Crockpot Butter Chicken

There’s something uniquely comforting about a rich, creamy, and aromatic butter chicken simmering away in the crockpot. This dish has a special place in my heart because it always reminds me of winter evenings spent with family, cozied up on the couch, savoring each mouthful. The intoxicating aroma wafting through the house feels like a warm embrace, doesn’t it? It’s easy to prepare and even easier to love, making it one of my go-to recipes for gatherings and a delightful weeknight dinner.

Why you’ll love this recipe

Let me tell you—this isn’t just any butter chicken. This recipe is like a love letter to those cozy nights when you want something hearty without putting in hours of labor. The beauty of it lies in the simplicity of the ingredients and the ease of preparation. With just a few staple items from your pantry and your trusty crockpot, you’ll enjoy a meal bursting with flavor that practically cooks itself. Who doesn’t love a dish that’s as delicious as it is effortless?

Imagine succulent chicken thighs nestled in a creamy coconut sauce, kissed with the warmth of garam masala and paprika. Each bite melts in your mouth, and you’ll find it hard to stop at just one plate. Plus, think about how this dish shines in its versatility. It pairs beautifully with fluffy naan or fragrant rice, letting you play around with textures, and even adjust the spice level to match your mood.

Gather these ingredients

Let’s dive into the star players of this symphony of flavors. Here’s what you’ll need to gather to make this scrumptious butter chicken:

• 1.5 lbs boneless chicken thighs: The thighs are the MVP here—juicy and tender, they soak up all the delectable flavors.

• 1 cup onion, chopped: Onions add that sweet, earthy foundation to the sauce, crafting a base you can’t skimp on.

• 4 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic is the aromatic hero of any dish, and trust me, the more, the merrier!

• 1 tablespoon ginger, minced: A dash of ginger brings a zing that elevates the whole dish. Don’t underestimate its power!

• 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk: This is your rich, creamy magic ingredient. It lends that luscious texture we all crave.

• 1 cup tomato sauce: Adds depth and body, harmonizing with the spices to create a well-rounded flavor.

• 1/2 cup butter: Yes, you read that right—half a cup of velvety butter. It creates that signature richness.

• 2 tablespoons garam masala: This spice blend is like a cozy blanket of flavor. If you’re feeling adventurous, toast it slightly before adding for an even deeper aroma.

• 1 tablespoon paprika: This little extra gives you a gentle kick of warmth and a lovely hue to the sauce.

• Salt and pepper to taste: Season thoughtfully. Don’t rush this—building flavors is where the artistry lies.

• Naan or rice for serving: Whether you prefer soft, pillowy naan or fluffy rice, you’ll want something to soak up that incredible sauce.

The cooking process explained

Now, let’s roll up our sleeves and get to the fun part—the cooking! Here’s how to make this magical butter chicken happen:

1. Combine the ingredients: Toss the chicken thighs, chopped onion, minced garlic, and ginger right into the crockpot. Then pour in the coconut milk, followed by the tomato sauce and butter. Sprinkle in the garam masala and paprika, and season with salt and pepper.

2. Stir it up: Give everything a good stir, making sure the chicken thighs are well-coated in the heavenly sauce.

3. Set the slow cooker: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Trust me—the longer, the better. You want the chicken to become fall-apart tender.

4. Finish with love: When cooking time is up, shred the chicken right in the sauce, mixing it well to absorb all that flavor goodness.

5. Serve and enjoy: Dish it out while it’s hot, paired with warm naan or over sticky rice. Your tastebuds will thank you!

Best way to enjoy it

Now that your butter chicken is ready to shine, let’s talk about serving it up! Personally, I love to serve mine with fresh naan. It’s perfect for scooping up that rich sauce—pure magic! Alternatively, serve it over rice to soak up all that luscious liquid. You can even toss in a sprinkle of fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lemon for a fresh pop.

Want an extra touch? Consider pairing it with a side of turmeric rice for some vibrant color. Or add roasted veggies for a complete plate that’ll impress anyone at your dinner table.

Storage and reheating tips

Now, let’s not forget about those delicious leftovers! If you have any, you can store your butter chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, gently reheat on the stove or in the microwave. If you like it super creamy, add a splash of coconut milk or water to loosen it up a bit.

Want to keep it for longer? Feel free to freeze portions in freezer-safe bags. They’ll last up to 3 months. Just remember to label them—trust me, your future self will thank you!

Pro chef tips

Here are a few nuggets of wisdom I’ve learned along the way to help elevate your butter chicken game:

• Don’t skip the searing! If you have a little extra time, consider searing the chicken thighs in a pan before adding them to the crockpot. It adds a beautiful depth of flavor that’s worth the extra effort.

• Spice it up! If spice is your thing, throw in a pinch of cayenne or some chili powder for a little extra heat. Adjust according to your preference, of course!

