Crockpot Butter Chicken: A Simple & Delicious Recipe

Crockpot Butter Chicken – just the name conjures up images of rich, creamy sauce clinging to tender chicken, a dish so comforting and flavorful it’s practically a hug in a bowl. I’ve always been fascinated by the magic of slow cooking, and this recipe truly exemplifies its power. It transforms humble chicken into a culinary masterpiece with minimal effort, making it perfect for busy weeknights or impressive weekend gatherings.

While the exact origins are debated, Butter Chicken, or Murgh Makhani as it’s known in India, is believed to have emerged in the mid-20th century in Delhi. Some accounts credit a restaurant’s accidental creation – a mishap that resulted in a surprisingly delicious dish. Regardless of its precise beginnings, this creamy, tomato-based curry quickly gained popularity, becoming a staple in Indian restaurants worldwide and a beloved favorite in countless homes.

What makes Crockpot Butter Chicken so irresistible? It’s the perfect blend of sweet, savory, and spicy notes. The tender, succulent chicken practically melts in your mouth, enveloped in a luxuriously smooth and creamy sauce. The rich, buttery texture is balanced beautifully by the subtle warmth of the spices. And let’s not forget the convenience! The slow cooker does all the hard work, allowing you to simply toss in the ingredients and let the magic happen. You’ll come home to the most incredible aroma, signaling a delicious and stress-free meal awaits.

This recipe is my go-to for impressing guests or simply treating myself to a delicious and satisfying dinner. Get ready to experience the incredible ease and flavor of my Crockpot Butter Chicken recipe – you won’t be disappointed!

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 inch ginger, grated
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 (13.5 ounce) can full-fat coconut milk
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup butter, unsalted
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons garam masala
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or more, to taste)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
• Basmati rice, cooked (for serving)
• Naan bread (for serving)

Preparing the Aromatics and Chicken

1. First, I like to start by melting the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once melted, I add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. This helps to build a nice base of flavor.
2. Next, I add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the skillet. I cook for another minute or two, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic and ginger, as this can make the dish bitter.
3. Now, it’s time for the chicken! I add the cubed chicken to the skillet and cook until lightly browned on all sides. This step helps to seal in the juices and adds a lovely texture to the final dish. I usually cook it for about 5-7 minutes, depending on the size of the chicken cubes.

Building the Flavor Base

4. Once the chicken is browned, I stir in the tomato paste, garam masala, paprika, cumin, coriander, turmeric, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. I cook this mixture for another 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, to allow the spices to bloom and release their full aroma. This is a crucial step for developing the rich, complex flavor of the butter chicken.
5. I then add the diced tomatoes (undrained), coconut milk, and chicken broth to the skillet. I stir everything together well to combine all the ingredients. Make sure to scrape the bottom of the pan to get all those delicious browned bits!

Slow Cooking to Perfection

6. Now, I carefully transfer the entire mixture to my slow cooker. I make sure to cover it with the lid.
7. I cook the butter chicken on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and very tender. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld together.
8. About 30 minutes before serving, I stir in the heavy cream and lemon juice. This adds a lovely richness and tanginess to the sauce. I also taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Sometimes I add a little more cayenne pepper for extra heat, or a pinch more salt for better balance.

Serving Suggestions

9. Once the butter chicken is cooked, I like to garnish it generously with fresh cilantro. The bright green color and fresh flavor of the cilantro complement the rich, creamy sauce beautifully.
10. I serve the butter chicken hot, over a bed of fluffy basmati rice. The rice soaks up the delicious sauce perfectly.
11. Naan bread is the perfect accompaniment to butter chicken. The soft, slightly chewy bread is ideal for scooping up the creamy sauce and tender chicken.
12. For a complete meal, I often serve a side salad or some raita (yogurt dip) alongside the butter chicken and rice. This adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the main dish.

Tips and Variations

13. For a smoother sauce, you can blend a portion of the cooked butter chicken with an immersion blender before adding the heavy cream. This will give you a creamier texture without losing any of the flavor.
14. Feel free to adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your preferred level of spiciness. If you don’t like heat, you can omit it altogether.
15. If you don’t have a slow cooker, you can adapt this recipe for the stovetop. Simply simmer the mixture in a covered pot over low heat for about 1.5-2 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through.
16. For a richer flavor, you can use bone-in chicken thighs instead of boneless, skinless breasts. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
17. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen over time, making it even more delicious the next day!

Conclusion:

So there you have it – my foolproof recipe for Crockpot Butter Chicken! I truly believe this recipe is a must-try for several reasons. First, the convenience is unparalleled. Simply toss everything into your slow cooker in the morning, and come home to a fragrant, flavorful, and incredibly tender chicken dish ready to be devoured. No more slaving away in the kitchen on busy weeknights! Second, the flavor profile is simply divine. That rich, creamy butter sauce, infused with aromatic spices, clings beautifully to the chicken, creating a truly unforgettable taste experience. It’s the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and subtly spicy – a symphony of flavors that will leave you wanting more.

Third, and perhaps most importantly, this Crockpot Butter Chicken recipe is incredibly versatile. It’s a blank canvas for your culinary creativity! Want to add a little extra heat? Toss in a few sliced jalapeños or a dash of your favorite hot sauce. Prefer a milder flavor? Simply reduce the amount of chili powder. Feeling adventurous? Experiment with different spices like garam masala or turmeric to create your own unique twist.

Speaking of variations, I love serving this Crockpot Butter Chicken with fluffy basmati rice. The rice perfectly soaks up the delicious sauce, creating a truly satisfying meal. Naan bread is another fantastic accompaniment – use it to scoop up every last drop of that creamy goodness! For a lighter side dish, a simple cucumber raita or a fresh salad with a light vinaigrette would complement the richness of the chicken beautifully. You could also try serving it with roasted vegetables like cauliflower or broccoli for a more complete and nutritious meal.

Beyond the suggested sides, consider using leftover Crockpot Butter Chicken in other dishes. It makes a fantastic filling for tacos or quesadillas, or you can shred the chicken and add it to salads or wraps for a quick and easy lunch. The possibilities are truly endless!

I’ve spent years perfecting this recipe, and I’m so excited to finally share it with you. I truly believe it’s a game-changer for busy weeknights, offering a restaurant-quality meal without the restaurant-quality effort. It’s a recipe that’s both impressive and surprisingly simple to make, perfect for impressing guests or simply treating yourself to a delicious and comforting meal.

So, what are you waiting for? Give my Crockpot Butter Chicken recipe a try! I’d love to hear about your experience. Share your photos and feedback on social media using the hashtag #CrockpotButterChicken – I can’t wait to see your creations and hear how you enjoyed this flavorful and convenient dish. Don’t forget to adjust the spice level to your preference and experiment with different sides to find your perfect combination. Happy cooking!

Remember to share your culinary adventures with me! I’m eager to see your delicious Crockpot Butter Chicken creations.

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September 12, 2025 by Melissa