Crockpot Butter Chicken is like a warm hug on a cold day. Imagine tender chicken simmering away in a luscious, creamy sauce filled with aromatic spices that dance in the air. The smell alone is enough to make your taste buds do a happy jig, and when you finally take that first bite, it’s like fireworks of flavor exploding in your mouth. Whether it’s a cozy night in or a gathering with friends, this dish brings everyone together and makes every meal feel special. For more inspiration, check out this Appetizer suggestions recipe.
I can still remember the first time I tried this Crockpot Butter Chicken at a friend’s dinner party. Everyone raved about it, and I couldn’t wait to dive in. As soon as I tasted it, I knew I had to get the recipe. It’s perfect for any occasion—whether you’re throwing together a casual weeknight dinner or impressing guests at a fancy soirée. Trust me; once you experience the creamy goodness of this dish, you’ll be dreaming about it long after your last bite. For more inspiration, check out this Hearty dinner ideas recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Crockpot Butter Chicken offers more than just flavor; it makes meal prep incredibly easy with minimal effort required
- You can enjoy its rich and comforting taste without spending hours in the kitchen
- The vibrant colors and aromas will make your kitchen feel like an Indian restaurant
- Perfect for serving over rice or with naan bread, it’s versatile enough for any occasion
I vividly recall my family’s delighted faces when I served them this dish for the first time.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Choose about 3-4 breasts for tenderness and soak up all those amazing flavors.
Fresh Garlic: Fresh cloves are key; they add depth and aroma that jarred garlic just can’t match.
Ginger: Use fresh ginger for its zesty kick; it’ll elevate your sauce beyond ordinary.
Canned Tomatoes: Whole peeled tomatoes work best; they break down beautifully during cooking.
Coconut Milk: Full-fat coconut milk creates that creamy richness we all crave in butter chicken.
Butter: Yes, more butter! It adds richness and balances out the spices perfectly.
Spices (Cumin, Coriander, Turmeric): These spices bring warmth and complexity to the dish; don’t skimp on them!
Salt & Pepper: Essential for enhancing all those wonderful flavors; season to taste as you go.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare Your Chicken
Start by cutting your boneless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. This helps them cook evenly and soak up all that delicious sauce.
Sauté Aromatics
In a skillet over medium heat, melt some butter and add minced garlic and grated ginger until fragrant. Stir until they’re golden and aromatic—it’ll smell heavenly!
Combine Ingredients
Transfer your sautéed aromatics into the crockpot along with canned tomatoes, coconut milk, spices, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well to ensure each piece of chicken gets coated.
Cook Low and Slow
Set your crockpot on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The longer it cooks, the more tender your chicken will become—trust me on this one!
Final Touches
Once cooked through, stir in additional butter for richness if desired. Check seasoning before serving—add salt or pepper if needed.
Serve It Up
Spoon this creamy goodness over fluffy rice or serve with warm naan bread to soak up every last drop of sauce—your guests will thank you!
Enjoy making this delightful Crockpot Butter Chicken! It’s not just easy but also an experience that fills hearts (and bellies) with joy.
You Must Know
- This Crockpot Butter Chicken is a game changer for busy weeknights
- The aroma fills your kitchen, making you feel like a professional chef without all the fuss
- Serve it with rice or naan for a comforting meal that warms the soul
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by browning the chicken in a skillet to enhance its flavor, then transfer it to your crockpot. Add spices and sauce ingredients before cooking on low for 6-8 hours.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the chicken for tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian version. Experiment with coconut milk or different spices to cater to your taste buds.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of water if needed to restore creaminess.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To make this dish even more flavorful, marinate the chicken overnight for maximum taste absorption
- Using fresh spices gives a vibrant flavor boost
- Lastly, don’t skip the garnish; fresh cilantro elevates presentation and taste significantly
Cooking this dish reminds me of family gatherings, where everyone would gather around the table, eagerly awaiting buttery goodness that brought us all together.
FAQ
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, but thaw it first for even cooking and better flavor absorption.
What can I serve with Crockpot Butter Chicken?
Serve it over fluffy basmati rice or alongside warm naan bread for dipping.
How can I make this dish spicier?
Add more chili powder or use fresh chilies to adjust the heat level to your liking.
Crockpot Butter Chicken
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Crockpot Butter Chicken is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken with a rich, creamy sauce infused with aromatic spices. Perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings, this easy-to-make meal simmers slowly in your crockpot, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Serve it over fluffy rice or with warm naan for a delightful experience that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Ingredients
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 can (28 oz) whole peeled tomatoes
- 1 can (13.5 oz) full-fat coconut milk
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 2 teaspoons coriander
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter and sauté garlic and ginger until fragrant.
- Transfer aromatics to the crockpot and add canned tomatoes, coconut milk, spices, salt, and pepper.
- Stir well to coat the chicken evenly.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until chicken is tender.
- For added richness, stir in extra butter before serving.
- Serve over rice or with naan bread.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately 200g)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: Marinate the chicken overnight in spices for deeper flavor. Substitute chicken with tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian option. Adjust spice levels by adding chili powder or fresh chilies based on preference.
