Name: Crockpot Butter Chicken: 6 Steps to Comforting Flavor
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 4 h 25 min
Cuisine: Indian
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, fire-roasted preferred; 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 bread, warmed; Cooked rice

Crockpot Butter Chicken is a rich and flavorful dish that has been a staple in my kitchen for its comforting and delightful taste. This Indian-inspired meal features tender chicken thighs slow-cooked in a creamy, spiced tomato sauce enriched with butter and cream. Perfect for busy weeknights, this easy butter chicken in a crockpot delivers a satisfying meal with minimal effort. Let’s dive into the magic of this creamy slow cooker butter chicken recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Butter Chicken

This butter chicken recipe stands out for several reasons. Firstly, it’s incredibly simple to prepare, making it an excellent choice for busy families. The use of a crockpot ensures that the chicken becomes tender and juicy while soaking up all the delicious spices. Additionally, it’s a healthy butter chicken in a slow cooker that offers rich flavors without excessive fuss. You can also adjust the spice levels to cater to your family’s preferences, making it a family-friendly slow cooker butter chicken dish. Finally, the meal pairs beautifully with rice and naan, adding to its comforting nature.

Ingredients for Crockpot Butter Chicken

Gather these items:

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, fire-roasted preferred
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 bread, warmed
Cooked rice

How to Make Crockpot Butter Chicken Step-by-Step

Step 1: Heat a large nonstick pan over medium-high heat. Add the melted coconut or olive oil. Once hot, sauté the finely diced onion, minced garlic, and ginger paste, stirring occasionally, until the onion turns golden brown, about 3 to 6 minutes.
Step 2: Stir in smoked paprika, ground cumin, ground turmeric, salt, garam masala, red pepper flakes (if using), and sugar (if using). Cook the spices with the aromatics, stirring constantly for 1 to 3 minutes until fragrant.
Step 3: Stir in the canned diced or crushed tomatoes, scraping the bottom of the pan to loosen any browned bits. Allow the mixture to cool slightly before transferring it to the slow cooker.
Step 4: Trim excess fat and gristle from the chicken thighs but leave some fat for flavor. Add the chicken to the slow cooker and stir to coat it evenly in the sauce. Arrange the thighs in a single layer, smooth side down. Cover and cook on high for 2 1/2 to 4 hours or on low for 4 to 6 hours until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Step 5: Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and chop it into bite-sized pieces. Using an immersion blender or transferring the sauce to a regular blender, purée the sauce until smooth. Let the sauce cool slightly before blending to prevent spills or burns.
Step 6: Return the blended sauce to the slow cooker. Stir in the sliced butter and heavy cream until fully combined and silky smooth.
Step 7: Add the chopped chicken back into the sauce and stir in the chopped cilantro if desired. Adjust seasoning to taste. Serve hot alongside cooked rice and warmed naan bread.

Crockpot Butter Chicken: 6 Steps to Comforting Flavor - Crockpot Butter Chicken - main visual representation

Pro Tips for the Perfect Crockpot Butter Chicken

Keep these in mind:

Pairs well with rice and naan bread.
For a spicier kick, add more red pepper flakes or fresh chili.
Using boneless skinless chicken thighs provides the best flavor and texture.
Check the internal temperature to ensure the chicken is cooked through.

Best Ways to Serve Crockpot Butter Chicken

Enjoy this crockpot chicken curry dish with warm naan or over a bed of fluffy rice. For added freshness, consider garnishing with extra cilantro or serving with a side of crisp cucumber salad. It’s a delightful meal that everyone will love!

How to Store and Reheat Crockpot Butter Chicken

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove or in the microwave until heated through. This dish is perfect for meal prep as you can enjoy it throughout the week!

Frequently Asked Questions About Crockpot Butter Chicken

What is crockpot butter chicken?

Crockpot butter chicken is a rich, creamy Indian dish made with chicken thighs, simmered in a spiced tomato sauce. It’s an easy butter chicken in a crockpot that’s perfect for busy weeknights.

Can I make crockpot butter chicken ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Just add the chicken before cooking on the day you plan to serve it, making this an ideal quick and easy crockpot butter chicken option.

How do I avoid common mistakes with crockpot butter chicken?

To prevent the chicken from drying out, avoid overcooking. Always check the internal temperature and ensure you use enough liquid. Following the recipe closely will help you create the best crockpot butter chicken recipe!

Variations of Crockpot Butter Chicken You Can Try

For an authentic Indian butter chicken crockpot experience, consider adding coconut milk for a tropical twist. You can also experiment with different protein options, such as tofu or chickpeas, for a vegetarian version. Enjoy a spicy crockpot butter chicken dish by increasing the spice levels or incorporating additional vegetables for a healthy butter chicken in a slow cooker!

For more information on Indian cuisine, check out this guide on traditional dishes. If you’re interested in meal prep tips, visit this article for more ideas. You can also learn about healthy cooking methods that can enhance your meals.