Crockpot Butter Chicken

If you’re looking for a dish that combines bold flavors with the convenience of slow cooking, then you’ve come to the right place! My Crockpot Butter Chicken is a beloved recipe that has graced many of our family dinners. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. The rich, creamy sauce paired with tender chicken thighs is simply irresistible, making it an excellent choice for family gatherings or cozy nights at home.

This dish is not only packed with flavor but also incredibly easy to prepare. Once you get everything in the crockpot, you can go about your day while the magic happens. Trust me; this Crockpot Butter Chicken will have everyone asking for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: Just toss everything in the crockpot and let it do the work for you!
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Everyone loves this creamy, flavorful dish—perfect for kids and adults alike.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare it in advance and let it simmer all day for a hassle-free dinner.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of spices creates a mouthwatering sauce that’s hard to resist.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve it with naan or rice, making it a flexible meal for any occasion.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the ingredients for this Crockpot Butter Chicken is simple and straightforward. These are wholesome items you likely already have in your pantry or can easily find at your local grocery store. Let’s get cooking!

• 1 tablespoon melted coconut oil (or olive oil)
• 1 large yellow onion, finely diced (1-1/2 cups)
• 1 tablespoon ginger paste (see note 1)
• 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 (see note 2)
• 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes (or crushed; fire-roasted is delicious)
• 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs (see note 3)
• 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, sliced into tablespoons
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/3 cup finely chopped cilantro (optional)
• Naan (warmed, for serving, see note 4)
• Cooked rice (for serving)

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! You can easily tweak it to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. Here are some fun variations to try:

• Swap the protein: Use chicken breasts or even chickpeas for a vegetarian twist!
• Add more veggies: Toss in some spinach or bell peppers during cooking for extra nutrition.
• Change up the spices: Experiment with different spice blends to create a unique flavor profile.
• Make it lighter: Substitute half of the heavy cream with coconut milk for a lighter option.

How to Make Crockpot Butter Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

Start by heating a large nonstick pan over medium-high heat. Add your coconut oil and sauté the onion, garlic, and ginger until they turn golden and fragrant—about 3 to 6 minutes. This step is crucial because caramelizing these ingredients brings out their natural sweetness and depth of flavor. Once golden, stir in all your spices and cook them briefly until fragrant; this releases their essential oils. Then add the diced tomatoes, scraping up any bits from the bottom of the pan before letting everything cool slightly. Transfer this lovely mixture into your slow cooker.

Step 2: Add Chicken Thighs

Next, prepare your chicken thighs by trimming off any large pieces of fat while leaving some for added flavor. Place them into the slow cooker and stir well so they’re coated in that delicious sauce you just made. Arrange them in a single layer with the smooth side facing down—this helps them cook evenly! Cover your slow cooker and set it on high for about 2½ to 4 hours or low for about 4 to 6 hours until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

Step 3: Blend the Sauce

Once your chicken is cooked through, carefully remove it from the slow cooker and chop it into bite-sized pieces. Now comes my favorite part: using an immersion blender—or transferring everything to a regular blender—to purée that sauce until it’s smooth as silk! This step ensures every bite is infused with that rich buttery flavor.

Step 4: Finish Off with Cream and Butter

Return that luscious sauce back to the slow cooker and stir in your sliced butter and heavy cream until fully blended together. This creates that heavenly creamy texture we all love!

Step 5: Combine Everything Together

Finally, add those chopped chicken pieces back into the sauce. If you’re feeling fancy, toss in some fresh cilantro for brightness! Give everything a good stir and taste; adjust seasoning if needed before serving hot alongside warm naan or fluffy rice.

Enjoy your delightful Crockpot Butter Chicken—it’s sure to be a hit at any table!

Pro Tips for Making Crockpot Butter Chicken

Cooking can sometimes feel daunting, but with these pro tips, you’ll be on your way to crafting a delicious Crockpot Butter Chicken that will impress everyone at the table!

• Choose the right chicken: Using boneless skinless chicken thighs ensures that your dish remains juicy and flavorful. Thighs are more forgiving than breasts when cooked for extended periods in the slow cooker.

• Sauté before slow cooking: Sautéing the onions, garlic, and ginger not only enhances their flavors but also adds depth to your sauce. This step helps release essential oils and caramelizes the ingredients, creating a richer taste.

• Blend for smoothness: For a velvety sauce, blending it after cooking is key. A smooth sauce coats the chicken beautifully and gives a luxurious texture that makes your dish feel extra special.

• Adjust spices to taste: Everyone’s palate is different! Feel free to tweak the spices—if you prefer a milder dish, reduce the red pepper flakes; if you love heat, add a pinch more!

• Don’t skip garnishes: Fresh herbs like cilantro or even a squeeze of lemon brightens up the dish and adds freshness. Garnishes can elevate the presentation and flavor profile significantly.

How to Serve Crockpot Butter Chicken

Serving Crockpot Butter Chicken is all about creating an inviting meal experience that highlights its rich flavors and textures. Here are some ideas to make your presentation shine.

Garnishes

• Chopped cilantro: A sprinkle of fresh cilantro on top provides a pop of color and an aromatic finish.
• Lemon wedges: Offering lemon wedges allows guests to add a squeeze for brightness, enhancing the flavors beautifully.
• Crushed red pepper flakes: For those who enjoy a spicy kick, serve some crushed red pepper on the side for easy customization.

Side Dishes

• Naan bread: Warm naan is perfect for scooping up butter chicken and soaking up that delicious sauce. Consider garlic naan for an extra flavor boost!

• Basmati rice: Fluffy basmati rice serves as a wonderful base that complements the richness of the butter chicken. Its subtle nutty flavor pairs perfectly with Indian spices.

• Vegetable curry: A light vegetable curry can balance out the richness of butter chicken while adding more vibrant colors and textures to your meal.

• Cucumber salad: A refreshing cucumber salad adds crunch and coolness, providing a nice contrast to the warm, spicy flavors of the main dish.

With these serving suggestions, you’ll create an unforgettable dining experience around your Crockpot Butter Chicken. Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

Crockpot Butter Chicken is not only delicious but also a fantastic option for meal prep! You can easily make a big batch, store it properly, and enjoy it throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the dish to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing

• Cool the dish thoroughly before freezing.
• Portion out in freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Reheat on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
• Alternatively, reheat in the microwave in 1-minute intervals until hot.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about Crockpot Butter Chicken:

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs for Crockpot Butter Chicken?

Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts instead of thighs. However, keep in mind that chicken thighs tend to be more tender and flavorful when cooked slowly.

How do I make my Crockpot Butter Chicken spicier?

To add extra heat to your Crockpot Butter Chicken, increase the amount of red pepper flakes, or consider adding a dash of cayenne pepper. You can also serve it with spicy chutneys on the side!

Can I substitute coconut cream for heavy cream in this recipe?

Absolutely! Coconut cream is a great dairy-free alternative that will still provide a rich texture and flavor to your Crockpot Butter Chicken.

What can I serve with Crockpot Butter Chicken?

This dish pairs wonderfully with fluffy rice or warm naan bread. You can also serve it alongside a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this Crockpot Butter Chicken! It’s a comforting dish that brings warmth and flavor to your table. Whether you’re enjoying it alone or sharing with loved ones, I’m sure you’ll fall in love with its deliciousness. Happy cooking!