Crockpot Butter Chicken is the ultimate comfort food with tender chicken simmered in a rich, creamy tomato sauce infused with a blend of warm spices. Serve it with fluffy rice or naan for a complete, mouthwatering meal.
What is Crockpot Butter Chicken?
Crockpot Butter Chicken is a simplified version of the classic butter chicken, also known as murgh makhani. It features boneless, skinless chicken cooked in a rich, creamy sauce made with butter, tomatoes, garlic, ginger, and a blend of aromatic Indian spices. Unlike the traditional method, this recipe relies on the convenience of a slow cooker, where the chicken soaks up all the wonderful flavors while staying juicy and tender.
With its warming spices and velvety sauce, Crockpot Butter Chicken is a dish that everyone in the family will enjoy, whether you serve it over steamed rice, with naan bread, or even as a stand-alone dish on a low-carb or keto diet.
Ingredients Needed for Crockpot Butter Chicken
To prepare this easy Crockpot Butter Chicken recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts are ideal for this recipe. Chicken thighs will give you a slightly richer flavor, while chicken breasts are leaner but still juicy when slow-cooked.
- Butter: The key ingredient that gives the sauce its creamy richness. Use unsalted butter for better control over seasoning.
- Tomatoes: Crushed tomatoes or tomato puree are the base of the sauce. They create a thick, luscious texture when combined with the butter and cream.
- Heavy cream: This adds extra creaminess to the sauce and balances the heat from the spices.
- Garlic and ginger: Fresh garlic and ginger bring bold, aromatic flavors to the dish, essential for that authentic butter chicken taste.
- Spices: A blend of garam masala, turmeric, cumin, paprika, coriander, and ground cinnamon. These spices bring warmth and depth to the sauce.
- Onion: A finely chopped onion adds sweetness and complexity to the sauce.
- Salt and pepper: For seasoning and balance.
Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Crockpot Butter Chicken
- Use Chicken Thighs for Juicier Meat: While chicken breasts are a healthier option, chicken thighs hold up better in the slow cooker, staying juicy and tender. If you prefer breasts, make sure not to overcook them, as they can dry out.
- Adjust the Spice Level: If you’re sensitive to spice, you can reduce the amount of garam masala, cumin, and chili powder in the recipe. On the other hand, if you love heat, feel free to increase the spice levels or add a few slices of fresh chili peppers.
- Add Vegetables: For added texture and nutrition, you can throw in some vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or peas during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This will enhance the flavor and make the dish more hearty.
- Don’t Skip the Cream: Heavy cream is key to the velvety texture of the sauce. Avoid substituting with milk or half-and-half, as they won’t give the same richness.
Variations of Crockpot Butter Chicken
While this Crockpot Butter Chicken recipe is delicious on its own, you can make a few variations to suit your preferences:
- Low-Carb Version: For a low-carb version of this dish, you can skip the rice and serve the butter chicken over cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, or even leafy greens like spinach or kale.
- Vegan Butter Chicken: To make a vegan version of this dish, replace the chicken with tofu or tempeh, and substitute the butter and cream with vegan alternatives like coconut milk and vegan butter.
- Spicy Butter Chicken: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, you can increase the amount of chili powder or add a few fresh chilies to the sauce for an extra spicy kick.
How to Serve Crockpot Butter Chicken
Crockpot Butter Chicken pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. Here are some popular ways to serve it:
- With Steamed Rice: The classic way to serve butter chicken is with fluffy, aromatic basmati rice. The rice soaks up the creamy sauce, making every bite flavorful and satisfying.
- With Naan: For a more authentic experience, serve your butter chicken with warm, soft naan bread. It’s perfect for dipping into the sauce.
- On a Salad: If you’re looking for a lighter option, serve the butter chicken on top of a fresh salad with leafy greens, cucumbers, and tomatoes for a Mediterranean twist.
- Over Cauliflower Rice: If you’re following a keto or low-carb diet, cauliflower rice makes an excellent substitute for traditional rice.
How to Store Crockpot Butter Chicken
Crockpot Butter Chicken can be stored easily for future meals:
- In the Refrigerator: Let the butter chicken cool to room temperature, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- In the Freezer: You can freeze Crockpot Butter Chicken for up to 3 months. Just ensure it’s stored in a freezer-safe container. When ready to reheat, allow it to thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then heat it on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe? Yes, you can use frozen chicken in this recipe. However, you may need to extend the cooking time by 1 to 2 hours if using frozen chicken.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Absolutely! Crockpot Butter Chicken can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge or freezer for later. It actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors have had more time to meld together.
Is this recipe gluten-free? Yes, this Crockpot Butter Chicken is naturally gluten-free, as it does not contain any wheat-based ingredients. Just be sure to check that your spices and any side dishes (like naan or rice) are gluten-free as well.
Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can easily double the ingredients for a larger batch. Just make sure your slow cooker is big enough to accommodate the extra ingredients.
Crockpot Butter Chicken
Crockpot Butter Chicken is the ultimate comfort food with tender chicken simmered in a rich, creamy tomato sauce infused with a blend of warm spices. Serve it with fluffy rice or naan for a complete, mouthwatering meal.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 4 medium)
- 1 tbsp coconut oil
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 1 tbsp fresh minced ginger
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 ½ tbsp curry powder
- 1 tbsp garam masala
- 1 ½ tsp chili powder
- ¾ tsp kosher salt
- 1 (6 oz) can no-salt-added tomato paste
- 1 small cauliflower, cut into florets (about 4 ½ cups)
- 1 (14 oz) can tomato sauce
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter (or coconut oil for dairy-free)
- ½ cup half-and-half or full-fat coconut milk (do not use light coconut milk)
- ½ cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt (or non-dairy yogurt for dairy-free)
For serving:
- brown rice
- quinoa
- homemade naan
- chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
- In a nonstick skillet, heat the coconut oil over medium-high. Add the diced onion and cook for 5 minutes until softened. Stir in ginger, garlic, curry powder, garam masala, chili powder, salt, and tomato paste, cooking for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Transfer the cooked onions to your slow cooker. Place the chicken on top, followed by the cauliflower florets, and then pour the tomato sauce over everything. Stir the sauce and cauliflower a little, but keep the chicken undisturbed. Scatter butter pieces over the top.
- Cover and cook on high for 1.5 to 2.5 hours, or low for 4 to 6 hours, until the chicken reaches 165°F. The cooking time may vary depending on your slow cooker, so check early to avoid overcooking.
- After removing the chicken (and letting it cool slightly), stir the contents of the slow cooker and cook on HIGH for another 30 minutes to 1 hour until the cauliflower is tender.
- Once the chicken is cool enough to handle, cut it into bite-sized pieces and return to the slow cooker with the tender cauliflower. Stir in the half-and-half (or coconut milk), and once it’s cooled a bit, add the yogurt. Stir to combine, then serve hot over brown rice, quinoa, or naan with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro.
Nutrition Information
Yield
6Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 531Total Fat 24gSaturated Fat 15gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 7gCholesterol 147mgSodium 492mgCarbohydrates 25gFiber 4gSugar 5gProtein 55g
Dinnerfocus.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Crockpot Butter Chicken is the perfect recipe for busy weeknights when you crave something rich, comforting, and flavorful. With the convenience of the slow cooker, this dish requires minimal effort but delivers incredible taste. Whether you’re serving it over rice, with naan, or on a low-carb option, it’s sure to become a household favorite.
So, gather your ingredients, set your Crockpot, and let it work its magic! Enjoy this creamy, flavorful dish with your loved ones, and don’t forget to save any leftovers for a delicious meal the next day.
Try these other crockpot chicken recipes:
