Crockpot Butter Chicken

There’s something magical about the warm aroma of butter chicken wafting through your home, don’t you think? It’s a dish that brings people together, wrapping you in a comforting hug as soon as you take the first bite. I remember the first time I tasted this glorious Indian classic at a friends’ gathering. The chicken was so tender and flavorful, it left an indelible mark on my culinary heart. The creamy, rich sauce combined with the fragrant spices created an unforgettable experience that stayed with me long after the last morsel was devoured. Now, I’m excited to share my simplified version—Crockpot Butter Chicken—that lets you enjoy this delightful dish without being tethered to the stove.

With just a few humble ingredients and a trusty crockpot, you can recreate that same warmth in your own kitchen. Imagine coming home after a long day to the tantalizing smell of dinner already waiting for you, all thanks to this easy recipe. Let’s dive into how to make this heavenly dish!

Recipe Timing

• Prep Duration: 15 minutes
• Active Cooking: 0 minutes (just set and forget!)
• Total Duration: 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high
• Portion Size: Serves about 6 people
• Complexity: Simple

Nutritional Recipe

• Calories per portion: Approx. 480
• Protein: 29g
• Carbs: 15g
• Fats: 36g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 2g
• Sodium: 700mg

Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Butter Chicken

This dish is a wonderful combination of flavorful spices, tender chicken, and a luscious, creamy sauce. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld perfectly, resulting in a dish you’ll want to savor again and again. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile—whether you serve it over fluffy basmati rice or with warm naan, it’s bound to slay your dinner game!

The Complete Cooking Journey

Cooking with a crockpot is a game changer! Start by gathering your ingredients, toss them into the pot, and let time do the heavy lifting. The magic happens as the chicken simmers in a bath of spices, butter, and coconut milk, absorbing every little bit of flavor. When it’s time to shred the chicken, you’ll be amazed at how tender it is—making it a perfect one-pot meal that can be garnished with fresh cilantro for that touch of green.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
• 1 cup onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, freshly grated
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato puree
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons garam masala
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder (optional for heat)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish
• Cooked basmati rice or naan bread, for serving

Method:

Step 1: Layer the Chicken

Begin by placing the chicken thighs at the bottom of the crockpot.

Step 2: Combine Aromatics

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the chopped onions, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Mix well and spread this mixture evenly over the chicken in the crockpot.

Step 3: Add the Tomato Purée

Pour the tomato puree over the chicken and onion mixture, ensuring that the chicken is well covered.

Step 4: Whisk the Creamy Sauce

In another bowl, whisk together the coconut milk, butter, garam masala, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, red chili powder (if using), and salt and pepper. Mix until well combined.

Step 5: Pour the Sauce Over Chicken

Pour the coconut milk mixture over the chicken and onion layer in the crockpot, ensuring even distribution.

Step 6: Set and Forget

Cover the crockpot with its lid and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shredded.

Step 7: Shred and Mix

Once cooking time is complete, shred the chicken using two forks and stir it back into the sauce. This will help to incorporate the flavors.

Step 8: Plate and Garnish

Serve the butter chicken over cooked basmati rice or with warm naan bread. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

This Crockpot Butter Chicken is an absolute delight when served with fluffy basmati rice, allowing the sauce to soak in beautifully into the grains. Naan bread is another excellent companion—perfect for mopping up every last bit of that divine sauce. For a complete meal, pair it with a refreshing cucumber and tomato salad or a tangy raita for some added crunch and freshness.

Storage & Leftovers Guide

You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze the butter chicken for up to 3 months. Just make sure to allow it to cool before portioning it out into freezer-safe bags.

Kitchen Wisdom & Success Tips

• Chicken Thighs vs. Breasts: Using chicken thighs here gives you a juicier result, but you can use chicken breasts if you prefer. Just be cautious not to overcook them, as they can dry out.
• Spice Levels: Adjust the heat by modifying or omitting the red chili powder according to your preference.
• Extra Creaminess: For an even richer sauce, feel free to add a little more butter or a splash of cream just before serving.

Flavor Variations & Adaptations

Feel free to customize your butter chicken! Add in some green peas or bell peppers for extra vegetables, or use a different protein like shrimp or tofu for a twist. Incorporating different spices can create your own special version—maybe even a touch of curry powder or a squeeze of lime juice for brightness!

Reader Questions & Solutions

• Why is my butter chicken watery? If your sauce is too thin, try adding a cornstarch slurry to thicken it up during the final cooking stages.
• How can I reduce the fat content? Substitute some of the butter with olive oil and use light coconut milk for a lower-fat version without sacrificing too much flavor.
• Can this be made dairy-free? Yes, ensure to use a dairy-free butter alternative in place of regular butter.
• What if I don’t have garam masala? You can make a simple homemade mix using equal parts cumin, cinnamon, and coriander.
• Can I cook this on the stovetop? Absolutely! Use a heavy-bottomed pot and follow the same steps, cooking on low heat while checking occasionally until the chicken is tender.

Wrapping Up

There you have it—a heartwarming, deliciously creamy version of butter chicken that’s perfect for any weeknight dinner! I hope this recipe inspires you to create your own culinary memories, just as it has brought joy into my kitchen. So, why wait? Dust off that crockpot, gather your ingredients, and get ready for a fabulous meal that’s sure to impress! Happy cooking!

Print