Crockpot Butter Chicken

Name: Crockpot Butter Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 6 h
Total time: 6 h 15 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 lbs boneless chicken thighs; 1 cup plain yogurt; 1 onion, finely chopped; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 2 inches ginger, grated; 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/4 cup butter; 2 teaspoons garam masala; 1 teaspoon turmeric; 1 teaspoon cumin; Salt to taste; Cilantro for garnish

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

Experience the rich and creamy goodness of this easy Crockpot Butter Chicken recipe. Perfectly spiced and slow-cooked to tender perfection, this indulgent dish brings the flavors of Indian cuisine right to your kitchen. Serve it with basmati rice or naan for a comforting meal that the whole family will love.

Created by

Emma

Last updated on 2025-10-24T06:05:06.575Z

Discover the amazing taste of traditional Indian cuisine with this effortless recipe for Crockpot Butter Chicken. The slow-cooking process allows the spices to infuse the chicken, resulting in a dish that is both flavorful and comforting.

The Flavors of Indian Cuisine

Indian cuisine is renowned for its diverse and vibrant flavors, making it a favorite for many food lovers. The combination of spices used in dishes like Butter Chicken plays a pivotal role in creating its distinctive taste profile. Garam masala, turmeric, and cumin infuse this dish with warmth, depth, and a subtle earthiness, turning simple ingredients into a rich culinary experience. Each bite is a delightful blend of aromatic spices that harmoniously meld together, making it a true representation of what Indian food has to offer.

Butter Chicken, or Murgh Makhani, originated from Northern India, specifically Delhi. It was created by the chefs of the Moti Mahal restaurant in the 1950s. The unique blend of tomatoes, cream, and butter creates a luscious sauce that perfectly complements tender chicken. This dish has gained international popularity, loved for its rich, buttery flavor and mild heat, making it a fantastic choice for both seasoned spice lovers and those new to Indian cuisine.

Why Slow-Cooking is Ideal

Using a crockpot for Butter Chicken transforms the cooking process, allowing the flavors to develop fully. Slow cooking helps to tenderize the chicken, making it incredibly succulent and juicy. The gentle heat of the crockpot ensures that the spices release their essential oils gradually, resulting in a more complex flavor that is hard to achieve with quicker cooking methods. This method allows you to enjoy a meal that feels like it has been simmering for hours, all with minimal effort on your part.

Furthermore, the convenience of crockpot cooking cannot be overstated. With just a few minutes of preparation, you can set it and forget it, allowing you to go about your day. When dinner time rolls around, you’ll be greeted by an enticing aroma and a meal that’s ready to impress your family and friends. It's a hassle-free way to enjoy homemade comfort food without spending hours in the kitchen.

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to serving Butter Chicken, the traditional accompaniments are basmati rice and naan. Basmati rice, renowned for its long grains and fragrant aroma, provides the perfect base to soak up the creamy sauce. Alternatively, naan, a soft and fluffy Indian bread, is ideal for scooping up every delectable morsel. Both options enhance your dining experience, allowing you to enjoy the dish to its fullest.

For a complete meal, consider serving Butter Chicken with a side of fresh salad or a cooling cucumber raita. The lightness of these dishes can balance the richness of the Butter Chicken, creating a well-rounded dining experience. Adding some pickled onions or a refreshing mango chutney can also provide a delightful contrast, elevating the flavors and making your meal truly memorable.

Ingredients

For the Butter Chicken

2 lbs boneless chicken thighs
1 cup plain yogurt
1 onion, finely chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 inches ginger, grated
1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
1 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup butter
2 teaspoons garam masala
1 teaspoon turmeric
1 teaspoon cumin
Salt to taste
Cilantro for garnish

Serve with basmati rice or naan.

Instructions

Cooking Instructions

Prepare the Marinade

In a bowl, combine yogurt, garlic, ginger, turmeric, cumin, and salt. Add chicken thighs and coat well. Marinate for at least 30 minutes.

Cook the Chicken

Place the marinated chicken in the crockpot along with chopped onions and tomato sauce. Cook on low for 6 hours.

Finish the Sauce

After cooking, stir in cream and butter until melted. Adjust seasoning if necessary.

Serve

Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve with rice or naan.

Enjoy your delicious Crockpot Butter Chicken!

Tips for Perfecting Your Butter Chicken

To achieve the best results with your Butter Chicken, make sure to use high-quality chicken thighs. They have a higher fat content compared to chicken breasts, which keeps the meat moist and flavorful during the slow cooking process. Additionally, don’t skip the marinating step – it’s crucial for tenderizing the chicken and infusing it with flavor.

Feel free to adjust the seasoning to suit your personal taste preferences. If you enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding some red chili powder or cayenne pepper to the marinade. On the other hand, if you're serving a family with different spice tolerances, keeping the spice levels mild will ensure that everyone can enjoy this delightful dish.

Storage and Reheating

Butter Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. This makes it a great option for meal prep or leftovers, as the flavors often deepen and improve over time. Simply reheat on the stove or in the microwave until it's heated through. Just be cautious not to overheat; doing so can result in dry chicken.

If you want to store Butter Chicken for an extended period, consider freezing it. When frozen, it can last up to three months. To reheat, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then heat it gently on the stove. You may want to add a splash of cream or water when reheating to restore its creamy texture.

Variations to Try

While the traditional recipe is delicious on its own, feel free to experiment with variations to suit your tastes. For a healthier twist, consider using coconut milk instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce that still packs a flavor punch. You can also incorporate vegetables such as bell peppers, peas, or spinach to add more nutrients and a pop of color to the dish.

For those looking for a different protein option, try substituting chicken with chickpeas for a vegetarian version. The chickpeas will absorb the flavors of the sauce beautifully, making it a satisfying choice for plant-based eaters. These variations keep the recipe exciting and flavorful, ensuring you can enjoy Butter Chicken in new and creative ways.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breast can be used; however, the dish may be less tender.

→ Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, substitute the cream with coconut milk and the butter with a dairy-free alternative.