Crockpot Basil Butter Chicken

It’s one of those cozy weeknights, and you’re looking for a meal that warms your soul without demanding hours at the stove. Trust me when I say the Crockpot Basil Butter Chicken is about to become your go-to dish for entertaining or just for a simple family dinner. This isn’t just a recipe; it’s an experience—one that soaks your kitchen in the heavenly aroma of basil and butter while letting your slow cooker do all the heavy lifting. Imagine coming home to a meal that melts in your mouth and makes the world outside seem just a little bit softer.

Why this Recipe Will Become Your Favorite

Now, why should you whip this up tonight? For starters, this dish marries convenience with flavor in a way that’ll leave you wondering why you didn’t make it sooner. The combination of basil pesto and butter smothers the chicken in a rich, creamy sauce that’s utterly irresistible. Plus, what’s better than coming home to a warm, hearty meal ready for you? Whether you’re a kitchen novice or a seasoned home chef, this recipe welcomes all. It’s as much about the joy of cooking as it is about the flavors that dance on your palate.

Not only is it delightfully simple, but it’s also incredibly versatile. Serve it over a bed of rice, alongside a crisp salad, or in a warm ciabatta roll with a sprinkle of fresh basil for that gourmet touch. You’ll have your friends asking for the recipe before the last bite has even disappeared!

Gather These Ingredients

Let’s talk about the stars of our show. These ingredients are the building blocks that will create your culinary masterpiece:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Choose fresh, organic chicken if possible. It really makes a difference in flavor.

• 1 cup basil pesto: This is the heart of our dish. Whether you buy it from the store or make your own, ensure it’s vibrant and flavorful. If you’re feeling adventurous, a sun-dried tomato pesto is a delightful alternative.

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter: This adds that luscious richness. Don’t skip this; it’s like a warm hug for your chicken! If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute with olive oil.

• 1/2 cup chicken broth: Use low-sodium broth so you can control the salt. You could even use vegetable broth for an equally tasty, vegetarian-friendly version.

• Salt and pepper to taste: Spice it up according to your preference!

• Fresh basil leaves for garnish: A touch of green at the end elevates the dish both visually and flavor-wise.

How this Recipe Comes Together

Let’s dive into the magic of assembling this dish:

1. Place the chicken breasts in the crockpot: Lay them down gently, ensuring they’re not overlapping too much so they cook evenly.

2. Mix the sauce: In a separate bowl, combine the basil pesto, unsalted butter, and chicken broth until silky smooth.

3. Pour it over: Imagine wrapping those chicken breasts in a fluffy blanket of pesto goodness! Make sure every chicken piece is coated.

4. Season generously: A sprinkle of salt and a dash of pepper will elevate the flavors.

5. Cover and cook: Choose your pace! Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Just be sure to keep the lid on—no peeking!

6. Shred the chicken: Once it’s cooked to tender perfection, shred the chicken right in the crockpot and mix it with the sauce. This is where the real magic happens.

7. Serve it up: Scoop out generous portions and garnish with fresh basil leaves for that aromatic freshness.

Best Way to Enjoy It

Now for the fun part—serving!

Try it over a fluffy mound of rice, letting that sticky sauce cling to each grain. You could also stuff it into a warm ciabatta roll for a hearty sandwich that’ll make lunch a delight. Pair it with roasted veggies or a simple arugula salad for a refreshing contrast to the richness of the chicken. Want to elevate it even further? A sprinkle of Parmesan or a dash of lemon juice just before serving can brighten up the dish beautifully.

Keeping Leftovers Fresh

Believe me, this dish is even better the next day! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, where it can stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it. Just make sure to cool it completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to indulge again, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.

Pro Chef Tips

Here are a few insider hacks to up your cooking game:

• Don’t skimp on the seasoning: A little extra salt and pepper can go a long way in enhancing flavors!

• Add a splash of cream: For a decadent sauce, stir in some heavy cream after shredding the chicken.

• Double the recipe: Make a big batch and enjoy all week. This dish works wonders for meal prep!

Creative Twists

Feeling adventurous? Let’s turn up the flavor dial:

• Buffalo Basil Butter Chicken: Mix buffalo sauce into your pesto for a spicy kick!

