Crockpot Butter Chicken
Introduction
Crockpot Butter Chicken is a delightful dish that brings the rich and aromatic flavors of Indian cuisine right to your home kitchen. This dish is not just easy to make, but it also fills your space with an irresistible aroma as it cooks. Whether you’re entertaining guests or simply looking for a comforting meal, this butter chicken is sure to impress.
Why Make This Recipe
You might be wondering why you should add Crockpot Butter Chicken to your dinner rotation. First, it’s incredibly simple to prepare—just a few steps and you can set it to cook while you go about your day. Second, the creamy sauce and tender chicken thighs create a flavor that is both comforting and exotic. Lastly, it’s perfect for meal prep! You can easily make a large batch and enjoy the leftovers throughout the week or share with friends.
How to Make Crockpot Butter Chicken
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)
Directions:
Sauté Aromatics: Heat a large nonstick pan over medium-high heat. Add the oil, and once hot, sauté the onion, garlic, and ginger, stirring occasionally, until golden (about 3–6 minutes). Add in all the spices and stir constantly for 1–3 minutes until fragrant. Stir in the tomatoes, scraping the bottom of the pan to mix. Let the mixture cool slightly, then transfer it to the slow cooker.
Cook Chicken: Trim any large pieces of fat and gristle from chicken thighs but leave some fat for added flavor. Add the chicken to the slow cooker and stir to coat in the sauce. Arrange the thighs in a single layer, smooth side down. Cover and cook on high for 2-1/2 to 4 hours or low for 4 to 6 hours, until the chicken reaches 165°F.
Blend Sauce: Remove the chicken and chop it into bite-sized pieces. Use an immersion blender (or transfer sauce to a regular blender) to purée the sauce until smooth.
Add Butter and Cream: Return the blended sauce to the slow cooker. Stir in the butter and heavy cream until fully combined and smooth.
Finish: Add the chopped chicken back into the sauce. Stir in cilantro (if using) and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot with rice and naan.
How to Serve Crockpot Butter Chicken
Crockpot Butter Chicken is best served hot. Pair it with warm naan for dipping and a side of fluffy cooked rice to soak up the flavorful sauce. Feel free to sprinkle a bit more cilantro on top for a fresh touch.
How to Store Crockpot Butter Chicken
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat it on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through. For longer storage, you can freeze the butter chicken for up to 3 months. Make sure to thaw it in the fridge before reheating.
Tips to Make Crockpot Butter Chicken
- If you like it spicy, add more red pepper flakes or use spicy garam masala.
- To save time, you can prep the ingredients the night before and store them in the fridge.
- For a lighter version, you can substitute half the cream with Greek yogurt.
Variation
You can make this recipe with chicken breast instead of thighs if you prefer a leaner option. Just be careful not to overcook the chicken breasts to keep them tender.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use boneless skinless chicken breasts, but be mindful of cooking time to prevent drying out.
2. Is it possible to make this dish vegan?
Yes, you can substitute chickpeas or tofu for the chicken, use coconut milk instead of heavy cream, and switch to a vegan butter alternative.
3. How spicy is this butter chicken?
The heat level can be adjusted based on your preference. You can add red pepper flakes or jalapeños for more spice or omit them for a milder version.
Crockpot Butter Chicken is a fantastic dish that combines ease of cooking with big flavors. Give it a try, and enjoy a comforting meal that everyone will love!
