Discover a flavorful Slow Cooker Butter Chicken & Rice recipe that’s effortless, creamy, and perfect for a comforting weeknight meal. This dish combines tender chicken soaked in rich, buttery tomato sauce with fragrant rice cooked to perfection in the slow cooker, creating a hassle-free dinner that feels like a warm hug on your plate.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Set and forget convenience: Pop all ingredients into your slow cooker and come back to a delicious meal without the stress.
Rich and creamy flavor: The buttery tomato-based sauce delivers deep, comforting flavors that satisfy every bite.
Perfectly tender chicken: Slow cooking ensures juicy chicken that effortlessly falls apart, soaking up all those spices.
One-pot meal: Combining butter chicken and rice in the slow cooker means less cleanup and more time to relax.
Family-friendly: Mild spices and creamy texture make it ideal for all ages and taste preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Slow Cooker Butter Chicken & Rice recipe requires simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to create an irresistible blend of flavors and textures. Each element plays a crucial part—from the tender chicken to the creamy tomato sauce and fluffy rice.

Chicken thighs: Boneless, skinless thighs offer tenderness and soak up flavors better than breast meat.
Butter: Adds a luscious richness that creates the signature creamy texture of butter chicken.
Tomato sauce: Provides the tangy base for the dish’s vibrant flavor and color.
Heavy cream or coconut milk: Creaminess that balances spices with a smooth finish.
Garlic and ginger: Freshly minced for an aromatic foundation that elevates the sauce.
Garam masala and spices: A blend including turmeric, cumin, and coriander gives authentic Indian warmth and depth.
Rice: Long grain or basmati rice cooks perfectly alongside the chicken absorbing all the sauce.
Onion: Adds subtle sweetness and texture.
Chicken broth: Keeps the rice tender and infuses savory notes.
Fresh cilantro (optional): For garnish adding a bright, fresh contrast.

Variations for Slow Cooker Butter Chicken & Rice

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable, allowing you to customize based on what’s in your pantry, dietary needs, or flavor preferences. Feel free to experiment and make it your own!

Spicy twist: Add more chili powder or diced jalapeños to increase heat.
Dairy-free option: Substitute heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk for a creamy yet vegan-friendly sauce.
Vegetarian version: Swap chicken for hearty vegetables like cauliflower or chickpeas.
Brown rice upgrade: Use brown rice for an earthier texture and more fiber, just increase slow cook time slightly.
Extra veggies: Toss in peas, bell peppers, or spinach at the last hour for added color and nutrients.

Easy Slow Cooker Butter Chicken & Rice Recipe

How to Make Slow Cooker Butter Chicken & Rice

Step 1: Prepare the chicken and spices

Start by chopping the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. Combine them with freshly minced garlic, ginger, garam masala, turmeric, cumin, coriander, and a pinch of salt. Mixing the chicken with these aromatic spices upfront ensures every piece is bursting with flavor.

Step 2: Layer ingredients in the slow cooker

In the slow cooker, melt butter and add chopped onions, sautéing briefly if your slow cooker allows, or add raw for a softer texture. Then add the spiced chicken, tomato sauce, chicken broth, and uncooked rice on top. This layering lets the rice absorb all the flavorful liquids during cooking.

Step 3: Slow cook the dish

Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours. The slow heat gently tenderizes the chicken and lets the rice soak up the rich buttery tomato sauce, melding all flavors beautifully together.

Step 4: Stir in cream and finish

Once fully cooked, stir in heavy cream or coconut milk for a silky smooth finish to the sauce. Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to develop even further.

Pro Tips for Making Slow Cooker Butter Chicken & Rice

Use bone-in thighs for extra flavor: They release more juices, enhancing the richness.
Rinse rice before cooking: This prevents starchiness and results in fluffy grains.
Pre-toast spices: Lightly heating spices before adding unlocks deeper aromas.
Add cream at the end: To prevent curdling and keep the sauce luxuriously smooth.
Adjust liquid for rice type: Brown rice may need a bit more broth and longer cook time.
Don’t over-stir during cooking: To avoid mushy rice or broken chicken pieces.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Butter Chicken & Rice

Garnishes

Top your Slow Cooker Butter Chicken & Rice with freshly chopped cilantro, a dollop of cooling yogurt, or a sprinkle of toasted cashews for a burst of freshness and texture contrast.

