CREAMY CROCKPOT BUTTER CHICKEN IRRESISTIBLE

Imagine tender, juicy chicken simmered in a luscious, creamy tomato-based sauce, infused with aromatic spices that transport you straight to culinary heaven – that’s what awaits you with this Creamy Crockpot Butter Chicken recipe! This is the ultimate hands-off dinner solution, delivering restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort. Get ready for a flavor explosion that will have everyone begging for seconds!

Gather Your Ingredients

Let’s get everything together before we start. Having all your ingredients measured and ready to go will make this a breeze. Don’t worry, the ingredient list looks long, but it’s mostly spices that you probably already have in your pantry. And trust me, it’s worth it!

For the Chicken:

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the Butter Chicken Sauce:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 inch ginger, grated
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup butter, unsalted
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, fresh

Spices:

• 2 teaspoons garam masala
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

Step-by-Step Instructions: From Prep to Plate

Alright, now for the fun part! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be enjoying your amazing Creamy Crockpot Butter Chicken in no time. I promise, even if you’re a beginner cook, you can nail this recipe. We’ll break it down together.

Step 1: Sear the Chicken (Optional but Recommended)

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
3. Sear the chicken in batches for 2-3 minutes per side, until lightly browned. This step helps to lock in the juices and adds a nice depth of flavor. Don’t worry about cooking it all the way through; the crockpot will take care of that!

Pro Tip: If you’re short on time, you can skip the searing step, but I highly recommend it for the best flavor and texture. Plus, it only takes a few extra minutes!

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

1. In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!

Step 3: Build the Sauce Base

1. Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, garam masala, turmeric powder, cumin powder, paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), ground coriander, and cinnamon.
2. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the spices are fragrant and the sauce starts to thicken slightly. This step is crucial for blooming the spices and releasing their full flavor.

Step 4: Combine and Cook in the Crockpot

1. Transfer the seared chicken (or uncooked chicken, if skipping the searing step) to your crockpot.
2. Pour the sauce over the chicken, ensuring that all the pieces are coated.
3. Add the butter cut into pieces.
4. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.

Crockpot Tip: Cooking times may vary depending on your crockpot. Check the chicken for doneness after the minimum cooking time and adjust accordingly. You’ll know it’s ready when it easily shreds with a fork.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

1. Stir in the heavy cream and fresh cilantro.
2. Let the butter chicken simmer in the crockpot for another 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly.
3. Serve hot over cooked basmati rice or with naan bread.

Perfect Pairings & Serving Suggestions

This Creamy Crockpot Butter Chicken is fantastic on its own, but here are a few ideas to elevate your meal to the next level:

• Rice: Basmati rice is a classic pairing, but jasmine rice or even brown rice would also work well.
• Naan Bread: Warm naan bread is perfect for scooping up all that delicious sauce.
• Raita: A cooling cucumber and yogurt raita provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the butter chicken.
• Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette adds a touch of freshness to the meal.
• Vegetables: Steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, or green beans make a healthy and flavorful side dish.

Troubleshooting Tips for Crockpot Food Recipes

Sometimes, things don’t go exactly as planned, even with the best recipes. Here are a few common issues you might encounter when making Crockpot Food Recipes, and how to fix them:

• Sauce is too thin: If your sauce is too thin after cooking, you can thicken it by removing the lid from the crockpot and cooking on high for another 30-60 minutes, allowing some of the liquid to evaporate. Alternatively, you can mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to make a slurry, and then stir it into the sauce during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
• Chicken is dry: If your chicken is dry, it could be due to overcooking. Make sure to check the chicken for doneness after the minimum cooking time recommended in the recipe. Adding a bit more heavy cream or yogurt at the end can also help to moisten the chicken.
• Flavor is bland: If the flavor is bland, it could be because your spices are old or you didn’t use enough. Make sure to use fresh spices for the best flavor. You can also add a pinch of salt, a squeeze of lemon juice, or a dash of hot sauce to brighten up the flavor.
• Crockpot cooks too hot: Every slow cooker is different! If yours tends to run hot, try reducing the cooking time or using the “warm” setting for part of the cooking process.

