Crockpot Butter Chicken

Crockpot Butter Chicken is a delightful dish that combines rich flavors and tender chicken, making it the perfect meal for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a cozy night in, this recipe is sure to impress. The creamy sauce is so delicious that you’ll want to savor every last bite. Plus, with the convenience of a crockpot, preparation is easy and hassle-free.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With minimal prep time and the help of a slow cooker, you can set it and forget it while the flavors meld beautifully.
• Rich and Flavorful: The combination of spices creates an aromatic sauce that elevates the dish to restaurant-quality.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it with naan or over rice; this dish pairs well with various sides for a complete meal.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for family dinners or gatherings; everyone will love the comforting taste.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Prepare in advance and reheat easily for leftovers that taste just as good.

Tools and Preparation

To make your Crockpot Butter Chicken smoothly, having the right tools is essential. The following equipment will help you create this flavorful dish effortlessly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Large nonstick pan
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Immersion blender (or regular blender)

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker: Allows for hands-off cooking, ensuring the chicken stays tender while infusing flavor into the sauce.
• Large nonstick pan: Ideal for sautéing ingredients without sticking, making cleanup easier.
• Immersion blender: Quickly purées the sauce directly in the pot, saving time on washing additional dishes.

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.

Ingredients:
– 1 tablespoon melted coconut oil (or olive oil)
– 1 large yellow onion (finely diced (1-1/2 cups))
– 1 tablespoon ginger paste (see note 1)
– 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 (see note 2)
– 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
– 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
– 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes (or crushed; fire-roasted is delicious)
– 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs (see note 3)
– 8 tablespoons unsalted butter (sliced into tablespoons)
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1/3 cup finely chopped cilantro (optional)
– Naan (warmed, for serving; see note 4)
– Cooked rice (for serving)

How to Make Crockpot Butter Chicken

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics

Heat a large nonstick pan over medium-high heat. Add the oil, and once hot, sauté onion, garlic, and ginger, stirring occasionally until golden (3–6 minutes). Add all spices and stir constantly for 1–3 minutes until fragrant. Stir in the tomatoes while scraping the bottom of the pan. Let cool slightly before transferring everything to the slow cooker.

Step 2: Prepare Chicken

Trim large pieces of fat from chicken thighs but leave some fat for added flavor. Place chicken into the slow cooker and stir to coat in sauce. Arrange thighs in a single layer with smooth side down. Cover and cook on high for 2-1/2–4 hours or low for 4–6 hours until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Step 3: Blend Sauce

Remove chicken from slow cooker and chop into bite-sized pieces. Use an immersion blender or transfer sauce to a regular blender to purée until smooth.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

Return blended sauce back into the slow cooker. Stir in butter and heavy cream until fully combined and smooth.

Step 5: Final Touches

Add chopped chicken back into the sauce. Stir in cilantro if using and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot with rice and warmed naan.

Enjoy your homemade Crockpot Butter Chicken!

How to Serve Crockpot Butter Chicken

Crockpot Butter Chicken is a versatile dish that pairs well with various sides. Here are some delicious serving suggestions to enhance your meal experience.

With Naan

• Warm naan bread is perfect for scooping up the flavorful chicken and sauce, adding a delightful texture to each bite.

Over Rice

• Serve the butter chicken over a bed of fluffy basmati rice. This classic combination absorbs the rich sauce beautifully, making it comforting and satisfying.

With Roasted Vegetables

• Add a side of roasted vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots. Their natural sweetness complements the spices in the butter chicken perfectly.

Topped with Fresh Cilantro

• Garnish your bowl with freshly chopped cilantro for a burst of freshness that brightens the dish and adds visual appeal.

Accompanied by Yogurt Sauce

• A cooling yogurt sauce made with plain yogurt, cucumber, and mint can balance the spices in the butter chicken while adding creaminess.

How to Perfect Crockpot Butter Chicken

To make your Crockpot Butter Chicken even more delicious, consider these helpful tips.

• Use fresh spices: Freshly ground spices enhance flavor significantly. If possible, grind whole spices for the best aroma.

• Sear the chicken: Searing the chicken before adding it to the slow cooker can deepen the flavor profile and provide a nice texture.

• Add vegetables: Incorporate veggies like spinach or peas towards the end of cooking. This adds nutrition and color without overpowering the dish.

• Adjust spice levels: Always taste your sauce before serving. Adjust the heat level by adding more spices or sugar if desired.

• Let it rest: Allowing the dish to sit for about 10 minutes after cooking helps meld flavors together and enhances overall taste.

Best Side Dishes for Crockpot Butter Chicken

When planning your meal around Crockpot Butter Chicken, consider these delightful side dishes that complement its rich flavors.

1. Basmati Rice: The ideal pairing for soaking up all that delicious sauce; cook it simply in water or broth for extra flavor.

2. Cucumber Salad: A refreshing salad made with diced cucumbers, tomatoes, and a light lemon dressing balances out the richness of butter chicken.

3. Roasted Cauliflower: Toss cauliflower florets in olive oil and spices before roasting until golden; this adds a nutty flavor to your meal.

4. Chickpea Curry: A side dish of chickpeas cooked in coconut milk and spices offers protein and pairs wonderfully with butter chicken.

5. Green Beans Almondine: Sautéed green beans topped with toasted almonds add crunch and a touch of elegance to your dinner table.

6. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic provide comfort and soak up every bit of that tasty sauce.

7. Spiced Lentils: Cooked lentils seasoned with cumin and coriander provide an earthy flavor that complements butter chicken well.

8. Mixed Vegetable Stir-fry: A quick stir-fry of seasonal vegetables tossed in soy sauce adds color and enhances nutritional value without overwhelming flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Slow cooking is an art, and avoiding common mistakes can make your Crockpot Butter Chicken perfect.

• Ignoring the oil: Always heat oil before adding ingredients. This helps to sauté the onion, garlic, and ginger properly and enhances flavor.
• Not trimming chicken properly: Leaving too much fat on chicken thighs can result in a greasy dish. Trim excess fat while keeping a small amount for added flavor.
• Overcooking the chicken: Cooking chicken beyond 165°F can make it dry. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature accurately.
• Skipping the blending step: Blending the sauce creates a smooth texture that enhances the dish’s richness. Do not skip this step for best results.
• Forgetting seasoning adjustments: Tasting before serving is essential. Adjust spices and salt levels as needed for your palate.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Can be kept for up to 3-4 days in the fridge.

Freezing Crockpot Butter Chicken

• Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Crockpot Butter Chicken

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and bake in a covered dish until hot (about 20-25 minutes).
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring often, until heated through.
• Stovetop: Warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Crockpot Butter Chicken:

What is Crockpot Butter Chicken?

Crockpot Butter Chicken is a flavorful Indian-inspired dish made with tender chicken cooked in a rich, creamy tomato sauce.

Can I use different meats?

Yes, you can substitute chicken thighs with beef or turkey. Ensure cooking times are adjusted as necessary.

How spicy is this recipe?

The spice level can be adjusted by modifying or omitting red pepper flakes based on your preference.

How do I customize my Crockpot Butter Chicken?

Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrition and flavor!

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute the butter with coconut oil and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream for a dairy-free version.

Final Thoughts

Crockpot Butter Chicken is not only delicious but also versatile. It pairs beautifully with rice or naan and allows for personal customizations based on your taste preferences. Give this recipe a try; you’ll love how simple it is to create such bold flavors right in your slow cooker!