Crockpot Butter Chicken: Delicious Dinner in 1 hour

Crockpot Butter Chicken has been a game-changer for my weeknight dinners, transforming busy evenings into moments of delicious comfort. I remember the first time I tried to replicate my favorite Indian restaurant’s butter chicken at home, and it was a disaster – dry chicken, bland sauce, the whole nine yards! Then I discovered the magic of the slow cooker, and my life changed. This slow cooker butter chicken recipe creates the most incredibly tender chicken bathed in a rich, velvety, spiced tomato sauce that just melts in your mouth. If you’ve ever wondered what is crockpot butter chicken, it’s essentially a simplified, hands-off version of the classic dish that delivers incredible flavor with minimal effort. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Butter Chicken

This recipe is a winner for so many reasons. It’s the perfect balance of flavor and ease, making it a go-to for busy home cooks:

• Incredible Flavor: The slow cooker melds the spices into a deeply satisfying, restaurant-quality taste.
• Minimal Prep Time: You’ll be amazed at how little effort this easy crockpot butter chicken requires. Just a quick sauté and then the slow cooker does all the work.
• Tender, Juicy Chicken: Using chicken thighs ensures every bite is incredibly moist and flavorful.
• Budget-Friendly: It uses common pantry staples and affordable chicken to create a luxurious meal.
• Family Favorite: The mild spice and rich, creamy crockpot butter chicken sauce are a hit with both kids and adults.
• Healthy-ish Option: With lean chicken and controlled ingredients, it’s a healthier take on a classic dish.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and enjoy delicious leftovers throughout the week.

Ingredients for Crockpot Butter Chicken

Gather these simple crockpot butter chicken ingredients to create that irresistible crockpot butter chicken sauce. The beauty of this recipe is how these common items transform into something truly special:

• 1 tablespoon coconut oil or olive oil – for sautéing the aromatics
• 1 large yellow onion, finely diced – forms the flavorful base
• 1 tablespoon ginger paste – adds a pungent warmth
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic – essential for depth of flavor
• 1 1/4 teaspoons smoked paprika – for a touch of smoky sweetness
• 1 1/4 teaspoons ground cumin – earthy and warm
• 1 1/4 teaspoons ground turmeric – provides color and a subtle bitterness
• 1 1/4 teaspoons salt – to enhance all the other flavors
• 2 1/4 teaspoons garam masala – the star spice blend for authentic Indian flavor
• 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) – for a gentle kick
• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional) – balances the acidity of the tomatoes
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes or crushed, fire-roasted preferred – the tomato base of our sauce
• 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs – these stay wonderfully tender in the slow cooker
• 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, sliced – it’s butter chicken, after all! This adds richness
• 1/2 cup heavy cream – for that signature creamy texture
• 1/3 cup finely chopped cilantro (optional) – for a fresh finish
• Naan bread, warmed, for serving
• Cooked rice, for serving

How to Make Crockpot Butter Chicken

Get ready for the easiest, most flavorful butter chicken you’ve ever made! This how to make crockpot butter chicken guide breaks it down step-by-step. It’s truly a dream for busy nights.

1. Step 1: First, heat a large nonstick pan over medium-high heat and add your 1 tablespoon coconut oil or olive oil. Sauté the 1 large yellow onion, finely diced, along with the 1 tablespoon ginger paste and 1 tablespoon minced garlic until the onion is beautifully golden brown, about 3 to 6 minutes. The aroma filling your kitchen will be amazing!
2. Step 2: Stir in 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, and the optional 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes and 1 teaspoon sugar. Cook these fragrant spices for 1 to 3 minutes until they really bloom.
3. Step 3: Pour in the 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes or crushed. Scrape the bottom of the pan to get all those flavorful bits. Let this mixture cool slightly before carefully transferring it to your slow cooker insert. This forms the luscious base for our simple slow cooker butter chicken.
4. Step 4: Trim any excess fat from your 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs. Add them directly to the slow cooker. Stir everything gently to coat the chicken evenly with the delicious tomato-spice mixture. Arrange the chicken in a single layer for even cooking.
5. Step 5: Cover the slow cooker and cook. Set it to high for 2.5 to 4 hours, or on low for 4 to 6 hours. You’re looking for the chicken to reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The house will smell incredible as it cooks!

1. Step 6: Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken from the slow cooker. You can either chop it into bite-sized pieces right away or let it cool slightly. Then, use an immersion blender directly in the slow cooker to purée the sauce until smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, let the sauce cool a bit and purée it in batches in a regular blender.
2. Step 7: Stir in the 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, sliced and the 1/2 cup heavy cream into the puréed sauce. Whisk until the butter is completely melted and the sauce is wonderfully smooth and creamy.
3. Step 8: Return the chopped chicken pieces to the creamy sauce in the slow cooker. Stir in the optional 1/3 cup finely chopped cilantro if you like a fresh, herbaceous note. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed. Serve this amazing crockpot butter chicken hot with your favorite rice and warmed naan bread.

