Go Back
To make a tasty Crockpot Butter Chicken, gather these ingredients: - 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon ginger, minced - 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes - 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk - 1/4 cup unsalted butter - 1 tablespoon garam masala - 1 teaspoon cumin - 1 teaspoon turmeric - 1 teaspoon paprika - 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for spice preference) - Salt to taste - Fresh cilantro, for garnishing Each ingredient plays a key role in creating rich flavors. Chicken thighs stay juicy and tender. Onions, garlic, and ginger add depth. Crushed tomatoes and coconut milk give creaminess. Spices like garam masala, cumin, and turmeric bring warmth and color. Butter enriches the sauce, while salt boosts all the flavors. Fresh cilantro brightens the dish, making it visually appealing. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, grab a large bowl. In this bowl, combine the crushed tomatoes, coconut milk, and unsalted butter. Then, add the minced garlic, minced ginger, and all the spices: garam masala, cumin, turmeric, paprika, cayenne pepper, and salt. Mix them well. You want a smooth sauce, so stir until everything blends perfectly. This step creates the rich flavor base for the butter chicken. Next, take your crockpot. Layer the chicken thighs in the bottom, spreading them out evenly. Make sure they are not stacked. Then, pour the prepared sauce over the chicken. Ensure it covers the chicken completely. This helps the meat absorb all those yummy flavors. Now, it’s time to set your crockpot. You can choose low heat for 6 to 8 hours. If you’re in a hurry, set it to high for 3 to 4 hours. Either way, the chicken will become tender and juicy. It’s best to check that the chicken is cooked through before moving on. Once the cooking time is up, take two forks and shred the chicken right in the crockpot. Mix it well with the sauce. This step makes every bite flavorful. After mixing, taste the dish. Adjust the seasoning if needed, adding more salt or spices to match your taste. Serve your butter chicken over steamed rice or with warm naan bread. Don’t forget to garnish with fresh cilantro for a pop of color and flavor! Using fresh spices is key to great flavor. Fresh spices add depth to your dish. I recommend using whole spices whenever possible. You can grind them just before use. This helps release their oils and flavor. If you want to adjust spice levels, start small. Taste the dish as you go. You can always add more spice, but you can’t take it out! Sometimes the sauce can end up too watery. If this happens, you can thicken it easily. Mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of water. Stir this mix into the sauce. Let it cook for another 30 minutes. For a creamier texture, add more coconut milk or a bit of heavy cream. This makes the dish richer and smoother. You can prepare some parts of this dish ahead of time. You can chop the onions and garlic the night before. You can also mix the sauce and store it in the fridge. Marinating the chicken in the sauce for a few hours adds great flavor. This makes the cooking time even better. Just remember to cook it the next day! Pro Tips Marinate for Extra Flavor: For a deeper flavor profile, marinate the chicken in the spices and a bit of yogurt for a few hours or overnight before cooking. Use Fresh Spices: Freshly ground spices can significantly enhance the flavor of your dish. Consider grinding whole spices just before adding them to the recipe. Adjusting Spice Levels: If you're sensitive to heat, start with less cayenne pepper and add more gradually to suit your taste. Leftover Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months for a quick meal later. {{image_2}} You can switch chicken thighs for other proteins. Tofu is a great choice for a plant-based meal. It absorbs the sauce well. Use firm tofu for the best texture. For beef lovers, try using cubed beef chuck. Cook it longer, about 8 hours on low. This will make the beef tender and flavorful. To make a vegetarian butter chicken, use chickpeas or paneer. These options provide protein and hold flavors well. Follow the same steps from the original recipe. Just swap the chicken for your chosen protein. The sauce will shine through just as bright. Want to add a twist? Toss in chopped spinach or bell peppers. They add color and nutrients. You can also play with spices. Consider adding cinnamon for warmth or cardamom for a floral note. Adjust the cayenne for more heat. Your dish will be unique every time! After making your butter chicken, let it cool. Place it in an airtight container. It stays fresh for about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. If you want to eat it later, proper cooling is key. This helps keep the flavors intact and safe to eat. To freeze leftovers, wait until the butter chicken is completely cool. Pour it into a freezer-safe container. Make sure to leave some space at the top for expansion. You can freeze it for up to 3 months. When you are ready to eat it, thaw it overnight in the fridge. For reheating, use low heat on the stove or microwave. To safely reheat butter chicken, heat it until it's hot all the way through. You can use the microwave or a pot on the stove. Stir it often to ensure even heating. If it looks too thick, add a bit of water or coconut milk to get the right texture. Enjoy your comforting meal! Butter chicken, or murgh makhani, comes from India. It started in Delhi in the 1950s. The dish mixes chicken with a rich, creamy sauce. This sauce has tomatoes, butter, and spices. Butter chicken is now famous around the world. It brings comfort and warmth to many meals. Yes, you can use frozen chicken thighs in this recipe. Just make sure to check the cooking time. If your chicken is frozen, cook it on high for about 5-6 hours. If it's thawed, a low setting for 6-8 hours works best. Always ensure the chicken reaches 165°F for safety. Butter chicken pairs well with several sides. Here are some tasty options: - Steamed rice - Naan bread - Roti - Cucumber salad - Yogurt raita These sides complement the rich flavors of butter chicken perfectly. Yes, you can adjust the spice level to your taste. Add more cayenne pepper for heat. You could also try adding fresh green chilies. If you prefer mild flavors, reduce or omit the cayenne. Always taste the sauce before serving to find your perfect spice level. This butter chicken recipe is easy and packed with flavor. You learned about key ingredients, simple steps, and helpful tips. You can also try protein swaps or make it vegetarian. Proper storage and reheating ensure delicious meals anytime. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and customizing this dish to your taste. Whether for a cozy dinner or a special occasion, this recipe has you covered. Dive in and savor every bite with confidence!

Creamy Crockpot Butter Chicken

A rich and creamy butter chicken made effortlessly in a crockpot.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 7 hours
Course Main Course
Cuisine Indian
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
  • 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk
  • 0.25 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon garam masala
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • to taste salt
  • for garnishing fresh cilantro

Instructions
 

  • In a large bowl, combine the crushed tomatoes, coconut milk, butter, minced garlic, minced ginger, and all spices (garam masala, cumin, turmeric, paprika, cayenne pepper, and salt). Mix well to create a smooth sauce.
  • Place the chicken thighs in the bottom of the crockpot, ensuring they are spread out evenly.
  • Pour the prepared sauce mixture over the chicken, covering it completely.
  • Set the crockpot to low heat and cook for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
  • Once cooking is complete, shred the chicken inside the crockpot using two forks and mix it well with the sauce.
  • Adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more salt or spices according to your taste preference.
  • Serve the butter chicken over steamed rice or with naan bread for a delicious meal. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Notes

Adjust the cayenne pepper for desired spice level.
Keyword butter chicken, chicken, crockpot, Indian cuisine