Crockpot Butter Chicken: A Simple & Delicious Recipe

If you’re looking for a comforting meal that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor, then you’ve come to the right place! This Crockpot Butter Chicken: A Simple & Delicious Recipe is one of my all-time favorites. It’s rich, creamy, and packed with aromatic spices that will make your kitchen smell heavenly. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, this dish is sure to please even the pickiest eaters.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Just toss everything into the crockpot and let it do the work while you relax or tend to other tasks. You’ll end up with tender chicken bathed in a delightful sauce that pairs wonderfully with basmati rice and warm naan bread.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Preparation: With just a few steps to follow, you can have this delicious meal ready without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Everyone loves butter chicken! It’s a dish that appeals to both adults and kids alike, making it perfect for family dinners.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare it in advance! The flavors only get better as they meld together over time.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of spices creates a mouthwatering sauce that’s both comforting and exciting.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our simple, wholesome ingredients to create this delightful dish. You probably have many of these items in your pantry already!

For the Chicken

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 inch ginger, grated

For the Sauce

• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (13.5 ounce) can full-fat coconut milk
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste

For the Spices

• 2 tablespoons garam masala
• 1 tablespoon curry powder
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or more, to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For Garnish and Serving

• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
• Cooked basmati rice (for serving)
• Naan bread (for serving)

Variations

This recipe is quite flexible, allowing you to tailor it to your taste preferences or dietary needs. Here are some fun variations:

• Swap the protein: Try using chickpeas or tofu instead of chicken for a vegetarian version.
• Add some veggies: Toss in spinach or bell peppers for added nutrition and color.
• Spice it up: If you love heat, increase the cayenne pepper or add some diced jalapeños for an extra kick!
• Go dairy-free: Replace heavy cream with additional coconut milk for a lighter option.

How to Make Crockpot Butter Chicken: A Simple & Delicious Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened (about 5-7 minutes), stirring occasionally. This step is key because sautéing the onions brings out their natural sweetness, which enhances the overall flavor of your dish.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Ginger

Next, stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger; cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to burn them! This combination adds depth and warmth to your sauce.

Step 3: Brown the Chicken

Now it’s time to add cubed chicken to the skillet! Cook until lightly browned on all sides—this helps develop rich flavors. If your skillet gets too crowded, feel free to work in batches.

Step 4: Incorporate Spices

Stir in tomato paste along with garam masala, curry powder, paprika, turmeric, cumin, coriander, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Cooking these spices for 2-3 minutes allows their flavors to bloom beautifully.

Step 5: Combine with Tomatoes and Broth

Add crushed tomatoes and chicken broth next; bring everything to a gentle simmer while scraping up any browned bits from the pan. These bits are flavor gold!

Step 6: Transfer to Slow Cooker

Carefully transfer this delicious mixture into your slow cooker. Don’t forget to scrape every last bit from the skillet; we want all that flavor!

Step 7: Add Coconut Milk

Pour in coconut milk—this is what makes our butter chicken so creamy and rich! Stir gently until combined.

Step 8: Slow Cook It

Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for about 3-4 hours until chicken is cooked through and tender. This long cooking time allows all those beautiful flavors to meld together perfectly.

Step 9: Finish with Cream and Lemon Juice

About 30 minutes before serving, stir in heavy cream and lemon juice. Adjust seasoning as needed; this step will elevate your sauce even more!

Step 10: Serve Up!

Garnish with fresh cilantro right before serving. Enjoy hot over basmati rice with warm naan bread on the side—dinner is served!

I hope you enjoy making this comforting meal as much as I do!

Pro Tips for Making Crockpot Butter Chicken: A Simple & Delicious Recipe

Creating the perfect crockpot butter chicken is a breeze with a few handy tips to ensure your dish comes out even more delicious!

• Use fresh spices: Fresh spices enhance the aroma and flavor of the dish. If possible, buy whole spices and grind them yourself for maximum freshness.

• Brown the chicken: Browning the chicken before adding it to the slow cooker adds depth and richness to the flavor. This step helps develop those lovely caramelized notes that make every bite irresistible.

• Adjust spice levels: Everyone has different heat thresholds. Start with less cayenne pepper, then taste before serving; you can always add more for those who enjoy a kick!

• Add veggies for nutrition: Toss in some chopped spinach or bell peppers during the last hour of cooking for an extra pop of color and nutrients without compromising on flavor.

• Let it sit: If you have time, let the finished dish rest for 10-15 minutes after cooking. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a richer taste experience.

How to Serve Crockpot Butter Chicken: A Simple & Delicious Recipe

Serving your crockpot butter chicken can be just as delightful as making it! Here are some creative suggestions to elevate your meal presentation.

Garnishes

• Fresh cilantro: Chopped cilantro adds a burst of freshness that brightens up the rich flavors of the sauce.
• Lemon wedges: Serving lemon wedges on the side allows guests to squeeze fresh juice over their servings, enhancing flavor and brightness.
• Chopped green onions: A sprinkle of green onions provides a mild onion flavor and a lovely pop of color on top.

Side Dishes

• Basmati rice: Fluffy basmati rice is perfect for soaking up that creamy sauce. Its delicate flavor complements the spices in butter chicken beautifully.
• Naan bread: Soft naan is not only delicious but also fantastic for scooping up the sauce. You can serve it warm, brushed with garlic butter or herbs.
• Cucumber salad: A refreshing cucumber salad with yogurt dressing balances out the richness of butter chicken, providing a cool contrast.
• Roasted vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies add color and nutrients to your plate while offering a deliciously caramelized flavor that pairs well with this dish.

Enjoy serving your crockpot butter chicken with these delightful accompaniments, and watch your family and friends rave about your culinary skills!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Crockpot Butter Chicken recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can easily prepare it in advance, allowing you to enjoy delicious meals throughout the week without the fuss. Here’s how to store and preserve your dish:

Storing Leftovers

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• It’s best enjoyed within 3-4 days for optimal flavor.
• Ensure the chicken is completely cooled before sealing to avoid condensation.

Freezing

• Portion out the butter chicken into freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Label with the date and contents for easy identification.
• This dish can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• For best results, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
• You can also use a microwave; heat in short intervals, stirring in between to ensure even heating.

FAQs

If you have any questions about this recipe, you’re not alone! Here are some common inquiries:

Can I make Crockpot Butter Chicken in advance?

Absolutely! This recipe is great for meal prep as it stores well and freezes beautifully. Just follow the storage instructions above.

What can I serve with Crockpot Butter Chicken?

This dish pairs wonderfully with basmati rice and naan bread. You might also consider serving it with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad.

How do I make Crockpot Butter Chicken spicier?

To add more heat, you can increase the amount of cayenne pepper or include fresh chopped chili peppers when cooking. Adjust according to your spice preference!

Is there a substitute for heavy cream in this recipe?

Yes! If you want a lighter option, you can replace heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free alternative like cashew cream.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Certainly! Boneless skinless chicken thighs would work just as well and will add extra moisture and flavor to your dish.

Final Thoughts

I hope this Crockpot Butter Chicken recipe brings warmth and comfort to your kitchen! With its rich flavors and tender chicken, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy making it as much as I do, and don’t hesitate to share your experience or any variations you try. Happy cooking!