Crockpot Butter Chicken

If you’re looking for a cozy meal that makes your taste buds dance, let me introduce you to my favorite comfort dish: Crockpot Butter Chicken! This recipe is a warm hug on a plate, bringing bold flavors and tender chicken right into your home. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you need something hearty without the fuss. Plus, it’s always a hit at family gatherings—everyone loves dipping naan into that rich, creamy sauce!

What makes this Crockpot Butter Chicken truly special is how it fills your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas as it simmers away. You’ll find yourself dreaming about the leftovers (if there are any left!) because it’s just that good.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to prepare: Just throw everything in the crockpot and let it do the work!
• Family-friendly: With its mild spices and creamy texture, everyone will love this dish.
• Make-ahead convenience: Perfect for meal prepping; you can whip it up ahead of time and reheat.
• Delicious flavor: Rich, savory, and oh-so-satisfying—this dish will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is part of what makes cooking so enjoyable! Here’s what you’ll need to create this delectable Crockpot Butter Chicken:

For the Sauce

• 1 tablespoon melted coconut oil (or olive oil)
• 1 large yellow onion (finely diced)
• 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; fire-roasted is delicious)

For the Chicken

• 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs

Finishing Touches

• 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)

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is how flexible it is! You can easily adjust ingredients to suit your taste or what you have on hand.

• Swap the protein: Try using boneless skinless chicken breasts or even chickpeas for a vegetarian twist.
• Add more veggies: Toss in some spinach or bell peppers during the last hour of cooking for added nutrition.
• Change up the spices: If you’re feeling adventurous, add some cardamom or cinnamon for an extra layer of flavor.
• Make it dairy-free: Substitute coconut cream for heavy cream and use dairy-free butter.

How to Make Crockpot Butter Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

Start by heating a large nonstick pan over medium-high heat. Add your chosen oil and sauté the onion, garlic, and ginger until golden. This step is crucial because sautéing these aromatics brings out their natural sweetness and depth of flavor. Once they’re fragrant, stir in all those lovely spices—smoked paprika, cumin, turmeric, salt, and garam masala—and let them mingle for a couple of minutes. Then toss in those diced tomatoes before transferring everything to your slow cooker.

Step 2: Add the Chicken

Next up, take those boneless chicken thighs and trim any large pieces of fat. A little fat adds flavor but remove any gristle. Place the chicken into the slow cooker, making sure every piece gets coated in that delicious sauce. Lay them smooth side down in a single layer; this helps them cook evenly. Cover and set your crockpot to high for 2-1/2–4 hours or low for 4–6 hours until your chicken reaches 165°F.

Step 3: Blend the Sauce

Once your chicken is perfectly cooked, carefully remove it from the crockpot and chop it into bite-sized pieces. Now comes the fun part—using an immersion blender (or transferring to a regular blender), purée that luscious sauce until smooth! This step creates that velvety texture we all adore.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Return your blended sauce back to the slow cooker and stir in slices of butter and heavy cream until fully combined. The butter adds richness while the cream gives it that delightful creamy finish we love in butter chicken.

Step 5: Serve It Up!

Finally, add those chopped chicken pieces back into your sauce along with cilantro if you’re using it. Give everything a good stir to mix thoroughly and adjust seasoning to your liking. Serve hot over cooked rice with warm naan on the side. Enjoy every delicious bite!

This Crockpot Butter Chicken is sure to become a family favorite—easy enough for weeknights but special enough for gatherings!

Pro Tips for Making Crockpot Butter Chicken

Making the perfect Crockpot Butter Chicken is all about attention to detail and a few handy techniques that can elevate your dish. Here are some pro tips to ensure your meal turns out delicious every time!

• Use fresh spices: Freshly ground spices deliver a more intense flavor compared to pre-ground ones, enhancing the overall taste of your butter chicken.

• Sear the chicken first: While not mandatory, searing the chicken thighs before adding them to the crockpot adds a depth of flavor and helps lock in moisture.

• Adjust the heat level: If you like things spicier, feel free to increase the red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper. Remember, you can always start with less and add more as needed!

• Let it rest: After cooking, allow your butter chicken to sit for about 10-15 minutes before serving. This resting time helps the flavors meld together beautifully.

• Customize your creaminess: If you prefer a lighter dish, replace heavy cream with coconut milk or full-fat yogurt for a different twist without sacrificing flavor.

How to Serve Crockpot Butter Chicken

Serving your Crockpot Butter Chicken can be just as exciting as making it! Here are some ideas that will make your meal both visually appealing and delicious.

Garnishes

• Chopped fresh cilantro: A classic garnish that adds a pop of color and freshness to balance the richness of the sauce.
• Lemon wedges: Offering lemon wedges on the side allows everyone to squeeze some zest over their dish for an extra burst of flavor.
• Sliced green onions: These add a slight crunch and mild onion flavor that complements the rich sauce perfectly.

Side Dishes

• Basmati rice: Fluffy basmati rice is a traditional pairing with butter chicken. Its nutty aroma and delicate grains soak up the flavorful sauce beautifully.

• Naan bread: Soft, warm naan is perfect for scooping up every last bite of chicken and sauce. You can enjoy it plain or try garlic naan for extra flavor.

• Roasted vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, or carrots provide a colorful and healthy balance to your meal.

• Cucumber raita: This cool yogurt-based side dish pairs wonderfully with spicy flavors. Simply mix diced cucumbers with yogurt, mint, and salt for a refreshing accompaniment.

Now you’re all set to create an amazing dining experience with your Crockpot Butter Chicken! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

Crockpot Butter Chicken is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy this flavorful dish throughout the week. Here’s how to store, freeze, and reheat your delicious leftovers.

Storing Leftovers

• Transfer any leftover butter chicken to an airtight container.
• Allow it to cool to room temperature before sealing.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing

• Place cooled butter chicken in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag.
• Label with the date and contents for easy identification.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Reheat in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
• Alternatively, use the microwave in short intervals, stirring in between to ensure even heating.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about Crockpot Butter Chicken that might help you out!

Can I make Crockpot Butter Chicken without cream?

Absolutely! You can substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream for a lighter version that still maintains creaminess.

How long does Crockpot Butter Chicken take to cook?

Cooking time varies; on high, it takes about 2.5-4 hours, while low cooking is done in about 4-6 hours. Just make sure the chicken reaches 165°F before serving!

What can I serve with Crockpot Butter Chicken?

This dish pairs wonderfully with naan bread and cooked rice. You can also serve it with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you enjoy making this Crockpot Butter Chicken! It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience filled with warmth and comforting flavors. Whether you’re preparing it for dinner or meal prepping for the week ahead, this recipe is sure to impress. Don’t hesitate to share your thoughts after trying it—happy cooking!