Crockpot Butter Chicken is a rich, creamy dish that brings the vibrant flavors of Indian cuisine right to your dinner table with minimal effort. This one-pot meal features tender pieces of chicken simmered in a luscious sauce made from tomatoes, butter, and aromatic spices. It’s an easy-to-follow recipe that allows the slow cooker to do the heavy lifting, making it perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep. The combination of spices and creamy texture creates an irresistible dish that is sure to become a family favorite.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
You will absolutely fall in love with this crockpot butter chicken recipe for several reasons. First and foremost, the flavor profile is off the charts! The blend of warm spices like garam masala, cumin, and coriander meld beautifully with the creamy tomato base, creating a deliciously satisfying meal. The ease of cooking is another major highlight; simply toss the ingredients into the crockpot, set it, and forget it! This recipe also suits a variety of dietary lifestyles, as it can easily be adapted for gluten-free or dairy-free preferences while still delivering that indulgent taste.
Tips and Tricks
To enhance your crockpot butter chicken experience, here are some handy tips and tricks:
- Sear the chicken: For a deeper flavor, consider browning the chicken pieces in a skillet before adding them to the slow cooker. This step adds a lovely caramelization that elevates the overall taste.
- Use full-fat coconut milk: For a creamier sauce, opt for full-fat coconut milk instead of regular cream. It adds richness without the dairy.
- Spice it up: Adjust the spice levels to your liking. If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper or chili powder.
- Fresh herbs: Adding fresh cilantro just before serving brightens up the dish and adds a pop of color and flavor.
Make Ahead Tips
This recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance, allowing the flavors to develop. Additionally, you can chop up all the vegetables and garlic ahead of time, storing them in an airtight container in the fridge. Once you’re ready to cook, just dump everything into the crockpot. The butter chicken will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days, making it an ideal dish for leftovers.
Recipe Variations
Feel free to customize your butter chicken in several ways:
- Protein swaps: While chicken is traditional, you can use shrimp, tofu, or even chickpeas for a vegetarian option.
- Different sauces: Experiment with different sauces like tikka masala or a korma sauce for a unique twist.
- Heat levels: Adjust the heat by adding fresh green chilies for spiciness or using mild curry powder for a less intense flavor.
How to Serve
Serve your delicious crockpot butter chicken over a bed of fluffy basmati rice or with warm naan bread for scooping up the creamy sauce. Garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime for a burst of freshness. For added texture, consider sprinkling some toasted cashews or almonds on top before serving.
Pairing Suggestions
To complement your butter chicken, pair it with a light, fruity white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a semi-dry Riesling. If you prefer cocktails, a refreshing gin and tonic with lime is an excellent choice. On the side, consider serving a light cucumber salad or a cooling raita made with yogurt, cucumber, and mint to balance the richness of the dish.
How to Store
Leftover butter chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze it in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. When reheating, thaw overnight in the fridge and gently warm in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or coconut milk if the sauce has thickened.
Equipment Needed
You will need a slow cooker for this recipe. If you don’t have one, you can adapt this recipe for a stovetop or oven by adjusting the cooking times accordingly. A skillet for searing the chicken (if desired) will also come in handy.
Dietary Adaptations
For a vegan version, substitute the chicken with chickpeas or tofu and use coconut cream instead of butter. For a dairy-free alternative, you can replace dairy yogurt with coconut yogurt. If you need a nut-free option, simply avoid garnishing with nuts and ensure any sauces or spices used are free from nut contamination.
Seasonal Adaptations
In the fall and winter, consider adding seasonal vegetables like carrots and sweet potatoes to the crockpot for added nutrition and heartiness. In the spring and summer, fresh tomatoes can be used instead of canned for a brighter flavor and fresher taste.
Recipe FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding the crockpot butter chicken recipe:
- Can I use frozen chicken? Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it may require a longer cooking time. Ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- What can I substitute for the cream? For a dairy-free option, coconut milk is an excellent substitute. For a lighter option, use Greek yogurt stirred in at the end of cooking.
- How can I thicken the sauce? If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and stir it into the sauce during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
How To Make crockpot butter chicken recipe
Crockpot Butter Chicken
Crockpot Butter Chicken is a rich, creamy dish that brings the vibrant flavors of Indian cuisine right to your dinner table with minimal effort.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup full-fat coconut milk
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons garam masala
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
- Juice of 1 lime, for serving
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the yogurt, garam masala, cumin, coriander, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken thighs and toss to coat well. Allow to marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours in the refrigerator.
- Place the diced onion, garlic, and ginger at the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Add the marinated chicken thighs on top of the onion mixture.
- Pour the crushed tomatoes and coconut milk over the chicken.
- Cut the butter into pieces and scatter it over the top.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
- Once cooked, shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker using two forks, then stir everything together to combine.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve over rice or with naan, and garnish with fresh cilantro and lime juice.
Nutrition Information
Yield
6Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 500Total Fat 36gSaturated Fat 20gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 14gCholesterol 225mgSodium 331mgCarbohydrates 10gFiber 2gSugar 3gProtein 39g
All Chicken Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Crockpot butter chicken is a wonderfully comforting dish that brings the flavors of Indian cuisine to your home with little effort. This recipe is perfect for busy days and is sure to impress friends and family alike. With its rich flavor and creamy texture, it’s a meal that everyone will love. Enjoy experimenting with this recipe, and don’t hesitate to make it your own!