Set-and-Forget Keto Butter Chicken in Slow Cooker

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Classic Indian butter chicken made effortlessly in a slow cooker with tender chicken simmered in a spiced tomato cream sauce. This Indian-inspired keto recipe (low carb), ready in about 380 minutes, pairs chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces, canned crushed tomatoes, heavy cream for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a low-carb week and pairs well with cauliflower rice or roasted green vegetables. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 360 min Serves 6 Indian cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add 1 medium finely chopped onion, 4 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tbsp grated ginger; sauté for 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 2 tbsp garam masala, 1 tsp ground turmeric, 1 tsp ground cumin, and 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper, cooking for 1 minute until the spices release their aroma.
  3. Step 3: Transfer the onion and spice mixture to the slow cooker. Add 2 lbs chicken breast pieces, 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes, and 1 1/2 tsp salt; stir gently to combine.
  4. Step 4: Cook on low for 6 hours until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 4 tbsp butter and 1 cup heavy cream into the slow cooker, mixing until the butter melts and the sauce is creamy.
  6. Step 6: Sprinkle 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro over the butter chicken before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Set-and-Forget Keto Butter Chicken in Slow Cooker take to make?

Total time is about 380 minutes (20 min prep + 360 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Set-and-Forget Keto Butter Chicken in Slow Cooker?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep canned crushed tomatoes from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Set-and-Forget Keto Butter Chicken in Slow Cooker?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Set-and-Forget Keto Butter Chicken in Slow Cooker for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Set-and-Forget Keto Butter Chicken in Slow Cooker low carb?

Yes — this recipe is tagged low carb based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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