Crockpot Butter Chicken

Crockpot Butter Chicken is a delightful dish that combines tender chicken with a rich and creamy sauce, making it perfect for dinner any night of the week. This recipe is not only simple to prepare but also delivers bold flavors that will impress your family and friends. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or looking for a comforting meal, this Crockpot Butter Chicken fits the bill perfectly!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Preparation: Simply toss ingredients into your crockpot and let it do the work while you go about your day.
• Rich and Flavorful Sauce: The combination of spices creates a mouthwatering sauce that pairs beautifully with rice or naan.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve with warm naan or fluffy rice, making it adaptable for different occasions.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch, and enjoy leftover goodness throughout the week!
• Kid-Friendly: The mild flavors appeal to young palates, making it a hit with children.

Tools and Preparation

To make this Crockpot Butter Chicken, you’ll need some essential tools. These will help streamline the cooking process and ensure everything turns out delicious.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker: The heart of this recipe, ensuring tender chicken as it cooks low and slow.
• Large nonstick pan: Ideal for sautéing aromatics without sticking and enhancing flavor through browning.
• Immersion blender: Perfect for easily 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 coconut oil, and once hot:
* Sauté onion, garlic, and ginger until golden brown (about 3–6 minutes).
* Stir in smoked paprika, cumin, turmeric, salt, garam masala, and red pepper flakes. Cook while stirring constantly for about 1–3 minutes until fragrant.
* Add diced tomatoes to the pan, scraping up any bits from the bottom. Allow the mixture to cool slightly before transferring it to the slow cooker.

Step 2: Prepare Chicken Thighs

Trim any large pieces of fat from chicken thighs but leave some for flavor:
* Place chicken thighs in the slow cooker.
* Stir well to coat them in the sauce. Arrange them in a single layer with smooth sides down.
* Cover and cook on high for 2–1/2–4 hours or low for 4–6 hours until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Step 3: Blend Sauce

Once cooking time is up:
* Remove chicken from the slow cooker and chop into bite-sized pieces.
* Use an immersion blender to purée the sauce until smooth. If using a regular blender, carefully transfer sauce before blending.

Step 4: Combine Sauce Ingredients

Return blended sauce back into the slow cooker:
* Stir in sliced butter and heavy cream until fully combined and smooth.

Step 5: Finish Dish

Add chopped chicken back into the sauce:
* Stir in cilantro if desired.
* Adjust seasoning as needed before serving hot with rice and warm naan.

Enjoy your delicious Crockpot Butter Chicken!

How to Serve Crockpot Butter Chicken

Crockpot Butter Chicken is a versatile dish that pairs beautifully with various sides and accompaniments. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a cozy night in, these serving suggestions will elevate your meal.

With Naan

• Naan is perfect for scooping up the creamy butter chicken sauce. Warm it slightly before serving for an added touch of comfort.

Over Rice

• Serve the butter chicken over a bed of fluffy cooked rice. Basmati rice works best to soak up the flavorful sauce.

With Fresh Salad

• A simple green salad on the side adds freshness. Use mixed greens, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the dish.

Topped with Cilantro

• Garnish your servings with fresh cilantro for a burst of flavor. It adds color and enhances the overall taste of the butter chicken.

With Roasted Vegetables

• Pairing with roasted vegetables provides a nutritious balance. Carrots, bell peppers, and zucchini roasted with spices complement the dish well.

As Meal Prep

• Make it ahead for easy meal prep! Portion out servings in containers with rice or naan for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.

How to Perfect Crockpot Butter Chicken

To achieve the best results with your Crockpot Butter Chicken, follow these helpful tips that enhance flavor and texture.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh onions, garlic, and ginger significantly boost flavor compared to pre-packaged versions.
• Adjust Spice Levels: Customize heat by varying red pepper flakes according to your preference. Start small if you’re unsure!
• Blend for Smoothness: Blending the sauce creates a velvety texture that coats the chicken perfectly. Don’t skip this step!
• Let It Simmer: For deeper flavors, allow your dish to cook longer on low heat if time permits; this enhances the spices’ potency.
• Add Cream Gradually: Stir in heavy cream slowly after blending for a luxurious sauce without cooling it down too quickly.
• Experiment with Proteins: While chicken is classic, try substituting turkey or even plant-based proteins for different variations.

Best Side Dishes for Crockpot Butter Chicken

Complement your Crockpot Butter Chicken with these delicious side dishes that enhance its rich flavors while providing variety to your meal.

1. Basmati Rice
   Classic choice! Fluffy basmati rice absorbs the buttery sauce beautifully.

2. Cucumber Raita
   This cooling yogurt dip balances spices. Mix diced cucumbers into yogurt with mint and spices for a refreshing contrast.

3. Vegetable Samosas
   Crispy samosas filled with spiced potatoes and peas add texture and flavor diversity when served alongside butter chicken.

4. Chickpea Salad
   A protein-packed chickpea salad brings health benefits and complements the meal’s richness—toss chickpeas with diced tomatoes, onions, and lemon juice.

5. Garlic Naan Bread
   Soft naan brushed with garlic butter enhances every bite of butter chicken while providing an aromatic experience.

6. Saag Paneer
   Creamy spinach with paneer provides additional Indian flavors that pair well with buttery dishes like this one.

7. Mango Chutney
   Sweet and tangy mango chutney can brighten up the plate, adding an exciting contrast to savory flavors.

8. Roasted Cauliflower
   Spiced roasted cauliflower offers a healthy crunch that complements soft textures from both rice and chicken.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Crockpot Butter Chicken, it’s easy to make some common errors that can affect the dish’s flavor and texture. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Using too much fat: While some fat adds flavor, using too much can make the dish greasy. Stick to the recommended amount of butter for the best results.
• Skipping the sauté step: Sautéing onions, garlic, and spices before adding them to the slow cooker enhances their flavors. Don’t skip this crucial step!
• Not trimming chicken properly: Leaving too much fat or gristle on the chicken can lead to a chewy texture. Take a moment to trim it well before cooking.
• Overcooking the chicken: Cooking chicken for too long can dry it out. Always check for doneness at 165°F to ensure it remains juicy.
• Neglecting seasoning adjustments: After blending the sauce, taste it and adjust the seasoning if needed. This step is essential for achieving a balanced flavor.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• It will keep for up to 3–4 days.

Freezing Crockpot Butter Chicken

• Allow it to cool completely before freezing.
• Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for best results.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Crockpot Butter Chicken

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F. Place in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl on medium power in short intervals, stirring in between until heated evenly.
• Stovetop: Reheat in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some commonly asked questions about Crockpot Butter Chicken:

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

You can use chicken breast; however, chicken thighs provide more moisture and flavor during cooking.

How do I make Crockpot Butter Chicken dairy-free?

Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or any plant-based cream alternative for a dairy-free version.

Can I add vegetables to my Crockpot Butter Chicken?

Yes! Adding vegetables like bell peppers or spinach can enhance nutrition and flavor. Just chop them into bite-sized pieces and add them at the beginning of cooking.

What can I serve with Crockpot Butter Chicken?

Serve it with rice or naan bread. A side salad or roasted vegetables also complements this dish nicely.

How long does it take to cook Crockpot Butter Chicken?

Cook on high for 2-1/2–4 hours or on low for 4–6 hours until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Final Thoughts

Crockpot Butter Chicken is a delightful blend of spices and tender chicken that makes any dinner feel special. Its versatility allows you to customize ingredients based on your preferences, whether you want extra heat or additional veggies. Try this recipe today and enjoy a comforting meal that’s sure to impress!