slow cooker butter chicken

Level

Easy

Cooking Time

4-6 hrs

Serves

6

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Published March 30, 2024 

 by Dr. Stephanie Gray, DC

This post may contain affiliate links.

You can’t get any easier than this slow cooker Butter Chicken recipe. Throw all your ingredients in the slow cooker and let it go for the day. Dinner will be ready when you walk in the door.

This super popular Indian dish is made with simple ingredients: chicken breasts, canned tomatoes, onion, spices and coconut milk. The chicken is so juicy and tender; it pulls apart so easily with a couple forks.

Butter chicken is one of my favorite meals. You will make this recipe again and again because it’s just too easy!

Serve this butter chicken with rice, cauliflower rice, or gluten free naan (recipe coming soon!)

I hope you enjoy this juicy, tender chicken recipe that is full of flavor.

This recipe is naturally gluten free, dairy free, and free of sugar or other food additives.

If you like this slow cooker Butter Chicken recipe, try these other chicken recipes:

Loaf Pan Chicken Shawarma

Sheet Pan Greek Salad

Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas

Chicken Fajita Salad with Chili Lime Sauce 

Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Baked Boursin Cheese with Broccoli, Tomato and Chicken 

Indian Spiced Chicken

 

What equipment do you need

  • an 8 quart slow cooker
  • no slow cooker? Use a big soup pot 

 

What ingredients do you need?

  • 1 tbsp ginger root grated
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • 1 onion diced
  • 4 boneless chicken breasts
  • 1 can diced tomatoes (798 mL can)
  • 1 can unsweetened coconut milk (400 mL can) use good quality brand like Cha’s or Thai Kitchen
  • 1 tbsp cumin powder
  • 2 tsp curry or turmeric powder
  • 2 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 tbsp garam masala
  • 1 tsp sea salt
  • 1/2 tsp pepper

How to Store Leftover Butter Chicken 

Store leftover butter chicken in a glass, airtight container. It should be refrigerated and eaten within 5 days. Reheat on the stove in a frying pan with olive oil over medium heat. Or reheat in the microwave.

Freezes well. 

Slow Cooker Butter Chicken Recipe

Slow cooker butter chicken uses simple pantry ingredients to make your favorite Indian dish.

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Course: dinner
Cuisine: Indian
Keyword: butter chicken, crockpot meals, slow cooker
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours
Total Time: 6 hours
Servings: 6
Calories: 166kcal
Author: Dr. Stephanie Gray ~www.drstephanieskitchen.ca

Equipment

  • slow cooker

Ingredients

  • 1 tbsp ginger root grated
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • 1 onion diced
  • 4 boneless chicken breasts
  • 1 can diced tomatoes (798 mL can)
  • 1 can unsweetened coconut milk (400 mL can) use good quality brand like Cha’s or Thai Kitchen
  • 1 tbsp cumin powder
  • 2 tsp curry or turmeric powder
  • 2 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 tbsp garam masala
  • 1 tsp sea salt
  • 1/2 tsp pepper

Instructions

  • In a slow cooker, add onions, garlic and ginger to the bottom of the pot.
  • Layer chicken breasts on top.
  • Add canned tomatoes, spices and coconut milk.
  • Use a wooden spoon to mix the spices in with the tomatoes and coconut milk.
  • Let cook on low for 6-8 hours on high 3-4 hours.
  • Use 2 forks to pull apart chicken breasts.
  • Serve with cauliflower rice or white rice.

No Slow Cooker? Here’s the Stove-Top Instructions:

  • Heat oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add chopped onions and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
  • Add garlic and grated ginger to the skillet. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  • .Add the diced chicken to the skillet and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
  • Stir in the diced tomatoes, coconut milk, and all the spices.
  • Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer gently for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and the flavors have melded together.

Notes

Substitute 1/2 cup cream + 1/2 cup water for coconut milk if you’re not concerned about dairy. 

Please note that the nutritional information provided with this recipe is offered as a courtesy. It is intended as a general guideline and may vary depending on factors such as specific ingredient brands, variations in serving sizes, and individual cooking methods.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cup | Calories: 166kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 8.3g | Fat: 9.7g | Saturated Fat: 8.6g | Sodium: 758.5mg | Potassium: 215.7mg | Fiber: 4.3g | Sugar: 4.9g
Tried this recipe?Mention @drstephanieskitchen or tag #drstephanieskitchen!

I’m a doctor of chiropractic, with a special interest in nutrition. I am passionate about healthy eating and using food to heal thyself. Food should be made in a kitchen not a factory. I believe in eating whole foods, keeping processed foods to a minimum. It is my goal to show you that eating healthy and cooking at home can be simple and very rewarding! All of my recipes are naturally gluten-free.