Crockpot Butter Chicken

Crockpot Butter Chicken is a delightful dish that combines rich, aromatic spices with tender chicken. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings, bringing the incredible flavors of Indian cuisine right to your table. With its creamy sauce and comforting texture, it’s bound to be a hit with family and friends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: Simply toss ingredients into your crockpot and let it do the work.
• Rich Flavors: Enjoy the bold taste of spices like garam masala and turmeric that create an unforgettable sauce.
• Versatile Serving Options: Pair with rice or naan for a complete meal that suits any occasion.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests, this dish will impress everyone at the table.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare this dish in advance, making mealtime stress-free.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start cooking, gather your tools. Having the right equipment will make the process smoother and ensure your Crockpot Butter Chicken turns out perfectly every time.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Large nonstick pan
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Immersion blender (or regular blender)

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker: This tool is essential for achieving tender chicken and allowing flavors to meld beautifully over time.
• Large nonstick pan: Sautéing ingredients before slow cooking enhances flavor and prevents sticking.
• Immersion blender: A handy tool for puréeing the sauce directly in the pot, saving time on cleanup.

Ingredients

Crockpot Butter Chicken brings bold flavors, tender chicken, and a sauce so good you’ll want to lick the bowl! Shop the recipe here.

• 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)

How to Make Crockpot Butter Chicken

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics

Heat a large nonstick pan over medium-high heat. Add the oil, and once hot:
Sauté onion, garlic, and ginger until golden brown (about 3–6 minutes).
Add all spices and stir constantly for 1–3 minutes until fragrant.
Stir in diced tomatoes, scraping the bottom of the pan. Let it cool slightly before transferring it to the slow cooker.

Step 2: Prepare Chicken

Trim any large pieces of fat from chicken thighs but leave some for flavor.
Place chicken in the slow cooker.
Stir to coat in the sauce, arranging thighs smooth side down.

Step 3: Cook Chicken

Cover and cook on high for 2.5–4 hours or low for 4–6 hours until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Step 4: Blend Sauce

Remove chicken from the slow cooker and chop it into bite-sized pieces.
Use an immersion blender or transfer sauce to a regular blender to purée until smooth.

Step 5: Combine Ingredients

Return blended sauce to the slow cooker:
Stir in butter and heavy cream until fully combined.
Add chopped chicken back into the sauce along with cilantro if using. Adjust seasoning as needed before serving hot with rice and naan.

How to Serve Crockpot Butter Chicken

Crockpot Butter Chicken is a delightful dish that pairs perfectly with various sides and accompaniments. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your meal experience.

With Naan

• Naan is a traditional Indian flatbread that is perfect for scooping up the rich sauce of the butter chicken. Warm the naan for an even better experience.

Over Rice

• Serving your butter chicken over a bed of fluffy, cooked rice helps absorb the flavorful sauce. Basmati rice is an excellent choice for its fragrant aroma.

Topped with Cilantro

• Fresh cilantro adds a burst of color and freshness to your dish. Sprinkle chopped cilantro on top just before serving for an extra layer of flavor.

With Raita

• Raita is a cooling yogurt-based condiment that pairs well with spicy dishes. A simple cucumber raita can balance out the heat of the butter chicken.

Accompanied by Salad

• A light salad can serve as a refreshing contrast to the richness of the butter chicken. Consider a mixed greens salad with lemon vinaigrette.

Drizzled with Extra Cream

• For those who love creamy flavors, drizzling additional heavy cream over your butter chicken before serving can elevate its richness.

How to Perfect Crockpot Butter Chicken

To ensure your Crockpot Butter Chicken turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips:

• Use fresh spices: Freshly ground spices enhance flavor significantly. Replace older spices to achieve optimal taste.
• Don’t skip marinating: Allowing the chicken to marinate in spices for at least an hour boosts flavor penetration.
• Adjust spice levels: Feel free to tweak the amount of red pepper flakes based on your heat preference. Add more if you enjoy spicy food.
• Blend thoroughly: Ensure your sauce is blended until smooth for a luxurious texture that clings beautifully to the chicken.
• Cook on low: Cooking on low heat allows flavors to meld beautifully and ensures tender chicken. Avoid cooking on high if possible.
• Allow resting time: Letting the dish rest after cooking allows flavors to develop further before serving.

Best Side Dishes for Crockpot Butter Chicken

Pairing side dishes with your Crockpot Butter Chicken can elevate your meal experience even more. Here are some delicious options:

1. Basmati Rice: Fragrant and fluffy, basmati rice absorbs sauces beautifully, making it an ideal companion.
2. Vegetable Samosas: These crispy pastries filled with spiced potatoes are great for adding crunch and flavor contrast.
3. Cucumber Raita: This cooling yogurt dip helps balance out spiciness, making each bite refreshing.
4. Garlic Naan: Soft and buttery, garlic naan enhances every scoop of butter chicken with its aromatic flavor.
5. Aloo Gobi: This classic Indian dish made from potatoes and cauliflower adds a hearty vegetable option alongside rich butter chicken.
6. Chickpea Salad: A protein-packed chickpea salad provides a healthy contrast while being easy to prepare ahead of time.
7. Saag Paneer: Creamy spinach and cheese complement the spices in butter chicken perfectly, creating a satisfying vegetarian option.
8. Lentil Soup: A warm lentil soup delivers warmth and nutrition while balancing the richness of the main dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Crockpot Butter Chicken, avoiding common mistakes can elevate your dish from good to great.

• Skipping the sauté step: Sautéing onions, garlic, and ginger enhances the flavors. Don’t rush this step; it makes a big difference in taste.
• Overcrowding the slow cooker: Adding too much chicken at once can prevent even cooking. Stick to the recipe’s recommended amount for best results.
• Not trimming chicken properly: Leaving too much fat on the chicken can lead to an oily sauce. Trim visible fat but keep some for flavor.
• Ignoring the seasoning adjustments: Taste your sauce before serving. Adjust spices and salt as needed for a well-balanced flavor profile.
• Forgetting to use fresh ingredients: Fresh spices and herbs significantly improve flavor. Avoid using stale spices to get the most out of your dish.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Allow the dish to cool completely before sealing.

Freezing Crockpot Butter Chicken

• Freeze in an airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bag for up to 3 months.
• Label containers with the date for easy tracking.

Reheating Crockpot Butter Chicken

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and cover with foil. Heat for about 20–30 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between until hot.
• Stovetop: Heat over medium-low heat in a saucepan, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common queries regarding Crockpot Butter Chicken that may help you enhance your cooking experience.

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

You can use chicken breasts; however, they may dry out faster than thighs. Adjust cooking time accordingly.

How do I make Crockpot Butter Chicken dairy-free?

Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or almond milk to achieve a creamy texture without dairy.

What should I serve with Crockpot Butter Chicken?

Serve with naan bread or cooked rice. Both options complement the rich flavors of the dish beautifully.

Can I add vegetables to my Crockpot Butter Chicken?

Yes! Add bell peppers, peas, or spinach during the last hour of cooking for added nutrition and color.

How do I spice up my Crockpot Butter Chicken?

For extra heat, increase red pepper flakes or add chopped jalapeños. You can also experiment with different spice blends.

Final Thoughts

Crockpot Butter Chicken is not only delicious but also versatile. It allows for various customization options like adding vegetables or adjusting spice levels. This recipe is sure to impress family and friends alike—give it a try!