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Square shot of creamy butter chicken chili with cilantro, cream swirl, and naan chips, photographed at a 45-degree angle.

Recipe: High-Protein Crockpot Butter Chicken Chili


  • Author: Emma Skillet
  • Total Time: 3–7 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 6 Servings 1x

Description

A fusion of Indian butter chicken and Tex-Mex chili—creamy, spiced, high-protein, and slow-cooked to perfection.


Ingredients

Scale

For the Chili Base

  • 1 lb ground chicken or ground turkey
  • 1 medium onion, finely diced
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp garam masala
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp ground cumin
  • ¼ tsp turmeric
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Liquids & Tomatoes

  • 1 can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 can tomato sauce or diced tomatoes1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
    1–2 tbsp tomato paste

Protein Boost & Creaminess

  • 1 can kidney beans or black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can chickpeas, drained (optional)
  • 1 cup heavy cream or coconut milk
  • 1 tbsp butter

Finishing & Toppings

  • Fresh cilantro
  • Plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
  • Cream swirl
  • Naan chips or tortilla chips

Instructions

  1. Brown the meat (optional but recommended)

  • Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
  • Add ground chicken and cook 5–7 minutes, breaking it apart.
  • Add onion, garlic, and ginger; cook 2 minutes.
  • Transfer to slow cooker.
  1. Add the spices

  • Add garam masala, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, turmeric, salt, and pepper.
  • Stir to coat.
  1. Add tomatoes, broth, and beans

  • Add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, broth, tomato paste, kidney beans, and chickpeas.
  • Stir well.
  1. Slow cook

  • Cook on Low for 6–7 hours or High for 3–4 hours.
  • Chili becomes thick and deep orange-red.
  1. Make it “butter chicken creamy”

  • Stir in heavy cream or coconut milk and butter.
  • Cook on Low for 10–15 minutes.
  • Finish & serve

  • Ladle into bowls.

  • Top with cilantro, yogurt or cream, and naan chips.

Notes

  • Use coconut milk for dairy-free.
  • Double the beans for extra protein.
  • Add cayenne or jalapeño for heat.
  • Serve with naan chips for true fusion flavor.
  • Prep Time: 10 Minutes
  • Cook Time: 3–7 hours
  • Category: Soup
  • Method: Slow Cook
  • Cuisine: Comfort

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 Serving
  • Calories: 420 Kcal
  • Fat: 18g
  • Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Fiber: 7g
  • Protein: 38g

Keywords: Butter Chicken Chili