Slow-Cooker Indian Butter Chicken with Garam Masala and Cream

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

Tender chicken simmered slowly in a rich tomato-based sauce infused with garam masala and finished with cream for a comforting regional Indian classic. This indian-inspired chicken ready in about 375 minutes pairs butter, large, finely chopped onion, minced garlic cloves 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 weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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: 15 min Cook: 360 min Serves 6 Indian cuisine 450 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Melt 3 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 large finely chopped onion and sauté for 5 minutes until translucent.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp ginger paste, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 1/2 cups tomato puree, 2 tbsp garam masala, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp ground turmeric, 1/2 tsp red chili powder, and 1 1/2 tsp salt. Simmer for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  4. Step 4: Transfer the sauce to a slow cooker. Add 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs cut into 1.5-inch pieces, stirring to coat.
  5. Step 5: Cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours until chicken is tender.
  6. Step 6: Stir in 3/4 cup heavy cream and cook on low for an additional 15 minutes.
  7. Step 7: Garnish with 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro before serving with basmati rice or naan.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Cooker Indian Butter Chicken with Garam Masala and Cream take to make?

Total time is about 375 minutes (15 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 Slow-Cooker Indian Butter Chicken with Garam Masala and Cream?

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 butter from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Cooker Indian Butter Chicken with Garam Masala and Cream?

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 Slow-Cooker Indian Butter Chicken with Garam Masala and Cream 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.

What goes well with Slow-Cooker Indian Butter Chicken with Garam Masala and Cream?

Indian chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

Related recipes