Pro Tips for the Best Crockpot Butter Chicken

Achieving that perfect restaurant-quality flavor at home is totally doable with a few insider tricks. Follow these tips for the absolute best crockpot butter chicken:

• Always sauté your onions, garlic, and ginger before adding them to the slow cooker. This step builds a crucial flavor base.
• Don’t skip blooming the spices! Toasting them briefly in the pan with the aromatics releases their full fragrance and taste.
• Use chicken thighs. They have more fat and connective tissue, which breaks down beautifully during slow cooking, resulting in incredibly tender meat.
• For the creamiest sauce, blend it smooth before adding the butter and cream. This emulsifies everything perfectly.

What’s the secret to perfect Crockpot Butter Chicken?

The real secret to an authentic crockpot butter chicken is layering the flavors. Sautéing the aromatics and spices before they hit the slow cooker is non-negotiable. It develops a depth that simply dumping everything in won’t achieve.

Can I make Crockpot Butter Chicken ahead of time?

Yes! This recipe is fantastic for meal prep. You can make the entire dish up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. The flavors actually meld even more, making your crockpot butter chicken leftovers even tastier!

How do I avoid common mistakes with Crockpot Butter Chicken?

The most common pitfall is dry chicken, often from using breasts or overcooking. Chicken thighs are your friend here! Also, resist the urge to add liquid beyond the tomatoes unless absolutely necessary; the chicken and tomatoes release plenty of moisture. For more information on slow cooking techniques, you can refer to resources on slow cooker best practices.

Best Ways to Serve Crockpot Butter Chicken

This incredibly flavorful dish is wonderfully versatile. While it’s fantastic on its own, serving it with the right sides truly elevates the experience, turning it into a complete meal that rivals your favorite Indian restaurant. It’s the perfect way to enjoy a rich, comforting bowl.

• With Basmati Rice: Fluffy, aromatic basmati rice is the classic pairing for butter chicken. It’s the perfect canvas to soak up all that delicious, creamy sauce.
• Alongside Warm Naan Bread: Tear off pieces of warm, pillowy naan bread for scooping up every last bit of the sauce. It’s an essential part of the butter chicken experience!
• As a Hearty Curry: If you’re looking for a more robust meal, this recipe makes an amazing crock pot chicken curry. Serve it over rice or with paratha for a truly satisfying dinner. It’s easily the best slow cooker chicken curry I’ve ever made at home.

Nutrition Facts for Healthy Crockpot Butter Chicken

This healthy crockpot butter chicken recipe offers a delicious taste of India with mindful nutrition. While specific values can vary based on exact ingredients and portion sizes, here’s a general breakdown per serving (assuming 6 servings):

• Calories: Approx. 550-650
• Fat: Approx. 40-50g
• Saturated Fat: Approx. 25-30g
• Protein: Approx. 30-40g
• Carbohydrates: Approx. 20-25g
• Fiber: Approx. 3-5g
• Sugar: Approx. 10-15g
• Sodium: Approx. 500-700mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

How to Store and Reheat Crockpot Butter Chicken

One of the best things about this recipe is how well it stores, making those delicious crockpot butter chicken leftovers a weeknight dream. Once the dish has cooled down slightly (don’t leave it at room temperature for more than two hours!), transfer it to airtight containers. For refrigerator storage, it will keep beautifully for 3 to 4 days. If you want to stash some away for longer, freeze it! It holds up wonderfully in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just make sure it’s in a freezer-safe container or bag to prevent freezer burn.

Reheating is just as simple. Gently warm the butter chicken on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. You might need to add a splash of water, milk, or even a bit more cream to help loosen the sauce and get it back to that perfect consistency. Alternatively, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave. Just be sure to stir halfway through to ensure even heating. Either way, you’ll have a comforting bowl of deliciousness ready in minutes!

Frequently Asked Questions About Crockpot Butter Chicken

What is crockpot butter chicken?

Crockpot butter chicken is a simplified, slow-cooker version of the classic Indian dish. It involves simmering chicken in a rich, creamy, spiced tomato sauce for hours, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. It’s a fantastic way to get that authentic taste with minimal hands-on effort, perfect for busy days.

Is this a quick crockpot butter chicken recipe?

While the cooking time is long, active prep for this quick crockpot butter chicken is surprisingly short – usually under 30 minutes! You sauté the aromatics and spices, then let the slow cooker do the rest. It’s ideal for when you want maximum flavor with minimum fuss.

