Easy Crockpot Butter Chicken: A Weeknight Wonder! 🍗🧈✨
1. Introduction
If you’re searching for a deliciously comforting dinner that requires minimal effort, the Crockpot Butter Chicken recipe is your new best friend. This easy crockpot butter chicken combines tender chicken with rich, creamy sauce, all cooked slowly to perfection. Perfect for busy weeknights, this simple slow cooker butter chicken allows you to enjoy authentic flavors without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re new to slow cooking or a seasoned pro, this recipe guarantees a flavorful experience with minimal fuss.
2. Ingredients for this Crockpot Butter Chicken
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into chunks
- 1 cup heavy cream or coconut cream for dairy-free options
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes with juice
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons butter or margarine
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
3. How to Make the Best Crockpot Butter Chicken
Follow these simple steps to create a flavorful and creamy crockpot butter chicken that will wow your family and friends:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken and Seasonings
Start by seasoning your chicken chunks with salt, pepper, cumin, garam masala, turmeric, paprika, and chili powder. Ensuring the chicken is well-coated with spices will enhance the flavor.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken (Optional)
For extra flavor, you can sear the seasoned chicken in a hot skillet with a little oil until lightly browned. This step is optional but recommended for depth of flavor. Learn more about searing techniques here.
Step 3: Load the Crockpot
Place the chicken chunks into your Crock-Pot Family-Size Slow Cooker. Add chopped onions, garlic, diced tomatoes, and butter. Stir to combine.
Step 4: Cook Low and Slow
Set your slow cooker to low and cook for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The slow cooking will make the chicken tender and absorb all the delicious spices.
Step 5: Add the Cream and Finish
Once cooked, stir in the heavy cream or coconut cream. Let it simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Adjust seasoning if needed.
4. Tips for the Perfect Crockpot Butter Chicken
- For a richer flavor, add a splash of coconut milk or full-fat yogurt.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the chili powder or add a dash of hot sauce.
- To make this dish healthier, use Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream.
5. Storage and Reheating Tips
This crockpot butter chicken keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, stirring occasionally. For longer storage, you can freeze leftovers for up to 3 months.
6. Serving Suggestions for Crockpot Butter Chicken
Serve this flavorful butter chicken over steamed rice, naan bread, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. For added vegetables, pair it with sautéed spinach or roasted vegetables.
Need some ideas for sides? Check out our easy zucchini rice stuffing casserole or the ultimate tater tot casserole.
7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Crockpot Butter Chicken
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Use coconut cream or cashew cream instead of heavy cream for a dairy-free version.
How long does it take to prepare?
Preparation time is about 10-15 minutes to season and load ingredients, with slow cooking taking 3-8 hours depending on your setting. Overall, it’s a quick prep with minimal hands-on time.
Can I substitute chicken with other proteins?
Yes, you can replace chicken with paneer, tofu, or even shrimp for a different twist on the classic dish.
8. Kitchen tools that you might need for this recipe
- Crock-Pot Family-Size Slow Cooker – Ensure perfectly cooked and tender Crockpot Butter Chicken with this reliable slow cooker that’s spacious enough for family meals.
- CAROTE Premium 16pc Nonstick Cookware Set – Great for preparing the spices or searing chicken; this high-quality cookware makes cooking a breeze.
- Fullstar Ultimate Veggie Prep Master – Quickly chop onions and garlic to save time and effort in your meal prep.
Investing in these tools will streamline your cooking process and make creating this simple slow cooker butter chicken even easier!
9. Conclusion
There’s no better way to enjoy a hearty, flavorful dinner on busy weeknights than with this easy crockpot butter chicken recipe. It’s effortless, delicious, and versatile enough to suit all tastes and dietary preferences. Whether you’re a novice cook or an experienced chef, this crockpot butter chicken recipe will become a go-to in your weekly meal rotation. Give it a try today and savor the comforting flavors of homemade butter chicken with minimal effort!
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Easy Crockpot Butter Chicken: A Weeknight Wonder!
Discover the best easy crockpot butter chicken recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken cooked in a rich, creamy tomato sauce infused with aromatic spices, all made effortlessly in your slow cooker. This comforting and flavorful dish is guaranteed to become a family favorite with minimal effort.
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into chunks
- 1 cup heavy cream or coconut cream for dairy-free options
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes with juice
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons butter or margarine
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Start by seasoning your chicken chunks with salt, pepper, cumin, garam masala, turmeric, paprika, and chili powder. Ensure the chicken is well-coated with spices.
- For extra flavor, sear the seasoned chicken in a hot skillet with a little oil until lightly browned. This step is optional but recommended for depth of flavor.
- Place the chicken into your crockpot. Add chopped onions, garlic, diced tomatoes, and butter. Stir to combine.
- Set the slow cooker to low and cook for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and flavors meld.
- Once cooked, stir in heavy cream or coconut cream. Let it simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Adjust seasoning if needed.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, add a splash of coconut milk or full-fat yogurt.
- Adjust the chili powder for spiciness according to taste.
- Use Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream for a lighter, healthier option.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow cooker
- Cuisine: Indian Inspired
- Diet: Flexible, can be adapted to dairy-free or gluten-free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 420 Kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 120mg