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Slow Cooker Keto Butter Chicken - Creamy, Comforting, and Low-Carb

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • Chicken: 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts, but thighs stay juicier)
  • Butter: 6 tablespoons unsalted
  • Heavy cream: 1 cup
  • Tomato paste: 6 ounces (one small can)
  • Onion: 1 medium, finely chopped
  • Garlic: 4 cloves, minced
  • Ginger: 1 tablespoon fresh, grated (or 1 teaspoon ground)
  • Spices: 2 teaspoons garam masala
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon smoked or sweet paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon cayenne (to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt (plus more to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • Chicken broth: 1/2 cup (low-sodium)
  • Lemon juice: 1 tablespoon
  • Fresh cilantro: For garnish (optional)
  • Oil or ghee: 1 tablespoon, for sautéing aromatics
  • Optional add-ins: 1–2 tablespoons almond flour for thicker sauce, a splash of coconut aminos for umami, or a pinch of sweetener if you prefer a subtly sweeter sauce

Method
 

  1. Prep the chicken. Pat chicken dry and cut into large chunks (about 2 inches). This size helps it stay juicy and coat well with sauce.
  2. Bloom the spices (optional but worth it). In a skillet over medium heat, add oil or ghee. Sauté onion for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and ginger for 30 seconds. Add garam masala, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, and cayenne. Cook 30–60 seconds until fragrant. This step unlocks deeper flavor.
  3. Build the sauce base. In the slow cooker, whisk tomato paste with chicken broth, salt, and pepper until smooth. Stir in the sautéed onion-spice mixture.
  4. Add the chicken. Nestle the chicken pieces into the sauce, turning to coat. Cover and cook on Low for 4–5 hours or High for 2–3 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
  5. Finish with richness. Stir in butter until melted, then pour in heavy cream. Add lemon juice to brighten. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, and cayenne.
  6. Thicken if desired. If you want a thicker sauce, sprinkle in almond flour and simmer on High for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Alternatively, slightly reduce by uncovering and cooking another 15–20 minutes.
  7. Garnish and serve. Top with chopped cilantro. Serve with cauliflower rice, sautéed greens, roasted broccoli, or keto naan-style flatbread.