Make it Your Own: Variations & Substitutions

Don’t be afraid to experiment and put your own spin on this recipe! Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Vegetarian Butter Chicken: Substitute the chicken with chickpeas, paneer (Indian cheese), or a combination of vegetables like cauliflower, potatoes, and peas.
• Dairy-Free Butter Chicken: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and ghee (clarified butter) instead of butter.
• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to control the heat level. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra kick.
• Sweetness: Add a tablespoon of honey or brown sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.

Two Hour Crockpot Meals: Is It Possible?

While this recipe is best cooked low and slow, you *can* adapt it for a shorter cooking time if you’re in a pinch. For Two Hour Crockpot Meals, cut the chicken into smaller pieces to speed up cooking, sear it well, and use the high setting on your crockpot. Keep a close eye on it, and be prepared to adjust the cooking time as needed.

Crockpot Sauce Recipes: The Secret to Flavor

The key to amazing Buttered Chicken Crockpot lies in the sauce! This recipe features a rich and flavorful Crockpot Sauce Recipes, thanks to the combination of tomatoes, spices, butter, and cream. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different spice combinations to create your own signature butter chicken sauce.

More Delicious Crockpot Adventures

If you’re loving the convenience of your slow cooker, be sure to check out these other fantastic Crockpot Marry Me Chicken for another creamy, dreamy meal. Or maybe you want to try Ultimate Slow Cooker Butter Chicken, a very similar recipe! Craving something sweet and savory? Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken is the way to go. If you’re looking to ditch the takeout, Homemade Butter Chicken is another recipe that will be a hit with the family. For a change of pace, try Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Potatoes or even the easier to make version of the same recipe, Slow Cooker Butter Chicken. There is no limit to the wonderful flavors you can explore with your slow cooker.

Your New Favorite Weeknight Dinner Awaits

So there you have it! Creamy Crockpot Butter Chicken is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s surprisingly easy to make. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want a delicious and satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Gather your ingredients, fire up your crockpot, and get ready to enjoy the incredible flavors of this classic Indian dish. I hope you love it as much as I do!

Creamy Crockpot Butter Chicken Irresistible

Amelia Chen-Morrison

This Creamy Crockpot Butter Chicken recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort. Tender, juicy chicken simmers in a luscious, creamy tomato-based sauce infused with aromatic spices, creating a flavor explosion that will have everyone begging for seconds. It’s the ultimate hands-off dinner solution for busy weeknights.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 6 hours hrs

Total Time 6 hours hrs 20 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Indian

Servings 6

Calories 550 kcal

Equipment

• Slow cooker (Crockpot)
• Large skillet
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Grater
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Spatula
• Fork

Ingredients

  

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 inch ginger, grated
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup unsalted butter, cut into pieces
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 2 teaspoons garam masala
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper optional
• ½ teaspoon ground coriander
• ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
• Cooked basmati rice or naan bread, for serving

Instructions

 

• Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
• Sear the chicken in batches for 2-3 minutes per side, until lightly browned. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
• In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
• Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
• Add the minced garlic and grated ginger and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
• Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, garam masala, turmeric powder, cumin powder, paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), ground coriander, and cinnamon.
• Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the spices are fragrant and the sauce starts to thicken slightly.
• Transfer the seared chicken to your crockpot.
• Pour the sauce over the chicken, ensuring that all the pieces are coated.
• Add the butter cut into pieces.
• Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
• Stir in the heavy cream and fresh cilantro.
• Let the butter chicken simmer in the crockpot for another 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly.
• Serve hot over cooked basmati rice or with naan bread.

Notes

For a vegetarian option, substitute the chicken with chickpeas, paneer, or a combination of vegetables. To make it dairy-free, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and ghee instead of butter. Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to control the heat level. If the sauce is too thin, remove the lid from the crockpot and cook on high for another 30-60 minutes, allowing some of the liquid to evaporate. If your chicken is dry, add a bit more heavy cream or yogurt at the end to moisten the chicken.