CROCKPOT BUTTER CHICKEN PERFECTION

I remember the first time I tried butter chicken. It was at a small Indian restaurant tucked away in a bustling city, and the aroma alone was enough to transport me to another world. The creamy, rich sauce, the tender chicken – it was pure culinary magic. I knew right then and there I had to learn to make it myself, but the thought of all the spices and steps seemed daunting. That’s where my quest for the perfect, yet simple, Easy Crockpot Butter Chicken began, and believe me, it’s been a delicious journey! Today, I’m sharing all my secrets for the most amazing Easy Crockpot Butter Chicken you’ll ever make!

The Magic of Crockpot Butter Chicken: Your New Weeknight Hero

Let’s be honest, life is busy. Between work, family, and everything in between, finding the time to cook a truly delicious and satisfying meal can feel impossible. That’s why I’m so passionate about this Easy Crockpot Butter Chicken recipe. It’s a game-changer! It delivers all the incredible flavors of traditional butter chicken but with minimal effort on your part. Imagine coming home after a long day to the intoxicating aroma of a perfectly cooked, flavorful dinner waiting for you. Sounds dreamy, right? Well, it’s about to become your reality.

Why Crockpot Butter Chicken is Simply the Best

Okay, let’s break down why this recipe is going to become your new go-to:

• Effortless Prep: Seriously, it takes about 15 minutes to prep everything and throw it into the crockpot. That’s it!
• Incredible Flavor: Don’t let the simplicity fool you. The slow cooking process allows all the flavors to meld together, creating a depth and richness that’s simply divine.
• Tender Chicken: The chicken literally melts in your mouth. The low and slow cooking ensures it’s perfectly tender and juicy.
• Freezable: This recipe freezes beautifully, making it perfect for meal prepping or those nights when you just can’t even.
• Customizable: You can easily adjust the spice level to suit your taste. Whether you like it mild or fiery hot, this recipe is adaptable to your preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need to Create Crockpot Butter Chicken Bliss

Now, let’s talk ingredients. Don’t be intimidated by the list! Most of these are pantry staples, and the rest are easily found at your local grocery store. Trust me, the end result is worth it!

• Chicken: I prefer using boneless, skinless chicken thighs for this recipe. They stay incredibly moist and tender in the crockpot. However, you can also use chicken breasts if you prefer. Just be careful not to overcook them, as they can become dry. About 2 pounds is perfect.
• Onion and Garlic: These are the foundation of our flavor base. I like to use one large yellow onion and 4-5 cloves of garlic, minced.
• Ginger: Fresh ginger is a must! It adds a warmth and zing that’s essential to butter chicken. About 1-2 tablespoons of grated ginger will do the trick.
• Tomato Paste: This adds richness and depth to the sauce. A 6-ounce can is perfect.
• Diced Tomatoes: Use a 14.5-ounce can of diced tomatoes. Don’t drain them – we want all that juicy goodness!
• Heavy Cream: This is what makes butter chicken so decadent and creamy. Don’t skimp on this! One cup is perfect.
• Butter: Of course! It’s called butter chicken for a reason! Use unsalted butter, about 4 tablespoons.
• Spices: This is where the magic happens! You’ll need:
  • Garam Masala: This is a blend of warm spices that’s essential to Indian cuisine.
  • Turmeric: This adds a beautiful color and earthy flavor.
  • Cumin: This adds a warm and smoky flavor.
  • Chili Powder: For a touch of heat! Adjust to your liking.
  • Salt and Pepper: To taste.
• Optional:
  • Cilantro: For garnish.
  • Lemon Juice: A squeeze of lemon juice at the end brightens up the flavors.
  • Greek Yogurt: Adding a dollop of Greek yogurt at the end adds tanginess and creaminess.

Let’s Get Cooking: Your Step-by-Step Guide to Crockpot Butter Chicken

Alright, are you ready to create some kitchen magic? Let’s dive into the step-by-step instructions. Don’t worry, it’s easier than you think!

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

First things first, let’s get everything prepped and ready to go. Dice your onion, mince your garlic and ginger, and measure out your spices. Cut your chicken into bite-sized pieces. This will help it cook more evenly and absorb all those delicious flavors.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base in the Crockpot

In your crockpot, combine the diced onion, minced garlic and ginger, tomato paste, diced tomatoes (with their juices), garam masala, turmeric, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Give it all a good stir to combine. This is where the beautiful aroma starts to build!

Step 3: Add the Chicken

Now, add the chicken pieces to the crockpot and stir to coat them evenly with the sauce. Make sure all the chicken is submerged in the sauce. This is key to ensuring it cooks evenly and stays nice and tender.

Step 4: Cook Low and Slow

Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The longer it cooks, the more tender the chicken will be and the more the flavors will meld together. I personally prefer cooking it on low for the full 8 hours – it’s worth the wait! You’ll know it’s done when the chicken is cooked through and easily shreds with a fork.

Step 5: The Finishing Touches

Once the chicken is cooked, stir in the heavy cream and butter. Let it simmer for another 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly. This is where the magic happens – the sauce becomes incredibly rich and creamy.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy Your Crockpot Butter Chicken Masterpiece

Serve your Easy Crockpot Butter Chicken hot over rice (basmati rice is my personal favorite!), with a side of naan bread for soaking up all that delicious sauce. Garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lemon juice for a burst of freshness. A dollop of Greek yogurt is also a fantastic addition! Get ready for the compliments to roll in!

