Butter Chicken Recipe Crockpot Recipe

If you’re craving restaurant-level Indian comfort food with less effort than you ever thought possible, welcome to your new favorite: Butter Chicken Recipe Crockpot. This ultra-creamy takeout classic cooks low and slow, filling your kitchen with irresistible aromas and delivering perfectly tender chicken in a velvety, spiced tomato sauce—all straight from your slow cooker with minimal fuss.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to create this soul-warming Butter Chicken Recipe Crockpot masterpiece. These ingredients do the heavy lifting—each one building layers of flavor, creaminess, and color for that signature finish. Don’t skip a thing; they all play a starring role!

• Onion (1 cup, diced): Adds essential sweetness and base flavor; use a small yellow onion, finely chopped for the silkiest sauce.
• Unsalted Butter (4 tablespoons): The namesake of butter chicken—melts into the base and builds that creamy, rich taste we all love.
• Minced Garlic (1 tablespoon): A must for depth; mince fresh cloves for the best aroma.
• Grated Ginger (1 tablespoon): Fresh ginger brings subtle warmth and zesty contrast to the creamy sauce.
• Curry Powder (2½ teaspoons): The main hit of Indian flavors—choose your favorite blend for complexity.
• Chili Powder (2 teaspoons): Gives the dish its gentle heat (use less for mild, more for spicy).
• Garam Masala (2 teaspoons): This aromatic spice blend takes the sauce to authentic territory with notes of cinnamon and cardamom.
• Cumin (½ teaspoon): Adds earthiness and rounds out the flavor profile.
• Salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances every single note—season to taste but don’t skip!
• Tomato Sauce (1 cup): Forms the base of your sauce and gives it a vibrant, tangy body.
• Heavy Cream (1¼ cups, divided): For that lush, dreamy texture—don’t be tempted to swap for milk or light cream.
• Tomato Paste (6 tablespoons): Intensifies the sauce and delivers that classic rich orange hue.
• Cornstarch (2 tablespoons): Whisked into the cream at the end, this thickens the sauce into velvety perfection.
• Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts (3 pounds): Lean but juicy—using whole pieces keeps them ultra-tender until the final cut.
• Cooked Jasmine Rice (4 cups): Fluffy rice soaks up all the fragrant sauce; cook it according to package instructions right before serving.
• Fresh Cilantro: Brightens every bowl with a fresh, herby pop—sprinkle before serving.

Variations

Don’t be afraid to customize your Butter Chicken Recipe Crockpot to suit your palate or pantry! This dish is wonderfully flexible, so you can tweak the spices, protein, creaminess, or even swap in non-dairy options based on your mood or dietary needs.

• Add Veggies: Tuck in a handful of baby spinach, sweet peas, or cubes of bell pepper during the last 30 minutes for a colorful and nutritious boost.
• Go Dairy-Free: Swap heavy cream for unsweetened coconut cream (and plant-based butter) for a vegan twist that’s still luxuriously rich.
• Use Chicken Thighs: If you prefer darker, juicier meat, boneless skinless thighs hold up beautifully in the crockpot and offer even more flavor.
• Adjust the Heat: Dial up the chili powder or stir in a pinch of cayenne if your crew loves it spicy, or use half as much for a gentle, family-friendly profile.
• Serve with Naan: Skip the jasmine rice and sop up the luscious sauce with warm, fluffy naan bread.

How to Make Butter Chicken Recipe Crockpot

Step 1: Build the Flavor Base

Start by melting the butter in a sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the onions, garlic, ginger, curry powder, chili powder, garam masala, cumin, and salt. Sauté everything together for 2–3 minutes until the onions are softened and the kitchen is filled with cozy, fragrant spice—this step is key for unlocking all the flavor.

Step 2: Blend to Dreamy Smoothness

Transfer the sautéed onion-spice mixture to a blender, pour in the tomato sauce and tomato paste, and add ¾ cup of the heavy cream. Blend until the sauce is ultra-silky and smooth—this creates that signature restaurant-style butter chicken consistency.

Step 3: Crockpot Magic Begins

Place the whole chicken breasts into your slow cooker. Pour the velvety sauce over the top, cover, and cook on HIGH for 2½ to 3 hours. This is where your Butter Chicken Recipe Crockpot does all the work, infusing the meat with flavor while keeping it tender and juicy.

Step 4: Cut & Thicken

Once the chicken is fully cooked and shreds easily, remove it from the crockpot and cut it into 1-inch bite-sized pieces. In a small bowl, whisk the cornstarch with the remaining ½ cup of cream to create a slurry—then stir it into the sauce still in the slow cooker. Let it thicken for a few minutes to become beautifully glossy.

Step 5: Sauce & Serve

Return the chopped chicken pieces to the crockpot and gently stir to coat them in the luscious sauce, being careful not to break them up too much. Serve hot alongside jasmine rice, and sprinkle generously with fresh cilantro just before eating. If you want to plate it like a pro, arrange the rice to one side of the bowl and nestle the saucy chicken beside it!

How to Serve Butter Chicken Recipe Crockpot

Garnishes

The finishing touch for this Butter Chicken Recipe Crockpot is a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. If you’re feeling extra, add a dollop of plain yogurt or a swirl of cream for an extra pop of color and luxe creaminess. A few toasted cashews or slivered almonds add both crunch and elegance.

Side Dishes

This dish absolutely sings next to fluffy jasmine rice or warm naan bread. Want to round out the meal? Pair it with cucumber raita, a simple green salad with lemon dressing, or try crispy roasted cauliflower for a veggie-packed plate that’s as vibrant as the butter chicken itself.

Creative Ways to Present

For weeknight elegance, serve it “bowl style” with the rice to one side and butter chicken nestled alongside. Hosting friends? Offer a DIY Butter Chicken bar—set out rice, naan, cilantro, yogurt, and your slow cooker full of steaming sauce, and let everyone build their own plate. You can even fill miniature naan or pita breads for bite-sized party sliders—utterly irresistible!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Butter Chicken Recipe Crockpot stores beautifully! Cool leftovers to room temperature, then transfer to airtight containers. The flavors meld even deeper overnight, so tomorrow’s lunch might taste even better than tonight’s dinner. Keep refrigerated and enjoy within 3–4 days.

Freezing

For longer-term meal prepping, portion cooled butter chicken (without rice) into freezer-safe containers or zip bags. It keeps well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for the best, creamy texture—just give it a good stir as it reheats to bring everything back together.

Reheating

Gentle is best! Warm refrigerated butter chicken in a saucepan over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally. If the sauce thickens too much, splash in a bit of cream or water to loosen. Microwaving in short bursts also works—just cover, stir midway, and avoid overcooking to keep the chicken tender.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Butter Chicken Recipe Crockpot truly transforms weeknights and special occasions alike, filling your home with aroma and warmth while the slow cooker does the heavy lifting. I hope you’ll treat yourself—and everyone you love—to this wildly delicious twist on an Indian classic. Let it become a new favorite at your table!

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