• Curry Version: Swap out the pesto for your favorite curry paste and add a can of coconut milk for an exotic twist.

• Vegetable Boost: Toss in chopped bell peppers or zucchini for added nutrition and color.

Directions to Follow

1. Place chicken breasts in the crockpot.
2. Mix pesto, butter, and chicken broth in a bowl.
3. Pour the mixture over the chicken.
4. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
6. Shred the chicken and mix in the sauce.
7. Serve hot with fresh basil leaves.

Your Questions Answered

• How long does this take to prepare? Prep time is minimal; about 10-15 minutes to get everything in the crockpot!

• Can I use frozen chicken? Absolutely, but you might need to adjust the cooking time.

• What sides pair well? Rice, roasted veggies, or a light salad are fantastic choices.

• Can I make this vegetarian? Sure! Use chickpeas or tofu as a substitute.

• Is it gluten-free? Yes! All the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Just imagine sinking your fork into this delicious blend of flavors tonight. This easy dish not only fills the belly but warms the heart, making it a perfect fit for shared meals and cozy evenings. Go ahead, give it a whirl, and let your culinary creativity flow! I can’t wait to hear what you think, so let’s share our cooking stories together!

Use Your Leftovers

Reduce food waste by making these recipes with your leftover ingredients:

Creamy Chicken and Orzo Dinner

♻️ Uses leftover chicken broth40%

Crockpot Chicken Corn Chowder

♻️ Uses leftover chicken broth40%

Print Recipe

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Crockpot Basil Butter Chicken

Cuisine: Indian Courses: Lunch

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 6 mins Rest Time 38 mins Total Time 59 mins

Cooking Temp: low  C Servings: 4 Estimated Cost: $ 10 Calories: 420

Best Season: any

Description

Crockpot Basil Butter Chicken is a mouth-watering dish that's easy to prepare and perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests. It features chicken smothered in a rich, creamy sauce made from basil pesto and butter, cooked slowly in a crockpot.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

Main Ingredients

• 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts (Fresh, organic recommended.)
• 1 cup basil pesto (Store-bought or homemade.)
• ¹⁄₂ cup unsalted butter (Substitute with olive oil if desired.)
• ¹⁄₂ cup chicken broth (Low-sodium preferred.)
• to taste salt and pepper
• as needed fresh basil leaves (For garnish.)

Instructions

Cooking Steps

1. Prepare Chicken

   Place chicken breasts in the crockpot, ensuring they’re not overlapping.
   Mark as complete

2. Mix Sauce

   In a separate bowl, combine basil pesto, unsalted butter, and chicken broth until smooth.
   Mark as complete

3. Coat Chicken

   Pour the mixture over the chicken breasts to coat them evenly.
   Mark as complete

4. Season

   Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
   Mark as complete

5. Cook

   Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or high for 3-4 hours.
   Do not open the lid during cooking.
   Mark as complete

6. Shred Chicken

   Once cooked, shred the chicken in the crockpot and mix it with the sauce.
   Mark as complete

7. Serve

   Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves.
   Mark as complete

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 420kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 30g47%

Saturated Fat 19g95%

Trans Fat 0.5g

Cholesterol 120mg40%

Sodium 500mg21%

Potassium 600mg18%

Total Carbohydrate 4g2%

Dietary Fiber 0g

Sugars 1g

Protein 35g70%

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Vitamin A 25 IU

Vitamin C 0 mg

Calcium 2 mg

Iron 6 mg

Vitamin D 0 IU

Vitamin E 1 IU

Vitamin K 1 mcg

Thiamin 0 mg

Riboflavin 0.1 mg

Niacin 12 mg

Vitamin B6 0.5 mg

Folate 2 mcg

Vitamin B12 1 mcg

Pantothenic Acid 1 mg

Phosphorus 350 mg

Magnesium 22 mg

Zinc 3 mg

Selenium 30 mcg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

This dish is great for meal prep and can be enjoyed in various ways.

Keywords: Crockpot, Basil Butter Chicken, easy dinner, slow cooker