Crockpot Butter Chicken: The Easiest Recipe EVER!

crockpot butter chicken! Just hearing those words brings a smile to my face. There’s something incredibly comforting about the aroma of simmering spices and tender chicken, all made effortlessly in your trusty crockpot. This crockpot butter chicken, adapted from a family favorite, is a dish that’s close to my heart. It’s more than just a recipe to me; it’s a memory of cozy evenings and shared laughter around the dinner table. 

The beauty of crockpot butter chicken lies in its simplicity and depth of flavor. It’s a dish that demands minimal effort but delivers maximum taste results. Whether you’re a busy parent, a student, or simply someone who appreciates a delicious, home cooked meal, this recipe is for you. Let’s dive into this amazing dish, shall we?

Why You Will Love This crockpot butter chicken Recipe

Oh, where do I begin? This crockpot butter chicken recipe is pure comfort food magic. It’s incredibly easy to prepare; a simple toss in the crockpot, and you’re set with a flavorful meal later in the day. Imagine coming home after a long day to the rich, comforting aroma of this Indian classic.

The blend of creamy tomato sauce, fragrant spices, and tender chicken creates a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. It is hearty and satisfying! Plus, the slow cooking process makes the chicken incredibly tender and locks in all those amazing flavors. I often prepare this when my family is craving something warm and comforting.
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Ingredients Needed for This crockpot butter chicken Recipe

Here’s what you’ll need to create this culinary masterpiece:

• For the Chicken:
  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1 inch pieces
• For the Sauce:
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 inch ginger, grated
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (or to taste)
  • 1 (14.5 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup butter, unsalted
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• For Serving (Optional):
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Cooked basmati rice
  • Naan bread

How to Make This crockpot butter chicken Recipe

Let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps for a delicious crockpot butter chicken dinner.

1. Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and grated ginger; cook for another minute until fragrant.
2. Add Spices: Stir in garam masala, turmeric powder, cumin powder, and chili powder. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until the spices are fragrant.
3. Combine Ingredients: In your crockpot, combine the sautéed mixture with crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, heavy cream, and butter. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Add Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the crockpot and stir until they are fully coated in the sauce. Make sure the chicken is evenly distributed.
5. Slow Cook: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender. Note. Cook times may vary slightly depending on your crockpot
6. Shred Chicken (Optional): If desired, use two forks to shred the chicken slightly within the sauce. This allows the sauce to absorb into the chicken even more!
7. Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot over cooked basmati rice. Enjoy with warm naan bread for dipping to savor every last drop. You might also enjoy this simple dish with Simple Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl.

How to Serve This crockpot butter chicken Recipe

Serving this crockpot butter chicken is just as delightful as making it. I love serving it over fluffy, fragrant basmati rice to soak up all that delicious sauce. A sprinkle of fresh cilantro adds a pop of color and freshness.

Warm naan bread is essential for scooping up every last bit of the creamy sauce. Topping with a dollop of plain yogurt or a squeeze of lemon juice can add a tangy contrast. Feel free to pair with your favorite side dish; roasted cauliflower or steamed broccoli would pair well. And why not follow it up with Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta?

How to Store This crockpot butter chicken Recipe

Proper storage helps maintain the flavor and quality of your crockpot butter chicken.

• Refrigeration: Allow the chicken to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: For longer storage, portion the cooled chicken into freezer safe bags or containers. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Remember to label with date before storing.
• Reheating: Thaw frozen chicken in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat in the microwave, on the stovetop, or in the crockpot until heated through. When reheating in the microwave or on the stovetop, add a splash of water or broth to prevent drying.

