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- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced - 2 tablespoons curry powder - 1 teaspoon garam masala - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric - 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes - 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk - 1/4 cup unsalted butter - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish - Cooked basmati rice or warm naan for serving These ingredients come together to make a rich and creamy dish. The chicken thighs add tenderness. The spices bring bold flavors. Garlic and ginger give a nice kick. Crushed tomatoes and coconut milk create a smooth sauce. Butter adds a touch of luxury to the dish. You can find these ingredients at most grocery stores. Fresh herbs like cilantro elevate the meal. Pair your butter chicken with basmati rice or warm naan. This helps soak up all the delicious sauce. Enjoy the cooking process and the wonderful aromas that fill your kitchen! {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by adding the finely chopped onion, minced garlic, and fresh ginger to your crockpot. This mix adds great flavor to your butter chicken. Next, mix in the curry powder, garam masala, ground cumin, and ground turmeric. Stir well to coat the onions and garlic with the spices. This step is key to building the rich taste of your dish. Now, it’s time to add the chicken. Take the 1.5 lbs of boneless, skinless chicken thighs and cut them into bite-sized pieces. Gently coat the chicken with the spice mixture in the crockpot. This helps each piece soak up the flavors. After that, pour in the can of crushed tomatoes and the can of coconut milk. Use a spatula to stir everything together until it’s well mixed. Cut the unsalted butter into small pieces and scatter it over the mixture. As the butter melts, it will make the sauce creamy and rich. Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. When the cooking time is up, taste the butter chicken. Add salt and pepper as needed. If you like, break the chicken into smaller chunks for a smoother texture. Serve the butter chicken over a bed of basmati rice or warm naan. Finish with fresh cilantro leaves on top for color and flavor. Enjoy your delicious meal! To make your butter chicken shine, focus on the spices. Use fresh curry powder, garam masala, and ground cumin. These add a rich flavor. Mix your spices well with the onion, garlic, and ginger. This ensures every bite bursts with taste. For tender chicken, use boneless, skinless thighs. They stay moist during cooking. Cut them into small pieces to help them cook evenly. Place them in the crockpot with the spices. This coats the meat and locks in flavors. Garnishing is key to making your dish pop. Use fresh cilantro leaves on top. They add bright color and fresh taste. Squeeze lime juice over the dish for a zesty kick. Serve your butter chicken in deep bowls. This makes it easy for guests to enjoy. Pair it with basmati rice or warm naan. You can even serve it family-style in a large bowl for a fun gathering. If your chicken is undercooked, simply cook it longer. Check the temperature to ensure it reaches 165°F. No one likes dry chicken, so keep an eye on it. For spice levels, taste as you cook. If it’s too spicy, add more coconut milk. This will help tone down the heat. If it’s too mild, sprinkle in more spices. Adjust to match your taste and enjoy! Pro Tips Use Bone-In Chicken: Using bone-in chicken thighs can add extra flavor to your butter chicken. The bones release collagen during cooking, enriching the sauce. Experiment with Spices: Feel free to adjust the spice levels based on your taste. Adding a pinch of cayenne pepper can spice things up for those who enjoy heat. Add Vegetables: Incorporating vegetables like bell peppers or spinach can enhance the nutritional value and add texture to the dish. Make Ahead: This dish can be made a day in advance. The flavors deepen overnight, making it even more delicious when reheated! {{image_4}} You can make your butter chicken a bit lighter. Use lean chicken breast instead of thighs. Chicken breast has less fat, making it a healthier choice. You can also swap regular coconut milk for low-fat options. This change cuts calories while keeping the creamy texture. Want a plant-based twist? Use chickpeas or tofu instead of chicken. Chickpeas add protein and texture, while tofu absorbs all the flavors. For dairy-free butter, try plant-based butter products. These swaps keep the dish rich without using animal products. To give your butter chicken a unique twist, mix in extra spices. Try adding cardamom or coriander for a new flavor. You can also blend in some chili for heat. For a fusion style, combine butter chicken with taco spices. Serve it in tortillas or over rice for a fun spin. To store butter chicken, place it in an airtight container. It stays fresh in the fridge for about three days. Always let it cool before sealing. This helps keep flavors strong. When reheating, use the stove for best taste. Pour the butter chicken into a pot. Heat it on low, stirring often. This keeps the sauce creamy and prevents burning. You can also use a microwave. Just cover the dish and heat in short bursts. Stir in between to ensure even warming. Freezing butter chicken is easy and great for meal prep. Use a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove as much air as possible. This helps prevent freezer burn. Butter chicken can last up to three months in the freezer. To thaw, place it in the fridge overnight. For a quicker method, use cold water. Seal it in a bag and submerge it in water. Once thawed, reheat it as mentioned before. This will keep the dish flavorful and delicious. Crockpot Butter Chicken takes either 6-8 hours on low heat or 3-4 hours on high heat. Cooking on low allows the flavors to meld nicely, making the chicken extra tender. If you're in a hurry, high heat works too, but the dish may not be as rich. Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just remember to cook it longer. If it’s frozen, set your crockpot on low for about 8-10 hours. Make sure the chicken reaches 165°F to ensure it's safe to eat. Butter Chicken pairs well with many sides. You can serve it with: - Cooked basmati rice - Warm naan - A simple green salad - Roasted vegetables These sides balance the creamy sauce and enhance the meal. Enjoy experimenting with different options! In this blog post, I shared how to make delicious Crockpot Butter Chicken. You learned about the key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and useful tips. I also covered fun variations and storage advice. Remember, cooking should be fun and easy. Don’t hesitate to experiment and add your own twist. Enjoy your cooking journey and serve this dish proudly! You’ll impress your family and friends every time.

Crockpot Butter Chicken

A rich and creamy butter chicken made effortlessly in a crockpot, perfect for serving over rice or with naan.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 15 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Indian
Servings 6
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
  • 2 tablespoons curry powder
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for garnish fresh cilantro leaves
  • for serving cooked basmati rice or warm naan

Instructions
 

  • Begin by placing the chopped onion, minced garlic, and fresh ginger into your crockpot. This aromatic mix will serve as the flavor foundation for your dish.
  • Next, sprinkle in the curry powder, garam masala, cumin, and ground turmeric. Stir these spices thoroughly to ensure they are evenly distributed throughout the onion mixture.
  • Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the crockpot, gently coating them with the spice mixture for full flavor integration.
  • Pour in the crushed tomatoes and creamy coconut milk, using a spatula or wooden spoon to stir everything together until you achieve a homogenous mixture.
  • Take the unsalted butter, cut into small cubes, and scatter it evenly over the top of the mixture. As it melts during cooking, it will enhance the sauce’s richness.
  • Cover the crockpot with its lid and set it to cook on low heat for 6-8 hours, or high heat for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked through.
  • Once cooking time is complete, taste the butter chicken and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Give the mixture a stir, breaking the chicken into smaller chunks if you prefer a more uniform texture.
  • To serve, ladle the butter chicken over a bed of cooked basmati rice or alongside warm naan. Garnish generously with fresh cilantro leaves, which will add a lovely pop of color and flavor.

Notes

For an appealing presentation, serve the butter chicken in deep bowls. Top each portion with a sprinkle of cilantro and a wedge of lime for an extra burst of freshness.
Keyword butter chicken, chicken, comfort food, crockpot, Indian cuisine