Slow Cooker Butter Chicken (Set-and-Forget, Creamy & Family-Friendly)

Prep: 10 minutes | Cook: 6 hours | Total: 6 hours 10 minutes | Serves: 4–6
Best For: busy days, family dinners, set-and-forget meals

A Comforting Dinner Made Easy

Butter chicken is a much-loved family favourite, but it doesn’t need to be complicated or time-consuming. This slow cooker version lets everything gently cook together, creating a rich, creamy sauce with tender chicken and minimal effort.

It’s the kind of meal that fills the home with warmth and comfort. Perfect for days when life is busy, but you still want to gather around the table and enjoy something nourishing together.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Butter Chicken

• 1 kg chicken thigh fillets, chopped

• 1 onion, finely diced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon butter chicken paste

• 1 teaspoon ground paprika

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin

• 1 teaspoon ground garam masala

• 400 g tin crushed tomatoes

• 1 cup cream

• Salt, to taste

Optional:

• Extra butter for richness

• Fresh coriander for serving

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Add the chicken to the slow cooker.

2. Stir in onion, garlic, spices, and paste until well coated.

3. Pour in crushed tomatoes and mix gently.

4. Cook on LOW for 6 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours.

5. Stir through cream in the last 30 minutes of cooking.

6. Season to taste and serve with rice or naan.

Helpful Tips

• Chicken thighs stay juicier than breast

• A quick cheat is to add frozen diced onion if you’re short on time

• Stir gently once or twice if possible

• Add cream at the end to avoid splitting

Why This Recipe Works

• Slow cooking creates deep flavour

• Mild and family-friendly

• Minimal prep and effort

• Perfect for batch cooking

Explore More Family-Friendly Recipes

If you enjoyed this recipe, you may also love:

• Easy Butter Chicken

• Simple Garlic Rice

• Easy Family-Friendly Pasta Salad