Tips to Make This crockpot butter chicken Recipe

Here are some tips to ensure your crockpot butter chicken turns out perfectly every time:

• Ingredient Swaps: You can use chicken breast instead of thighs, but thighs stay more moist during long cooking times. Coconut milk can substitute heavy cream for a dairy free alternative.
• Success Tips: Don’t skip sautéing the onions, garlic, and ginger. This step builds a foundation of flavor. Toasting the spices before adding them to the crockpot will enhance their aroma and taste.
• Common Mistakes to Avoid: Overcooking the chicken can make it dry. Keep an eye on the cooking time and adjust as needed. Skimping on the spices won’t give it an authentic rich flavor.
• Pro Tips for Best Results: For a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender to blend the sauce after cooking. Add a squeeze of lemon juice at the end for a brightness to the dish. For an extra kick try incorporating the Smoky Chipotle Bbq Chicken And Rice Skillet (https://recipesofday.com/smoky-chipotle-bbq-chicken-and-rice-skillet/) flavors by adding a pinch of smoked paprika or chipotle powder.

Helpful Notes for This crockpot butter chicken Recipe

This recipe is adaptable to your preferences and available ingredients.

• Extra Clarifications: Adjust the amount of chili powder according to your preferred level of heat.
• Ingredient Details: Using high quality butter and heavy cream will result in a richer, more flavorful sauce.
• Equipment Recommendations: A good quality crockpot will ensure even cooking. An immersion blender can be helpful for creating a smooth sauce.

Variation of This crockpot butter chicken Recipe

Looking to add some extra twists? Try these variations:

• Seasonal Twists: Add chopped butternut squash or sweet potatoes during the fall for a seasonal touch.
• Optional Versions: Make it vegetarian by substituting the chicken with chickpeas or paneer cheese.
• Creative Modifications: Incorporate vegetables like bell peppers or spinach during the last hour of cooking. For a smoky flavor, use smoked paprika in the spice blend.

FAQs About This crockpot butter chicken Recipe

Here are some frequently asked questions about making crockpot butter chicken:

Q: Can I use frozen chicken in this recipe?
A: It's best to use thawed chicken for optimal cooking and even flavor distribution. Frozen chicken can release excess water, which might dilute the sauce.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! Crockpot butter chicken is perfect for making ahead. Prepare it a day or two in advance, store it in the refrigerator, and reheat when ready to serve.

Q: Is this recipe suitable for a gluten free diet?
A: Yes, as long as you serve it with gluten free rice or naan. Double check all spice labels to ensure that they are indeed gluten free.

Conclusion

I hope you’re as excited to try this recipe as I am to share it with you! There's nothing quite like the ease and comfort of a home cooked meal, especially when it involves the rich, flavorful goodness of crockpot butter chicken. So gather your ingredients, fire up your crockpot, and get ready to enjoy a truly unforgettable meal.

Remember, cooking should be fun and stress free and this recipe aims to deliver exactly that! Let me know in the comments how your crockpot butter chicken turns out. Happy cooking!

Frequently Asked Questions

Crockpot Butter Chicken: The Easiest Recipe EVER!

Enjoy this easy and delicious crockpot butter chicken recipe. Chicken thighs cooked in a creamy tomato based sauce with many aromatic spices.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours
Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Category: Main Course
Cuisine: Indian

Nutrition:

Calories: 450
Protein: 30g
Carbs: 15g
Fat: 30g

Ingredients

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1 inch pieces
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 inch ginger, grated
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (or to taste)
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup butter, unsalted
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
• Cooked basmati rice (optional)
• Naan bread (optional)

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and grated ginger; cook for another minute until fragrant.
2. Stir in garam masala, turmeric powder, cumin powder, and chili powder. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until the spices are fragrant.
3. In your crockpot, combine the sautéed mixture with crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, heavy cream, and butter. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Add the chicken pieces to the crockpot and stir until they are fully coated in the sauce.
5. Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
6. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot over cooked basmati rice. Enjoy with warm naan bread.

Notes

• Adjust the amount of chili powder according to your spice preference.
• Chicken breasts can be substituted, but thighs stay more moist.
• You can use coconut milk instead of heavy cream for a dairy free version.