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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.
This recipe is a family favorite. Even for my kids who are selective eaters! Yum 🙂
Hey Megan,
Happy Friday!! Thanks so much for making this recipe and your comment, I love to hear that it turned out well for you! ❄️
Not sure if I did something wrong but I followed the recipe exactly and this came out terribly 🙁 I love HBH recipes but this one just didn’t work for me
Hey Caitlyn,
Thanks for giving this recipe a try and sharing your feedback, so sorry to hear this didn’t work for you. Was there something specific that was wrong with it or anything that I can help with? Let me know! xT
yeah, me too.
Super easy and restaurant-quality. I will be making this frequently.
Hey Djienne,
Happy Monday!! I appreciate you making this recipe and sharing your feedback, so glad it turned out well for you:)
Hi Tieghan,
Having a bigger crowd. Can I double this recipe??
Hey Lynn,
Totally, that will work well for you! Please let me know if you have any other questions! xT
Hi Tieghan!
What could I swap the coconut milk for? We cannot do coconut in our house. Thank you!
Hey Melissa,
Totally, any other milk that your family enjoys will work well for you! Please let me know if you have any other questions! xT
Hi!
I couldn’t find garam masala at my grocery store. Could I use or substitute something another spice?
Hi Isabella,
I think you could do cumin mixed with all spice. Please let me know if you have any other questions, I hope you love this recipe! xx
Put everything in the crockpot but swapped heavy cream for extra yogurt as I wanted it less rich. Had some errands to run and when I came home the house smelled delicious, warm and inviting. I love a good butter chicken and this was so flavourful. This recipe is a keeper. You nailed it Tieghan as you always do. Happy Holidays Christmas to you and your family and especially to my little fav Oslo.
Hey Natalie,
Happy Wednesday!!❄️ So glad to hear that this recipe was enjoyed, thanks so much for making it and sharing your feedback! Thanks so much for your kind message! Happy Holidays! xT
This is one of our new favorite crock pot recipes! So easy and ridiculously flavorful 😊 Thank you for sharing this recipe!
Hey Beth,
Happy Monday!!☃️ I truly appreciate you making this recipe and sharing your review, so glad it was enjoyed! xT
Easy, healthy, weeknight dinner! Will recommend to everyone! We added a little cilantro and squeeze of lime at the end and it was perfect!
Hey Robyn,
Wonderful!!❄️ Thanks a bunch for giving this recipe a try and sharing your feedback, I am so glad it was a winner:)
Have made this dish twice, and it’s safe to say I’ll be making it again and again! I use 2x the chicken, slow cook 6hrs on low and add a splash of cream at the end just to thicken it up a little. Such a great balance of richness, spiciness and tanginess. And so freaking easy! Satisfies my cravings for one of my favorite restaurants in the city where we used to live. 🙂
Hey Char,
Happy Wednesday! I love to hear that this recipe was enjoyed, thanks so much for making it and sharing your feedback! xx
If I was to use ground ginger how much should I use?
Hey Ann,
I would use 1 teaspoon of ground ginger. I hope this recipe turns out well for you, please let me know if you give it a try! xx
How would you do this just on the stovetop?
Hey Julie,
You can go ahead and use this recipe:
https://www.halfbakedharvest.com/butter-chicken/
Please let me know if you have any other questions! Happy Sunday! xx
We’re a big fan of butter chicken. In the past, we have relied on a really good jarred sauce but it’s getting expensive to use pre-prepared ingredients (besides the factor of what ingredients are actually being used). The stupid thing is that the spice blends were already in our pantry. This is a great recipe that is very easy to make. An added bonus, is that the kitchen smells really good.
Hey Alli,
Happy Monday!🎃 I am thrilled to hear that this recipe was tasty for you, thanks a bunch for making it! xx
Do you have instant pot instructions for this one? Looks so good! How long would you cook on low instant pot?
Hi Amanda,
I would cook on high pressure for 8 minutes. Please let me know if you give the recipe a try, I hope it turns out amazing for you! xT
I followed these instructions for cooking this in the Instant Pot and it worked perfectly! This recipe is so delicious and easy to make, the flavor is amazing. Will definitely be making this again! Thank you so much Tieghan! 🙂
Hey Kelsey,
Happy Wednesday! I love to hear that this recipe was enjoyed, thanks so much for making it and sharing your feedback! xx
Is there any way to make this recipe dairy free? What could I sub for the half and half/cream?
Hi Caroline,
You could use coconut milk or cream, that would work well for you! Please let me know if you have any other questions! xT
Absolutely amazing!! I was 2 bites in and saying, “I’m definitely making this again!” Love that is super easy and healthier butter chicken. Taste was incredible.
Hi Michelle,
Fantastic!! I love to hear that this recipe was a hit, thanks for trying it out! xTieghan