Name: Delicious Crockpot Butter Chicken Recipe You’ll Love
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 4 h 25 min
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 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; 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); 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes or crushed, fire-roasted preferred; 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); Naan bread, warmed; Cooked rice

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Crockpot Butter Chicken is a rich and flavorful Indian-inspired dish featuring tender chicken thighs slow-cooked in a creamy, spiced tomato sauce enriched with butter and cream. This easy butter chicken recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, allowing you to enjoy a delicious homemade meal without the hassle. The slow cooker does all the work, blending aromatic spices and tender chicken for a comforting dish that pairs wonderfully with rice or naan.

Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Butter Chicken

This slow cooker butter chicken is not only easy to make but also incredibly satisfying. Here are a few reasons to love this dish:

Rich and creamy flavor that pleases the palate.
Perfectly tender chicken thighs that melt in your mouth.
Simple preparation and minimal cleanup.
A healthy option, especially with gluten-free ingredients.
Can be customized with your favorite spices.
Great for meal prep and leftovers.

This Indian butter chicken in crockpot is an authentic dish that brings the taste of India right into your home and is ideal for anyone looking to explore new flavors.

Ingredients for Crockpot Butter Chicken

Gather these items:

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
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)
1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes or crushed, fire-roasted preferred
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)
Naan bread, warmed
Cooked rice

How to Make Crockpot Butter Chicken Step-by-Step

Step 1: Heat a large nonstick pan over medium-high heat. Add the melted coconut or olive oil. Once hot, sauté the finely diced onion, minced garlic, and ginger paste, stirring occasionally, until the onion turns golden brown, about 3 to 6 minutes.
Step 2: Stir in smoked paprika, ground cumin, ground turmeric, salt, garam masala, red pepper flakes (if using), and sugar (if using). Cook the spices with the aromatics, stirring constantly for 1 to 3 minutes until fragrant.
Step 3: Stir in the canned diced or crushed tomatoes, scraping the bottom of the pan to loosen any browned bits. Allow the mixture to cool slightly before transferring it to the slow cooker.
Step 4: Trim excess fat and gristle from the chicken thighs but leave some fat for flavor. Add the chicken to the slow cooker and stir to coat it evenly in the sauce. Arrange the thighs in a single layer, smooth side down. Cover and cook on high for 2 1/2 to 4 hours or on low for 4 to 6 hours until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Step 5: Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and chop it into bite-sized pieces. Using an immersion blender or transferring the sauce to a regular blender, purée the sauce until smooth. Let the sauce cool slightly before blending to prevent spills or burns.
Step 6: Return the blended sauce to the slow cooker. Stir in the sliced butter and heavy cream until fully combined and silky smooth.
Step 7: Add the chopped chicken back into the sauce and stir in the chopped cilantro if desired. Adjust seasoning to taste. Serve hot alongside cooked rice and warmed naan bread.

Pro Tips for the Best Crockpot Butter Chicken

Keep these in mind:

This dish pairs well with rice and naan bread.
You can adjust the spice level by altering the amount of red pepper flakes.
Using fire-roasted tomatoes adds a smoky flavor.
For a healthy crockpot butter chicken, consider using light coconut milk instead of heavy cream.

Best Ways to Serve Crockpot Butter Chicken

This creamy butter chicken in slow cooker is perfect for:

Serving over fluffy basmati rice.
Pairing with warm naan bread for dipping into the luscious sauce.
Creating a comforting bowl with a side of roasted vegetables.

How to Store and Reheat Crockpot Butter Chicken

To store leftovers, let the butter chicken sauce in a crockpot cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through. This makes it a great choice for meal prep!

Frequently Asked Questions About Crockpot Butter Chicken

What’s the secret to perfect Crockpot Butter Chicken?

The secret lies in using high-quality spices and letting the chicken cook low and slow, which enhances the flavors. For an authentic taste, consider using a blend of spices like garam masala.

Can I make Crockpot Butter Chicken ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the ingredients a day in advance. Simply combine everything in the slow cooker and set to cook when you’re ready for a delicious meal.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Crockpot Butter Chicken?

To avoid common mistakes, ensure that your chicken is cut evenly and not overcrowded in the pot. Also, be mindful of the cooking times to achieve tender chicken without overcooking.

Variations of Crockpot Butter Chicken You Can Try

Feel free to experiment with these variations:

Substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts for a lighter option.
Add vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrients.
Try a butter chicken with coconut milk for a tropical touch.
Make it spicy by adding more red pepper flakes or fresh chilis.