If you’re craving a dish that’s rich, comforting, and packed with warming spices, this Crockpot Butter Chicken Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine tender chicken thighs slow-cooked to perfection in a velvety tomato and cream sauce infused with fragrant garam masala, garlic, and ginger — it’s like a hug in a bowl. What makes this recipe truly special is how effortlessly all those luscious flavors meld together in the crockpot, allowing you to come home to an irresistible meal without any fuss. Trust me, once you make this Crockpot Butter Chicken Recipe, it’ll become a staple in your dinner rotation!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple yet essential to bring out the true essence of this dish. Each one plays an important role, from the velvety creaminess of butter and yogurt to the vibrant warmth of turmeric and paprika, creating a perfect balance of flavor, richness, and color.
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs: Using thighs keeps the chicken extra juicy and tender throughout the slow cooking process.
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped: Adds subtle sweetness and depth as it slowly softens.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Brings a punch of savory aroma essential to Indian-inspired dishes.
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated: Infuses the dish with a warm, zesty bite that complements the spices.
- 1 can (14 ounces) crushed tomatoes: Provides the rich tomato base that balances creaminess and acidity.
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce: Enhances the saucy texture and vibrant color.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Gives the sauce a luscious, smooth finish you’ll want to savor.
- 1/4 cup plain yogurt: Adds tang and a velvety texture that lightens the richness.
- 3 tablespoons butter, cut into pieces: Key to that buttery, melt-in-your-mouth flavor this dish is famous for.
- 1 tablespoon garam masala: A fragrant spice blend that brings warmth and complexity to every bite.
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin: Adds earthiness and depth, perfectly complementing the other spices.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Contributes a mild smokiness and beautiful color.
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric: Gives that classic golden hue and subtle bitterness that balances the dish.
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder or to taste: Adds just the right touch of heat without overpowering.
- 1 teaspoon salt or to taste: Essential for bringing all the flavors together.”””
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Freshly ground to add just a hint of spice and complexity.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Brightens the sauce with a burst of fresh acidity at the end.
- Chopped fresh cilantro for garnish: Adds a pop of freshness and a lovely visual contrast.
How to Make Crockpot Butter Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Base
Start by layering your crockpot with the finely chopped onion, minced garlic, and freshly grated ginger. These aromatics create a fragrant foundation that will slowly infuse throughout the chicken as it cooks, giving the dish its signature warmth and inviting aroma.
Step 2: Add the Chicken
Place the bite-sized chicken thigh pieces evenly over the onion mixture. Using thigh meat is key here because it stays juicy and tender during the slow cooking process, soaking up all those luscious spices and sauce flavors.
Step 3: Mix the Tomato-Spice Sauce
In a bowl, combine the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, garam masala, ground cumin, paprika, turmeric, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to create a vibrant and flavor-packed sauce. Pour this mixture evenly over the chicken and onions in the crockpot.
Step 4: Add the Butter and Cook
Scatter the butter pieces on top of the sauce-covered chicken. Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through. The slow cooking allows all the spices to meld beautifully, and the butter melts into the sauce, creating that signature richness.
Step 5: Finish with Cream, Yogurt, and Lemon
During the last 30 minutes of cooking, gently stir in the heavy cream, plain yogurt, and lemon juice. This step adds a creamy tang that balances the spices perfectly and gives the sauce that luscious, velvety finish that makes this dish so crave-worthy. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
How to Serve Crockpot Butter Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro is all you need to elevate the dish not only visually but also with a fresh, herbaceous note that contrasts beautifully with the rich, creamy sauce. It’s the perfect final touch to your Crockpot Butter Chicken Recipe.
Side Dishes
This butter chicken shines when served over fragrant basmati rice, which soaks up the luscious sauce in every bite. Alternatively, warm, fluffy naan bread is fantastic for scooping up every last bit of the curry. Both sides are classic, comforting, and essential companions to this dish.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, consider serving your Crockpot Butter Chicken Recipe over cauliflower rice to keep it low-carb or on top of roasted vegetables for a hearty bowl meal. You can also layer it in a warm pita with fresh cucumber slices and a dollop of yogurt for an easy, flavorful takeaway-style dinner.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making your second meal even tastier than the first.
Freezing
This Crockpot Butter Chicken Recipe freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and store for up to 3 months. Just be sure to thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for the best texture and flavor retention.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the cream from separating. You can also microwave in short bursts, stirring in between, until warmed through. Adding a splash of cream or water can help restore the sauce consistency if it thickens too much.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs in this Crockpot Butter Chicken Recipe?
Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts, but keep in mind that thighs stay moister and are less likely to dry out during slow cooking. If using breasts, consider reducing the cooking time slightly to avoid overcooking.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Swap out the heavy cream and yogurt for full-fat coconut cream for a dairy-free version that still delivers creamy richness and a subtle sweetness that pairs perfectly with the spices.
Can I prepare this Crockpot Butter Chicken Recipe ahead of time?
Definitely. You can prep all the ingredients and layer them in the crockpot insert the night before. Just keep the cream and yogurt separate until the last 30 minutes of cooking when you’re ready to start slow cooking.
How spicy is this dish?
This recipe has a mild to moderate heat level thanks to the chili powder, which you can adjust based on your preference. Feel free to add more for extra heat or reduce it for a gentler flavor.
What’s the best way to thicken the sauce if it’s too thin?
If you find the sauce thinner than preferred, remove the lid in the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow some liquid to evaporate, or stir in a small mixture of cornstarch and water to thicken it up quickly.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited as I am for you to try this comforting and flavorful Crockpot Butter Chicken Recipe. It’s the perfect combination of ease and incredible taste, making it ideal for busy weeknights or cozy weekend dinners. Once you get a taste of that silky sauce and tender chicken, you’ll understand why this recipe becomes an instant favorite. So grab your crockpot, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a truly delicious meal you can feel proud to serve.
Print
Crockpot Butter Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Indian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Crockpot Butter Chicken recipe offers a rich and creamy Indian curry made easy with slow cooker convenience. Tender chicken thighs are simmered in a flavorful blend of tomatoes, spices, butter, and cream, resulting in a comforting dish perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve over basmati rice or naan for a traditional experience.
Ingredients
Chicken and Aromatics
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
Tomato and Spice Mixture
- 1 can (14 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (or to taste)
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Dairy and Garnish
- 3 tablespoons butter, cut into pieces
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup plain yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the base: Add the finely chopped onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger to the bottom of the crockpot, creating a flavorful aromatic layer.
- Add chicken: Place the bite-sized chicken thigh pieces evenly on top of the onion-ginger-garlic mixture in the crockpot.
- Mix tomato and spices: In a medium bowl, combine crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, garam masala, cumin, paprika, turmeric, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly to blend the spices evenly.
- Combine and cook: Pour the tomato and spice mixture over the chicken in the crockpot. Dot the top with pieces of butter. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
- Finish the sauce: During the last 30 minutes of cooking, stir in the heavy cream, plain yogurt, and lemon juice to add richness and a tangy balance. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve and garnish: Once cooking is complete, spoon the butter chicken into bowls, garnish with chopped fresh cilantro, and serve over basmati rice or alongside naan bread for a complete meal.
Notes
- Serve over basmati rice or with naan for a complete meal.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute coconut cream for the heavy cream and yogurt.
- This dish tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen.