Tips and Tricks for Crockpot Butter Chicken Perfection

Okay, now that you know the basics, let’s talk about some tips and tricks to take your Easy Crockpot Butter Chicken to the next level:

• Spice it Up (or Down): If you like your butter chicken spicy, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a finely chopped chili pepper to the crockpot. If you prefer it mild, reduce the amount of chili powder.
• Thicken the Sauce: If your sauce is too thin, you can thicken it by mixing a tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water and stirring it into the crockpot during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
• Add Vegetables: Feel free to add some vegetables to your butter chicken! Peas, bell peppers, or spinach would all be delicious additions. Just add them during the last hour of cooking.
• Make it Ahead: You can prep all the ingredients the night before and store them in the crockpot in the refrigerator. In the morning, just pop it in the crockpot and let it cook!
• Freezing Instructions: Let the butter chicken cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave.
• Don’t Skip the Butter: I know it seems like a lot of butter, but it’s essential for the flavor and texture of butter chicken. Don’t be afraid to indulge!
• Quality Ingredients Matter: Using high-quality spices and fresh ingredients will make a noticeable difference in the flavor of your butter chicken.

Serving Suggestions and Delicious Pairings

This Easy Crockpot Butter Chicken is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are some of my favorite serving suggestions:

• Basmati Rice: The classic pairing! The fluffy rice soaks up all that delicious sauce.
• Naan Bread: Perfect for dipping and scooping up every last bit of sauce.
• Raita: A cooling yogurt-based sauce that’s perfect for balancing the richness of the butter chicken.
• Cucumber Salad: A refreshing and light side dish that complements the flavors of the butter chicken.
• Sautéed Vegetables: A simple and healthy side dish that adds some extra nutrients to your meal.

Beyond Butter Chicken: Other Delicious Chicken Recipes to Explore

If you’re a chicken lover like me, you’re always looking for new and exciting ways to cook this versatile protein. Here are a few other chicken recipes that I think you’ll absolutely love:

For a quick and flavorful weeknight meal, you absolutely have to try my BUTTER CHICKEN. It delivers incredible flavor in just 20 minutes! Then, try my family’s favorite dish LEMON CHICKEN ORZO HEAVEN. It’s bright, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. And if you’re in the mood for something comforting and hearty, my ULTIMATE CHICKEN STEW RECIPE will warm you from the inside out. I also recommend the GARLIC PARMESAN CHICKEN PERFECTION, the name says it all, truly perfect. Finally, if you love the ease of the crockpot, you should definitely try the CROCKPOT HONEY GARLIC CHICKEN and CROCKPOT CHICKEN ENCHILADA PERFECTION. They’re both incredibly easy and delicious!

I hope you enjoy these other recipes as much as I do!

Crockpot Butter Chicken: A Conclusion of Culinary Confidence

So there you have it – my secrets to the most amazing Easy Crockpot Butter Chicken you’ll ever make. I know it might seem intimidating at first, but trust me, it’s incredibly easy and the results are absolutely worth it. With just a few simple steps and ingredients, you can create a restaurant-quality meal that will impress your family and friends. So go ahead, give it a try! I promise you won’t be disappointed. Happy cooking!

Crockpot Butter Chicken Perfection

This Crockpot Butter Chicken recipe delivers the incredible flavors of traditional butter chicken with minimal effort. With tender chicken and a rich, creamy sauce, this dish is perfect for a weeknight meal or meal prepping. It’s easily customizable to suit your spice preference, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 8 hours hrs

Total Time 8 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Servings: 6

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Indian

Calories: 450

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 large yellow onion, diced
• 4-5 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-2 tablespoons fresh ginger, grated
• 6- ounce can tomato paste
• 14.5- ounce can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons garam masala
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 – 1 teaspoon chili powder adjust to taste
• 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish
• Lemon juice, for serving optional
• Greek yogurt, for serving optional
• Cooked basmati rice, for serving
• Naan bread, for serving

Equipment

• Crockpot (Slow Cooker)
• Large spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Can opener
• Grater (for ginger)
• Serving bowls
• Rice Cooker (optional)
• Mixing bowl

Method

 

1. Prep your ingredients: Dice the onion, mince the garlic and ginger, measure out the spices, and cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
2. Build the flavor base: In your crockpot, combine the diced onion, minced garlic and ginger, tomato paste, diced tomatoes (with their juices), garam masala, turmeric, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
3. Add the chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the crockpot and stir to coat them evenly with the sauce. Ensure all the chicken is submerged.
4. Cook low and slow: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. Cook until the chicken is cooked through and easily shreds with a fork.
5. Finishing touches: Once the chicken is cooked, stir in the heavy cream and butter. Let it simmer for another 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
6. Serve: Serve hot over basmati rice with naan bread. Garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lemon juice. A dollop of Greek yogurt is also a great addition.

Notes

For a spicier dish, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a finely chopped chili pepper. If the sauce is too thin, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the crockpot during the last 30 minutes of cooking. You can also add vegetables like peas, bell peppers, or spinach during the last hour of cooking. Butter chicken can be frozen for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.