Crockpot Butter Chicken

Crockpot Butter Chicken is a flavorful dish that combines tender chicken with a rich, creamy sauce. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy family dinner, this recipe is easy to prepare and allows for hands-off cooking. The blend of spices creates a mouthwatering aroma that will have everyone coming back for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Cooking: Simply toss the ingredients in your crockpot and let it do the work for you.
• Rich Flavors: The combination of spices delivers an authentic taste that rivals your favorite Indian restaurant.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy with naan, rice, or even as a filling in wraps and sandwiches.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week without losing flavor or texture.
• Family-Friendly: With its mild spice level, it’s suitable for everyone, including kids who enjoy creamy dishes.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start cooking your Crockpot Butter Chicken, gather your tools to make the process smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker: This tool allows for low and slow cooking, making the chicken incredibly tender while infusing it with flavors.
• Nonstick pan: Ideal for sautéing ingredients without sticking, ensuring easy cleanup after cooking.
• Immersion blender: Makes blending the sauce to a smooth consistency quick and easy, saving time on dishwashing.

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.

For the Base

• 1 tablespoon melted coconut oil (or olive oil)
• 1 large yellow onion (finely diced (1-1/2 cups))
• 1 tablespoon ginger paste
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic

For the Spices

• 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
• 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)

For the Main Dish

• 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes (or crushed; fire-roasted is delicious)
• 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
• 8 tablespoons unsalted butter (sliced into tablespoons)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/3 cup finely chopped cilantro (optional)

For Serving

• Naan (warmed)
• Cooked rice

How to Make Crockpot Butter Chicken

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

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

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

Trim any large pieces of fat from chicken thighs but retain some for flavor:
1. Place chicken into the slow cooker.
2. Stir well to coat in the sauce.
3. Arrange thighs in a single layer with smooth sides down.

Step 3: Cook Slowly

Cover your slow cooker:
– Cook on high for 2-1/2–4 hours or low for 4–6 hours until chicken reaches 165°F.

Step 4: Blend the Sauce

Once cooked:
1. Remove chicken and chop into bite-sized pieces.
2. Use an immersion blender or regular blender to purée the sauce until smooth.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Return blended sauce to slow cooker:
– Stir in butter and heavy cream until fully combined.
– Add chopped chicken back into the sauce; stir well.

Step 6: Serve

Garnish with cilantro if desired:
– Serve hot alongside warm naan and cooked rice.

Enjoy your delicious Crockpot Butter Chicken!

How to Serve Crockpot Butter Chicken

Crockpot Butter Chicken is a delightful dish that pairs beautifully with various sides and accompaniments. Serving it well can enhance the overall dining experience.

With Naan

• Warmed Naan: Soft, pillowy naan is perfect for scooping up the creamy sauce and tender chicken.

Over Rice

• Steamed Basmati Rice: Fluffy basmati rice absorbs the rich flavors of the sauce, making each bite satisfying.

With Salad

• Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad adds a crunchy contrast to the richness of the butter chicken.

Topped with Cilantro

• Fresh Cilantro Garnish: Sprinkle chopped cilantro on top for a burst of color and fresh flavor.

With Yogurt Sauce

• Mint Yogurt Sauce: A cool mint yogurt sauce can balance the spices in the dish, adding a creamy texture.

How to Perfect Crockpot Butter Chicken

To achieve the best Crockpot Butter Chicken, consider these helpful tips for enhancing flavor and texture.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh spices and herbs will elevate the flavor profile significantly.
• Brown the Onions: Sautéing onions until golden before adding them to the slow cooker brings out their natural sweetness.
• Adjust Spice Levels: Feel free to modify spice amounts according to your taste preferences; this dish can be as spicy or mild as you like.
• Blend for Smoothness: Blending the sauce ensures a velvety texture that clings beautifully to the chicken.
• Rest Before Serving: Letting the dish sit for a few minutes allows flavors to meld together even more.

Best Side Dishes for Crockpot Butter Chicken

Complementing your Crockpot Butter Chicken with side dishes can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Cilantro Lime Rice: This zesty rice dish pairs well by adding a citrusy kick.
2. Roasted Vegetables: A mix of seasonal veggies roasted until tender provides color and nutrition.
3. Chickpea Salad: A protein-packed salad offers a hearty contrast while keeping it light and refreshing.
4. Potato Curry: Creamy potato curry complements the flavors without overpowering them.
5. Spicy Pickles: Adding some spicy pickles can bring an extra zing to your meal.
6. Grilled Vegetables: Charred veggies add smokiness, balancing out the rich flavors of the chicken.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Crockpot Butter Chicken, it’s easy to overlook a few key details. Here are common mistakes to avoid for the best results.

• Using too much oil: Adding more oil than necessary can make the dish greasy. Stick to the recommended amount for a balanced flavor.
• Overcooking the chicken: Cooking the chicken beyond the recommended time will result in dry meat. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness at 165°F.
• Skipping the blending step: Not blending the sauce can leave it chunky and less flavorful. Take the time to purée it for that creamy texture.
• Neglecting seasoning adjustments: Failing to taste and adjust seasoning at the end may lead to bland results. Always season according to your preference before serving.
• Not letting it rest: Serving immediately after cooking may not allow flavors to meld. Letting it sit for a few minutes enhances taste.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• It will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing Crockpot Butter Chicken

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• It can last up to 3 months in the freezer.

Reheating Crockpot Butter Chicken

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about preparing and enjoying Crockpot Butter Chicken.

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

Yes, you can use boneless skinless chicken breasts; however, thighs provide more moisture and flavor during cooking.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

You can use coconut cream or a plant-based cream alternative to keep it creamy without dairy.

How do I make this recipe spicy?

To increase spice levels, add more red pepper flakes or include fresh chopped chili peppers according to your heat preference.

Can I prepare Crockpot Butter Chicken ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare everything up to adding the chicken and refrigerate overnight before cooking.

What should I serve with Crockpot Butter Chicken?

It pairs wonderfully with naan bread and rice. You can also serve it with a side of vegetables for a complete meal.

Final Thoughts

Crockpot Butter Chicken is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it by adjusting spices or pairing it with different sides. Give this recipe a try, and savor its bold flavors and creamy sauce!