Crockpot Butter Chicken is truly a dish that brings warmth and comfort to your table. This Indian-inspired recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you’re craving something rich, flavorful, and satisfying without spending all your time in the kitchen. With a blend of spices, tender chicken, and creamy sauce, this dish embodies the essence of home-cooked goodness. By using a slow cooker, you unlock a world of convenience, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully while you go about your day.
Why We Love This Crockpot Butter Chicken Recipe
The magic of Crockpot Butter Chicken lies in its simplicity and flavor. First and foremost, you can set it and forget it. No need to hover over the stove; simply prep your ingredients, toss them into the crockpot, and enjoy more time for yourself.
Another reason this recipe is a family favorite is that it marries rich flavors with tender chicken thighs, creating a texture that melts in your mouth. The creamy sauce, infused with aromatic spices, transforms humble chicken into a luxurious meal. You also have the flexibility to customize it to suit your taste, whether that means adjusting the spice level or adding vegetables for more nutrition.
On top of that, it pairs wonderfully with naan or rice, making it a complete meal. The ease of preparation and delightful outcome make this dish a staple in households everywhere.
Ingredients about Crockpot Butter Chicken
To whip up this delicious Crockpot Butter Chicken, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon melted coconut oil or olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion, finely diced (1-1/2 cups)
- 1 tablespoon ginger paste
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1-1/4 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1-1/4 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1-1/4 teaspoons ground turmeric
- 1-1/4 teaspoons salt
- 2-1/4 teaspoons garam masala
- 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes or crushed tomatoes
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, sliced into tablespoons
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/3 cup finely chopped cilantro (optional)
- Naan, warmed, for serving
- Cooked rice, for serving
How to Make Crockpot Butter Chicken Directions
Making Crockpot Butter Chicken is not only easy—it’s a pleasurable experience that fills your home with mouthwatering aromas. Here’s how to prepare it step by step:
- Prep the Base: Start by heating your large nonstick pan over medium-high heat. Add your choice of oil, whether melted coconut oil or olive oil. This oil serves as the base for sautéing the onion and spices.
- Sauté Aromatics: Once the oil is heated, add the finely diced onion, ginger paste, and minced garlic to the pan. Sauté everything for about 3 to 6 minutes until the onion turns golden brown. This step is crucial as it lays down the flavor foundation for your dish.
- Incorporate Spices: Next, you will add the smoky depth of smoked paprika along with ground cumin, turmeric, salt, garam masala, and optional red pepper flakes. Stir these spices into the mixture for about 1 to 3 minutes until they become fragrant. This will awaken the spices, making your sauce deliciously aromatic.
- Add Tomatoes: Stir in the can of diced or crushed tomatoes, ensuring you mix everything well. After combining, it’s important to let the mixture cool slightly before transferring it into your slow cooker.
- Prepare the Chicken: While your tomato base is cooling, clean the chicken thighs by trimming any excess fat. Once trimmed, place the chicken thighs into the slow cooker and make sure they’re well-coated with the spiced tomato mixture.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook the mix on high for 2-1/2 to 4 hours, or on low for 4 to 6 hours. Your chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F, ensuring that it’s cooked through and tender.
- Finishing Touches: After the cooking time is up, remove the chicken from the crockpot and chop it into bite-sized pieces. Now comes a fun part—puree the sauce until it’s smooth, which will create that luxurious texture you want in butter chicken.
- Combine Butter and Cream: Return the pureed sauce back to the slow cooker. Add the sliced butter and heavy cream, stirring until it’s all blended well. This step is where your dish really transforms into a rich, creamy delight.
- Final Mix: Toss the chopped chicken pieces back into the sauce and add cilantro if you like. Stir everything together gently, allowing the chicken to soak up the flavors one last time.
Once you reach this stage, your Crockpot Butter Chicken is ready to serve.
How to Serve Crockpot Butter Chicken
Serving Crockpot Butter Chicken can elevate your meal from simple to special. Start with a plate of warm, fluffy naan or a bowl of hot cooked rice. Place a generous portion of the rich, creamy chicken over the rice or alongside the naan.
For an even more appealing presentation, consider garnishing your dish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro. This will not just add a touch of freshness, but also enhance the vibrant colors of your meal.
Pair it with a side of steamed vegetables or a light salad to complete your dining experience. Your family and guests will appreciate the kingdom of flavors that come together in this dish, and you’ll love how effortlessly it came together.
