Creamy Crockpot Butter Chicken: The Ultimate Family Dinner 🍛🧈✨
1. Introduction
Are you looking for an easy, crowd-pleasing dinner that’s packed with flavor? crockpot butter chicken, also known as butter chicken slow cooker, is the perfect comfort food for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. This creamy chicken curry recipe combines tender chicken simmered in a rich, spiced tomato sauce with a luscious buttery finish. With minimal prep and hands-off cooking, it’s an effortless meal your family will love. Discover how to make this delicious dish and enjoy the satisfying flavors of Indian-inspired cuisine in your own home.
2. Ingredients for Creamy Crockpot Butter Chicken
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into chunks
- 1 cup heavy cream or coconut milk for a dairy-free option
- 1/4 cup tomato paste or passata
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons butter or ghee
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
3. Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Creamy Crockpot Butter Chicken
Prep the Chicken
Start by cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. This ensures every piece is flavorful from the first bite.
Combine the Sauce Ingredients
In a bowl, mix together tomato paste, minced garlic, chopped onion, spices, and heavy cream or coconut milk. Stir well to form a smooth, fragrant sauce.
Crockpot Assembly
Place the seasoned chicken chunks into your Crock-Pot Family-Size Slow Cooker. Pour the sauce over the chicken, making sure all pieces are coated evenly. Add a few small dollops of butter or ghee for extra richness.
Cook and Simmer
Set your slow cooker to low and cook for 6 hours, or on high for about 3 hours. During the cooking process, the flavors will meld beautifully, creating a luscious, creamy chicken curry.
Finish and Garnish
Once cooked, give the dish a gentle stir. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro. Serve hot with steamed rice or naan bread for the full experience.
4. Storage Tips for Leftover Creamy Crockpot Butter Chicken
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of cream or water to restore the sauce’s velvety texture. For longer storage, freeze in portions for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight and warm slowly for best results.
5. Serving Suggestions for This Delicious Butter Chicken
For an authentic touch, serve your butter chicken slow cooker alongside fluffy basmati rice or warm naan bread. You can also pair it with a side of healthy spinach ricotta stuffed shells or a simple green salad for a complete meal. The creamy nature of this dish pairs wonderfully with crisp vegetables or a refreshing cucumber raita.
6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Creamy Crockpot Butter Chicken
Can I use chicken breasts or thighs?
Both work well, but thighs tend to be more tender and flavorful. For a juicier result, bone-in thighs can also be used, just adjust cooking time accordingly.
Is this dish suitable for a dairy-free diet?
Absolutely! Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream and butter or ghee substitutes to enjoy a dairy-free version of this creamy chicken curry.
How long does it take to prepare?
Preparation is quick—about 10 minutes to chop and assemble. The slow cooking process takes approximately 3-6 hours, making it perfect for busy schedules.
Can I make this recipe spicy?
Yes! Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or diced green chilies to increase heat levels to your preference.
7. Kitchen tools that you might need for this recipe
- Crock-Pot Family-Size Slow Cooker: This spacious slow cooker makes preparing a large batch of creamy butter chicken effortless, with even heat distribution and convenient features.
- CAROTE Premium 16pc Nonstick Cookware Set: A reliable cookware set helps you prep ingredients with ease and avoid sticking or burning.
- Ninja Air Fryer Pro Crisp & Roast 4-in-1: Once cooked, you can reheat leftovers or make crispy naan or vegetables to serve with your butter chicken.
Investing in quality kitchen tools enhances not only your cooking experience but also the final dish’s flavor and presentation.
8. Related Recipes to Explore
9. Conclusion
The crockpot butter chicken is a delicious, easy-to-make comfort food that brings the authentic flavors of Indian cuisine right to your dinner table. Its creamy texture and aromatic spices make it a family favorite for any occasion. Plus, with simple ingredients and slow cooker convenience, you can enjoy a hearty, flavorful meal without the stress. Give this recipe a try and delight your loved ones with this irresistible dish today!
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Creamy Crockpot Butter Chicken Perfect for Family Dinners
This crockpot butter chicken combines tender chicken simmered in a rich, creamy tomato sauce infused with spices, served over rice for a delicious and satisfying meal.
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into chunks
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 2 teaspoons garam masala
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Place chicken chunks into the crockpot.
- In a bowl, melt butter and mix with tomato sauce, yogurt, spices, garlic, and ginger.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken in the crockpot.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until chicken is tender.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro before serving.
Notes
Ensure to stir the sauce halfway through cooking for even flavor distribution. Can be doubled for larger gatherings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Indian-inspired
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350 Kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
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