Easy Slow Cooker Butter Chicken & Rice Recipe

If you’re craving a comforting, rich, and utterly delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen, this Slow Cooker Butter Chicken & Rice is your new best friend. It’s a creamy, fragrant dish that fills your home with irresistible aromas while effortlessly cooking away in your slow cooker. Perfect for cozy weeknights or when you want a fuss-free dinner packed with flavor and hearty textures, this recipe blends tender chicken, aromatic spices, and luscious sauce with fluffy rice for a meal that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless cooking: Just toss the ingredients into the slow cooker and let it work its magic while you relax or tackle other tasks.
• Rich, creamy flavor: The combination of butter, cream, and spices makes this dish silky smooth and deeply satisfying.
• One-pot convenience: Cooking the butter chicken and rice together means fewer dishes and perfect flavor fusion.
• Perfectly tender chicken: Slow cooking ensures the chicken is juicy and melts in your mouth with every bite.
• Family-friendly: This Slow Cooker Butter Chicken & Rice balances spice and creaminess for a crowd-pleasing taste that suits all ages.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the thoughtful selection of ingredients, each adding a special touch—whether it’s the creaminess, aroma, or depth of flavor. Gathering these essentials ensures your dish turns out perfectly every time.

• Chicken thighs: Skinless, boneless thighs offer tenderness and absorb spices beautifully.
• Butter: Adds richness and the signature velvety texture the recipe is known for.
• Cream or coconut milk: For a creamy, luscious sauce that coats the chicken and rice.
• Tomato puree: Provides tang and color, balancing the richness with a mild acidity.
• Garlic and ginger: Fresh cloves and grated ginger bring warmth and authentic aroma.
• Garam masala and other spices: A blend of spices like cumin, coriander, and turmeric create the classic Indian-inspired flavor profile.
• Long grain basmati rice: Perfect for soaking up the saucy butter chicken without getting mushy.
• Chicken broth or water: Keeps the rice moist and tender, blending all the flavors together.
• Fresh cilantro: For garnishing and adding a refreshing burst right before serving.

Variations for Slow Cooker Butter Chicken & Rice

This Slow Cooker Butter Chicken & Rice recipe is wonderfully adaptable. Feel free to put your own spin on it depending on what you have on hand, dietary needs, or flavor preferences. It’s all about customizing a cozy dinner that suits your style.

• Make it dairy-free: Swap out butter for a dairy-free margarine and use coconut milk for creaminess without dairy.
• Spice level adjustment: Add extra chili powder or fresh green chilies for a bolder kick, or use mild paprika to keep it family-friendly.
• Vegetarian twist: Replace chicken with cauliflower florets or paneer cubes for a meatless version that still boasts great texture.
• Brown rice instead of white: For a nuttier flavor and extra fiber, use brown basmati rice—just increase cooking time appropriately.
• Add vegetables: Toss in peas, spinach, or diced bell peppers halfway through cooking for added color and nutrition.

How to Make Slow Cooker Butter Chicken & Rice

Step 1: Prepare the chicken and marinade

Start by seasoning your chicken thighs with salt, garam masala, cumin, and a bit of turmeric. Mix with minced garlic, grated ginger, and a spoonful of tomato puree to coat the pieces fully. Let it marinate briefly for deeper flavor absorption while you prep other ingredients.

Step 2: Sauté spices and butter

In a skillet or directly in the slow cooker if it has a sauté function, melt the butter and lightly toast additional whole spices or powdered garam masala. This step awakens the spices’ aroma, which blossoms throughout the dish.

Step 3: Combine all ingredients in the slow cooker

Place the marinated chicken in the slow cooker. Add cream (or coconut milk), more tomato puree, chicken broth or water, and the basmati rice on top without stirring. This layering helps the rice cook perfectly and absorb flavors slowly.

Step 4: Cook low and slow

Cover and cook on low for about 4-5 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is tender and the rice is fluffy. Avoid opening the lid too often to keep the steam trapped inside.

Step 5: Finish and fluff

Once done, gently mix the chicken and rice together, adding a splash more cream or butter if desired for an ultra-rich finish. Adjust seasoning with salt and garnish with chopped fresh cilantro before serving.

Pro Tips for Making Slow Cooker Butter Chicken & Rice

• Use bone-in chicken thighs for extra flavor: If you don’t mind a bit more prep, bone-in thighs offer deeper taste and juiciness.
• Rinse rice thoroughly: Washing basmati rice removes excess starch to help it cook fluffy without sticking.
• Don’t skip the sauté step: Blooming your spices in butter intensifies the final flavor profile in a way slow cooking alone can’t.
• Layer instead of mixing: Place rice on top of chicken to avoid mushy grains and ensure even cooking.
• Adjust cooking time based on slow cooker size: Some units run hotter or cooler, so keep an eye on texture and moisture.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Butter Chicken & Rice

Garnishes

Sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro or a squeeze of lime juice right before serving for bright, zesty notes that contrast beautifully with the creamy sauce.

Side Dishes

Serve alongside warm naan bread or a fresh cucumber raita to add cooling creaminess. Simple steamed vegetables or a crisp salad balance the richness perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For casual dinners, serve it straight from the slow cooker in a big bowl. For gatherings, plate with a sprinkle of toasted nuts or seeds and a drizzle of melted butter for an elevated look and extra luscious texture.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen as it sits, making next-day meals even tastier.

Freezing

This recipe freezes well. Portion butter chicken and rice into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much. Stir occasionally to heat evenly.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes, but chicken breasts can dry out faster during slow cooking. To keep them tender, reduce cooking time slightly or add extra moisture with cream or broth.

Is it necessary to use basmati rice?

Basmati rice is ideal due to its fragrance and fluffy texture, but you can substitute long grain rice if needed, adjusting cooking time as necessary.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Absolutely! Replace chicken with cauliflower or tofu and use coconut milk instead of cream and vegan butter for a rich, dairy-free version.

Do I need to soak the rice before cooking?

Soaking is optional but recommended for fluffier, less sticky rice. Rinse thoroughly if you prefer not to soak.

How spicy is this Slow Cooker Butter Chicken & Rice?

The recipe is mildly spiced by default to suit most palates but can be easily adjusted by adding more chili powder or fresh chilies for a spicier kick.

Final Thoughts

Slow Cooker Butter Chicken & Rice is the ultimate comfort meal that delivers on flavor, ease, and heartwarming satisfaction. Whether you’re new to slow cooking or an experienced pro, this recipe is a keeper for those busy nights when you want something nourishing and indulgent without the stress. Give it a try and let the rich, creamy taste become your new go-to dinner delight.

Related Posts

• Easy Grilled Chicken Souvlaki Recipe to Try
• Easy Orecchiette Pasta with Sausage Recipe
• Why Linguine with Clam Sauce Wins Every Time

Print