Expert Tips: Crockpot Butter Chicken
For the best results with your Crockpot Butter Chicken, consider these expert tips:
- Use Chicken Thighs: Opting for boneless skinless chicken thighs will yield the most tender results. They are juicier than chicken breasts and hold up well in the slow cooking process.
- Don’t Skip the Sauté: Sautéing the onion, ginger, and spices before adding them to the slow cooker builds depth of flavor that elevates the entire dish.
- Adjust the Spices: Feel free to adjust the spices according to your palate. If you prefer a milder dish, skip the red pepper flakes.
- Consistency Matters: If your sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or water to achieve your preferred consistency for serving.
- Make it Ahead: This dish actually tastes even better the next day! Prepare it ahead of time to allow the flavors to meld in the refrigerator overnight.
How to Store Crockpot Butter Chicken
Storing your Crockpot Butter Chicken is quite easy. Simply allow the dish to cool down completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator if you plan to consume it within 3 to 4 days.
For longer storage, you can freeze the chicken by placing it in a freezer-safe container. It’s advisable to consume it within 2 to 3 months for optimal flavor. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.
Variation of Crockpot Butter Chicken
Although the classic recipe is hard to beat, you might want to experiment with variations:
- Vegetable Addition: Feel free to add vegetables to the mix! Spinach, peas, or bell peppers can cook beautifully alongside the chicken and add extra nutrition.
- Spice Up the Mix: If you’re looking for something different, consider adjusting the spice levels by adding more garam masala or trying a different curry powder for a unique flavor twist.
- Different Proteins: While this recipe uses chicken, you might also try it with turkey or even cauliflower for a vegetarian version.
- Coconut Milk Substitute: Instead of heavy cream, you could use full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free alternative that still maintains the creamy texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Crockpot Butter Chicken and how is it different from traditional butter chicken?
Crockpot Butter Chicken is a simplified version of traditional butter chicken that is cooked slowly in a crockpot or slow cooker. The main difference lies in the ease and convenience of preparation—instead of stirring and monitoring on the stove, you can set it and let the slow cooker do the work while you focus on other tasks.
How long does it take to make Crockpot Butter Chicken?
Depending on your setting, the cooking time can vary. It takes about 2-1/2 to 4 hours on high or 4 to 6 hours on low to achieve perfectly tender chicken and a richly developed sauce.
Can I make Crockpot Butter Chicken ahead of time?
Absolutely! This dish is perfect for meal prep. You can prepare the whole dish earlier in the week, store it in the refrigerator, and simply reheat before serving. It tastes just as delicious, if not better, the next day.
What should I serve with Crockpot Butter Chicken?
You can enjoy Crockpot Butter Chicken with warm naan or a side of rice. Pair it with a light salad or some steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
How can I adjust the spiciness of this dish?
To adjust the spice level, simply omit the red pepper flakes if you prefer a milder flavor, or add more if you love a good kick! You have complete control over how spicy you want your dish to be.
Crockpot Butter Chicken
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp melted coconut oil or olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion, finely diced
- 1 Tbsp ginger paste
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1¼ tsp smoked paprika
- 1¼ tsp ground cumin
- 1¼ tsp ground turmeric
- 1¼ tsp salt
- 2¼ tsp garam masala
- ⅛ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tsp sugar (optional)
- 1 can 14.5-ounce diced or crushed tomatoes
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 8 Tbsp unsalted butter, sliced
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ⅓ cup finely chopped cilantro (optional)
- to taste naan, warmed, for serving
- to taste cooked rice, for serving
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large nonstick pan over medium-high heat.
- Add diced onion, ginger paste, and minced garlic. Sauté for about 3-6 minutes until the onion turns golden brown.
- Add smoked paprika, cumin, turmeric, salt, garam masala, and optional red pepper flakes. Stir for 1-3 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in tomatoes and let the mixture cool slightly before transferring to the slow cooker.
- Place chicken thighs in the slow cooker and coat with the tomato mixture.
- Cover and cook on high for 2-1/2 to 4 hours or low for 4 to 6 hours until chicken reaches 165°F.
- Remove chicken and chop into bite-sized pieces. Puree the sauce until smooth.
- Return the sauce to the slow cooker. Stir in butter and heavy cream until well combined.
- Add the chopped chicken back to the sauce and stir gently. Add cilantro if desired.
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