Get ready to fall in love with dinner all over again! This Slow Cooker Broccoli Butter Chicken is exactly the sort of meal that brings everyone rushing to the table. It’s creamy, gently spiced, and ultra-comforting—with tender chicken smothered in a velvety sauce, plenty of fresh broccoli, and just the right burst of buttery richness. Letting the slow cooker do the heavy lifting means you’ll spend more time inhaling those incredible aromas and less time tied to the stove. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal-prepping for the week, this is the kind of recipe you’ll come back to again and again.

Slow Cooker Broccoli Butter Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s take a closer look at the simple yet crucial ingredients that bring Slow Cooker Broccoli Butter Chicken to life. Each one adds to the final flavor, color, or comforting texture—don’t be tempted to skip these essentials!

Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs: Thighs stay juicy and flavorful during the slow cooking process, making them perfect for this dish.
Broccoli Florets: Fresh or frozen, broccoli adds vibrant color and a wonderful bite that contrasts beautifully with the creamy sauce.
Butter: A generous amount infuses the sauce with rich, silky flavor that defines classic butter chicken.
Onion: Diced onion melts into the sauce, adding sweetness and depth without overpowering spice.
Garlic: Minced garlic brings aromatic warmth and rounds out the savory notes.
Ginger: Freshly grated ginger gives the sauce a little zing and beautiful brightness.
Tomato Sauce: A smooth tomato base brings tanginess and a gorgeous color to the gravy.
Heavy Cream: Swirls in at the end to create that restaurant-style lusciousness and slight sweetness in every bite.
Garam Masala: This classic Indian spice mix weaves complex flavor throughout the sauce and gives that signature butter chicken aroma.
Ground Cumin and Coriander: Earthy, nutty, and citrusy undertones deepen the overall flavor of the sauce.
Ground Turmeric: Just a pinch delivers color and gentle warmth to round out the spices.
Salt & Pepper: Season to taste—don’t skimp, as it brings out the best in all other flavors.
Lemon Juice: Stirred in just before serving for a fresh, finishing touch that balances the richness.
Fresh Cilantro (optional): For a fragrant, colorful garnish that makes every bowl pop!

How to Make Slow Cooker Broccoli Butter Chicken

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

First, gather and chop everything you’ll need. Dice the onion, mince the garlic and ginger, cut your chicken into large chunks, and break the broccoli into bite-sized florets. Having everything prepped in advance makes assembling the dish (and clean-up!) super easy when you’re ready to cook.

Step 2: Layer in the Slow Cooker

Add the chicken pieces to the bottom of your slow cooker, followed by the chopped onion, garlic, and ginger. Sprinkle all the ground spices—garam masala, cumin, coriander, turmeric, salt, and pepper—across the top so they’ll infuse every bite with incredible flavor as things simmer together.

Step 3: Add the Saucy Elements

Pour the tomato sauce right over the top, then drop in the slices of butter. Don’t stir just yet—letting the flavors seep down as it cooks helps build layers of flavor. Cover, set your slow cooker to low for 5–6 hours (or high for 3–4), and let the magic happen.

Step 4: Add Broccoli and Cream

About 45 minutes before serving, lift the lid and gently stir in your broccoli florets and heavy cream. The broccoli will turn tender-crisp and soak up that delicious, buttery sauce while the cream transforms everything into a rich, silky delight. Cover and let cook the rest of the way.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Right before serving, squeeze in fresh lemon juice and toss in some chopped cilantro if you’d like. The citrus lifts up the richness, and the herbs add a pop of green that screams freshness. Give it a final stir, taste for salt and pepper, then get ready to dish up your Slow Cooker Broccoli Butter Chicken masterpiece!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Broccoli Butter Chicken

Garnishes

This dish absolutely shines with a sprinkle of chopped cilantro and an extra squeeze of lemon before serving. For added texture, try scattering some toasted nuts—like slivered almonds or cashews—on top. Not only does this make your meal look restaurant-worthy, but it gives satisfying crunch and color to every bowl of Slow Cooker Broccoli Butter Chicken.

Side Dishes

Pair your Slow Cooker Broccoli Butter Chicken with a mound of fluffy basmati rice, warm naan for scooping, or even roasted potatoes if you want a Western twist. The creamy, aromatic sauce is just begging for something to soak it up, so don’t be shy with extra helpings of your favorite carbs!

Creative Ways to Present

Shake up tradition by serving this dish in shallow bowls with a swirl of plain yogurt for contrast, a big handful of fresh microgreens, or a scattering of pomegranate arils. For meal prep, spoon the Slow Cooker Broccoli Butter Chicken over grains like quinoa, or tuck it into wraps for a delicious, portable lunch. It’s a versatile star that easily adapts to your style!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool any leftover Slow Cooker Broccoli Butter Chicken to room temperature, then store it in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen and develop as it sits, so don’t be surprised if tomorrow’s lunch tastes even more delicious than dinner did!

Freezing

Yes, you can absolutely freeze this dish! Simply transfer cooled portions to freezer-safe containers, leaving a little space at the top for expansion. Slow Cooker Broccoli Butter Chicken can be frozen for up to 2 months. For best texture, you might want to add a bit of extra cream when reheating, just to restore the velvety mouthfeel.

Reheating

For smaller portions, a quick zap in the microwave with a splash of water or cream works wonders. If you’re reheating a larger batch, use a saucepan on the stovetop over low heat, stirring gently until the sauce is hot and silky again. Always reheat thoroughly, and stir well to reincorporate any separated cream.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts will work, but they may turn out a touch less juicy than thighs. To avoid dryness, check for doneness a little earlier, and be sure not to overcook.

Is it okay to use frozen broccoli?

Yes, frozen broccoli works wonderfully in Slow Cooker Broccoli Butter Chicken! Just add it at the same point as you would fresh, but keep in mind it may soften a bit more; adjust the timing if you prefer firmer florets.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

You sure can! Substitute a vegan butter for the dairy butter, and use canned coconut milk or a plant-based cream for the heavy cream. The result will be just as rich and flavorful.

How spicy is this dish?

Slow Cooker Broccoli Butter Chicken is designed to be mild and family-friendly. If you like extra heat, feel free to add a pinch of cayenne or some diced green chili along with the other spices.

What’s the best way to meal prep with this recipe?

It’s ideal for meal prep! Portion into single-serve containers with rice or naan on the side. You can also double the recipe in a large slow cooker so that lunches and dinners are covered for days with minimal effort.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to serve up something comforting, vibrant, and irresistibly tasty, you just can’t beat Slow Cooker Broccoli Butter Chicken. It’s the kind of recipe that wins over even the pickiest eaters and makes your kitchen feel like the coziest spot in the house. Give it a try, and watch it become a new favorite at your table!

Slow Cooker Broccoli Butter Chicken Recipe