….and then you made this! so wonderful and easy 🙂 can’t wait to try it out!
Oh yay! I hope you guys love both recipes! Thanks Kelsey!
Ok, this is on the menu this week. It’s going to be perfect for the night my daughter
has a late volleyball game. What size can of coconut milk do you use and can I omit
the curry paste?
I used a 14 ounce can of coconut milk, but I suggest using the curry paste. It adds great flavor! I have found it at target before, but you can also sub Thai red curry paste if you prefer. With that said I am sure this would still be great without the curry paste. The dish would just be a little less spicy, but still good!
Thanks Kathy!
This is my crockpot as we speak! Can’t wait to try it!
Oh, I hope you LOVE this! Thanks for giving it a try, Kathy!
I am a sucker for anything covered in curry and served with naan! As a self-pronounced expert on cooking for one, I am finding that crock-pot recipes are some of the best. They make leftovers and are oh, so easy. Thanks for sharing this!!
Thanks Chelsea! Crack pot leftovers are always the best!
Yes and YES! Love curry and slow cooker anything is a winner in my book!
Thank Lauren!! I love curry too! It is so cozy!
You are reading my mind, Tieghan! I’ve been thinking to whip up a healthy butter chicken in a crock pot this fall. This looks awesome! The sauce is thick and not watery at all! I recently made crock pot lentils in a similar sauce. Love the combination of tomato paste and coconut milk!
Thanks you! It really is a great combo!
Love how easy this is! Sounds amazing!
Thanks Jessica!
I see this being made VERY soon! Once I get my slow cooker back from my home in PA. Question about the tomato paste: how many ounces was the 1 can that you used in the recipe?
Thanks!
Hi Sarah! I used a 6 ounce can, sorry about that. I fixed the recipe so the measurement is there!
Thanks and I hope you love this!
Naan and butter chicken?! I’ll be right over.
I saved you seat!
I just made butter chicken too; after having some a couple of weeks ago at a local Indian restaurant I could not stop thinking about it. I used a recipe from a friend who is from India (you might call it SUPER authentic) but now want to try a crockpot version without frying and hope for a similar result…easy is always my preference.
Oh man! An Authentic recipe?? Wow! I wan’t that! I would love to compare the flavors!
Thanks Barbara!
Can you believe that I’ve never had butter chicken?! This looks so good with your homemade naan!
I had never had it before I made it a year ago and now we love it!
Thanks Laura!
This looks so amazing! Pinned!!
Thanks Jamie!
I’m going to go dig my slow cooker out of the closet right now …
Haha! It’s worth it! Thanks Paula! I am in LOVE with that Burrata crostini! Need it!
OMG thanks for this recipe!!!!! This sounds soooooo easy and delish I am sooooo making this soon! You mind if I make it on my blog? I will give you full credit for the recipe….
Of course Sophia!! Thanks So much, I hope you love the meal! Just make sure type the recipe in you own words or just link back to my site for the full recipe!
Will do! Sooooo excited to try this one!!! Can’t wait!
This was AMAZING!!!! I LOVED it! I also love how easy it was! You’re the best! 🙂
So happy you loved this! Thanks!!
You are killing me with this and the naan! I want to go home and make this right now. Butter chicken is the best thing ever and with the naan…heaven. Great recipes!
Thanks you so very much, Leah!