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

You can, but chicken thighs are highly recommended for this recipe. They are much more forgiving in the slow cooker and stay incredibly tender and moist. Chicken breast can easily become dry and tough with the extended cooking time required for this dish.

What can I serve with crockpot butter chicken?

The most traditional and delicious accompaniments are fluffy basmati rice and warm naan bread. Both are perfect for soaking up the rich, creamy sauce. You could also serve it with a side of cucumber raita for a cooling contrast.

Variations of Crockpot Butter Chicken You Can Try

While this recipe is fantastic as is, don’t be afraid to play around! Here are a few ideas to customize your crockpot butter chicken experience:

• For a Lighter Option: Swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or even a dairy-free alternative like full-fat coconut milk for a different flavor profile. While crockpot butter chicken thighs are recommended for tenderness, you can use crockpot butter chicken breast if you prefer, just be extra careful not to overcook them.
• Vegetarian Butter Chicken: Replace the chicken with firm paneer or extra-firm tofu. Add them during the last hour of cooking to prevent them from becoming mushy.
• Spicy Kick: If you love heat, increase the red pepper flakes or add a chopped jalapeño or serrano pepper along with the onions.
• Quick Pan-Fry Finish: For an extra layer of texture, after shredding the chicken, you can quickly pan-fry the pieces for a minute or two until slightly browned before returning them to the sauce.

Crockpot Butter Chicken: Delicious Dinner in 1 hour

---

• Author: basmer1517
• Total Time: 4 hours 25 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

This Crockpot Butter Chicken recipe delivers tender chicken in a rich, creamy, spiced tomato sauce. The slow cooker does the work, infusing flavors for a comforting and delicious Indian-inspired meal.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 tablespoon coconut oil or olive oil
• 1 large yellow onion, finely diced
• 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
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/3 cup finely chopped cilantro (optional)
• Naan bread, warmed, for serving
• Cooked rice, for serving

---

Instructions

1. Heat a large nonstick pan over medium-high heat and add coconut or olive oil. Sauté finely diced onion, minced garlic, and ginger paste until onion is golden brown, about 3 to 6 minutes.
2. Stir in smoked paprika, ground cumin, ground turmeric, salt, garam masala, red pepper flakes (if using), and sugar (if using). Cook spices until fragrant, 1 to 3 minutes.
3. Add canned diced or crushed tomatoes, scraping the pan. Let cool slightly, then transfer to your slow cooker.
4. Trim excess fat from chicken thighs. Add chicken to the slow cooker, stir to coat with sauce, and arrange in a single layer.
5. Cover and cook on high for 2.5 to 4 hours or on low for 4 to 6 hours, until chicken reaches 165°F.
6. Remove chicken and chop into bite-sized pieces. Purée sauce in the slow cooker with an immersion blender or a regular blender (let cool slightly first).
7. Stir butter and heavy cream into the puréed sauce until smooth.
8. Return chopped chicken to the sauce. Stir in cilantro if desired. Adjust seasoning. Serve hot with rice and naan.

Notes

• Pre-prepared ginger and garlic paste can save time.
• Garam masala is key for authentic flavor.
• Chicken thighs stay more tender than breasts in slow cooking.
• Warm naan by grilling, in a skillet, or in the microwave wrapped in a damp towel.
• Blend hot sauce carefully; let it cool slightly and use a towel over the blender lid.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days.
• Reheat gently on the stove, adding water or cream to adjust consistency.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Indian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1/6th of recipe)
• Calories: Approx. 550-650 (will vary based on exact ingredients and portion size)
• Sugar: Approx. 10-15g
• Sodium: Approx. 500-700mg
• Fat: Approx. 40-50g
• Saturated Fat: Approx. 25-30g
• Unsaturated Fat: Approx. 15-20g
• Trans Fat: Approx. 0-1g
• Carbohydrates: Approx. 20-25g
• Fiber: Approx. 3-5g
• Protein: Approx. 30-40g
• Cholesterol: Approx. 150-200mg

Keywords: Crockpot Butter Chicken, Slow cooker butter chicken recipe, Easy crockpot butter chicken, Best crockpot butter chicken, Crock pot chicken curry, Butter chicken recipe slow cooker, How to make crockpot butter chicken, Authentic crockpot butter chicken, Healthy crockpot butter chicken, Creamy crockpot butter chicken, Simple slow cooker butter chicken, Crockpot chicken tikka masala, What is crockpot butter chicken, Quick crockpot butter chicken, Best slow cooker chicken curry, Crockpot butter chicken without yogurt, Crockpot butter chicken thighs, Crockpot butter chicken breast, Crockpot butter chicken sauce, Crockpot butter chicken ingredients, Crockpot butter chicken leftovers