Side Dishes

Pair with crisp cucumber salad, warm naan bread, or roasted vegetables to balance the creamy richness of the butter chicken and rice.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve in individual bowls layered with a squeeze of fresh lemon or lime, a drizzle of chili oil for those who love heat, or even topped with a soft boiled egg for extra indulgence.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors only get better as they marinate overnight!

Freezing

Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Be sure to cool completely before freezing to maintain the best texture and flavor.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce and keep the rice moist.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes, but boneless thighs are recommended as they stay moist and tender better during slow cooking, while breast meat can dry out.

Is it necessary to rinse the rice?

Rinsing helps remove excess starch, preventing clumping and giving you light, fluffy rice in the final dish.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Absolutely! Substitute chicken with chickpeas or cauliflower and use coconut milk instead of cream and butter to keep it dairy-free and vegan-friendly.

How spicy is Slow Cooker Butter Chicken & Rice?

It’s typically mild and creamy, but you can easily adjust the heat level by adding more or less chili powder or fresh chilies depending on your preference.

Do I need to cook the rice beforehand?

No, the rice cooks directly in the slow cooker along with the chicken and sauce, absorbing all those delicious flavors as it simmers.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Butter Chicken & Rice recipe feels like a warm hug after a busy day. It’s creamy, simple, and bursting with cozy flavors that your whole family will love. Trust me, once you try this one-pot wonder, it will quickly become your go-to comfort meal for any night of the week!

Slow Cooker Butter Chicken & Rice

Print Recipe

A comforting and creamy Slow Cooker Butter Chicken & Rice recipe featuring tender chicken thighs cooked in a rich buttery tomato sauce with fragrant rice, all effortlessly prepared in one pot.

Author: Lina
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 4-6 hours low or 2-3 hours high
Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes to 6 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: Indian-inspired
Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale

Proteins

1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, chopped into bite-sized pieces

Vegetables & Aromatics

1 medium onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, freshly minced
1 tbsp fresh ginger, freshly minced

Spices

1 tbsp garam masala
1 tsp turmeric
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp coriander
1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)

Liquids

4 tbsp butter
1 cup tomato sauce
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk (for dairy-free option)

Grains

1 cup long grain or basmati rice, rinsed

Optional Garnish

Fresh cilantro, chopped

Instructions

Prepare the chicken and spices: Chop the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. Combine with freshly minced garlic, ginger, garam masala, turmeric, cumin, coriander, and salt. Mix thoroughly so each piece is well coated with the aromatic spices.
Layer ingredients in the slow cooker: Melt the butter in the slow cooker if possible, then add the chopped onions and sauté briefly or add them raw for a softer texture. Add the spiced chicken pieces, followed by the tomato sauce, chicken broth, and finally spread the rinsed uncooked rice evenly on top. Avoid stirring to let rice absorb the flavors during cooking.
Slow cook the dish: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. This slow cooking process tenderizes the chicken and allows the rice to soak up the rich buttery tomato sauce.
Stir in cream and finish: Once fully cooked, gently stir in the heavy cream or coconut milk to create a silky smooth sauce. Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving to deepen flavors.

Notes

Use bone-in chicken thighs for even more flavorful, juicy results.
Rinse rice before cooking to prevent starchiness and ensure fluffy grains.
Pre-toast spices lightly before mixing for deeper aroma.
Add cream at the end of cooking to avoid curdling and keep sauce smooth.
Adjust liquid quantity and cook time if using brown rice instead of white rice.
Avoid over-stirring during cooking to prevent mushy rice or broken chicken pieces.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 450 kcal
Sugar: 4 g
Sodium: 600 mg
Fat: 25 g
Saturated Fat: 12 g
Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 30 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 30 g
Cholesterol: 110 mg

Keywords: slow cooker, butter chicken, rice, one-pot meal, creamy, Indian, easy dinner