• Fresh herbs are your friends: Garnishing with fresh cilantro can brighten the dish and add a lovely herbal note.

• Experiment: Don’t be afraid to adjust this recipe to your liking! Try adding some spinach for a pop of color and nutrients, or substitute chicken with chickpeas for a vegetarian delight.

Creative Twists

Feeling a bit adventurous? Here are some fun variations on this classic recipe:

• Add some veggies: Toss in bell peppers, spinach, or peas for extra nutrition and a burst of color. Just add them in during the last hour of cooking so they stay vibrant and crisp.

• Make it dairy-free: Swap out the butter for coconut oil and ensure your tomato sauce is free from additives if you’re looking for dairy-free options.

• Play with flavors: Experiment with different spices—maybe some curry powder or turmeric for a unique twist. Each version can transport you to a different culinary landscape.

• Tweak the fat: Switch the butter for ghee for an even nuttier flavor that complements Indian cooking beautifully.

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs boneless chicken thighs
• 1 cup onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
• 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup butter
• 2 tablespoons garam masala
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Naan or rice for serving

Directions to follow

1. In a crockpot, combine the chicken thighs, chopped onion, garlic, ginger, coconut milk, tomato sauce, butter, garam masala, paprika, salt, and pepper.

2. Stir well to coat the chicken in the sauce.

3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender.

4. Shred the chicken in the sauce and stir to combine.

5. Serve hot with naan or over rice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
A: Absolutely! Chicken breasts will work, though they might dry out a tad more easily. Keep an eye on the cooking time to ensure they stay juicy.

Q: How can I make this gluten-free?
A: This recipe is naturally gluten-free! Just be sure your tomato sauce and any sides you choose (like naan) are also gluten-free.

Q: What can I add for extra spice?
A: If you’re feeling daring, add cayenne pepper or some chopped green chilies to amp up the heat!

Q: Can this recipe be made in advance?
A: Yes! This dish actually tastes better after a day in the fridge as the flavors meld, so it’s perfect for meal prep.

Q: Can I use a different type of meat?
A: You can! Lamb, turkey, or even tofu can be fantastic substitutes, depending on what you’re in the mood for.

So there you have it! Dan’t think twice—grab those ingredients and whip up this delightful crockpot butter chicken. Not only will you fill your home with the most inviting scents, but you’ll also create a dish that warms the soul. Feel free to share your cooking adventures below; I’d love to hear how it turns out!

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Crockpot Butter Chicken

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time Cook Time Total Time 21 hrs

Servings: 4-6 Estimated Cost: $ 15 Calories: 500

Best Season: any

Description

A rich and creamy butter chicken recipe that's easy to prepare and perfect for cozy dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

Main Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs boneless chicken thighs (juicy and tender)
• 1 cup onion, chopped (adds sweet, earthy flavor)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced (adds aroma)
• 1 tablespoon ginger, minced (brings a zing)
• 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk (creamy texture)
• 1 cup tomato sauce (adds depth)
• ¹⁄₂ cup butter (creates richness)
• 2 tablespoons garam masala (spice blend)
• 1 tablespoon paprika (adds warmth)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Naan or rice for serving (for soaking the sauce)

Instructions

Cooking Steps

1. Combine ingredients

   In a crockpot, combine chicken thighs, chopped onion, garlic, ginger, coconut milk, tomato sauce, butter, garam masala, paprika, salt, and pepper.
   Mark as complete

2. Stir well

   Stir well to coat the chicken in the sauce.
   Mark as complete

3. Set the slow cooker

   Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender.
   Mark as complete

4. Shred the chicken

   Shred the chicken in the sauce and stir to combine.
   Mark as complete

5. Serve hot

   Serve hot with naan or over rice.
   Mark as complete

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4-6

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 500kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 33g51%

Saturated Fat 20g100%

Trans Fat 1g

Cholesterol 150mg50%

Sodium 800mg34%

Potassium 600mg18%

Total Carbohydrate 30g10%

Dietary Fiber 3g12%

Sugars 5g

Protein 30g60%

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Vitamin A 500 IU

Vitamin C 10 mg

Calcium 50 mg

Iron 2 mg

Vitamin D 0 IU

Vitamin E 1 IU

Vitamin K 5 mcg

Thiamin 0.1 mg

Riboflavin 0.2 mg

Niacin 10 mg

Vitamin B6 0.5 mg

Folate 20 mcg

Vitamin B12 1 mcg

Biotin 0 mcg

Pantothenic Acid 1 mg

Phosphorus 300 mg

Iodine 0 mcg

Magnesium 40 mg

Zinc 2 mg

Selenium 10 mcg

Copper 0.1 mg

Manganese 0.5 mg

Chromium 0 mcg

Molybdenum 0 mcg

Chloride 0 mg

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

Keywords: butter chicken, slow cooker, crockpot, easy recipe, creamy chicken, Indian cuisine