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Crockpot Butter Chicken Recipe

Crockpot Butter Chicken Recipe
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★★★★★

4.8 from 19 reviews

This Crockpot Butter Chicken recipe offers a rich, creamy, and aromatic Indian-inspired dish made effortlessly in a slow cooker. Tender chicken thighs are simmered in a perfectly spiced tomato sauce infused with butter and cream, making it ideal for a comforting weeknight meal or special occasion, served best with warm naan and fluffy rice.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Aromatics and Sauce

  • 1 tablespoon melted coconut oil (or olive oil)
  • 1 large yellow onion, finely diced (about 1–1/2 cups)
  • 1 tablespoon ginger paste
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 1–1/4 teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 1–1/4 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1–1/4 teaspoons ground turmeric
  • 1–1/4 teaspoons salt
  • 2–1/4 teaspoons garam masala
  • 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
  • 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes (or crushed; fire-roasted preferred)

For the Chicken and Finishing

  • 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
  • 8 tablespoons unsalted butter (sliced into tablespoons)
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/3 cup finely chopped cilantro (optional)
  • Naan (warmed, for serving)
  • Cooked rice (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Sauté Aromatics: Heat a large nonstick pan over medium-high heat. Add the melted coconut or olive oil and once hot, add the finely diced onion, minced garlic, and ginger paste. Sauté, stirring occasionally, until the onions turn golden brown, about 3–6 minutes. This step develops deep flavor in the base of the sauce.
  2. Add Spices and Tomatoes: Stir in the smoked paprika, ground cumin, ground turmeric, salt, garam masala, red pepper flakes (if using), and sugar (if using). Continuously stir for 1–3 minutes until the spices release their aromas. Then add the canned diced tomatoes, scraping the bottom of the pan to incorporate any browned bits. Allow the mixture to cool slightly before transferring it to the slow cooker.
  3. Prepare Chicken: Trim off large chunks of fat and gristle from the chicken thighs, leaving some fat to retain juiciness and flavor. Place the chicken in the slow cooker and stir gently to coat all pieces with the aromatic tomato sauce. Arrange the thighs in a single layer with the smooth side down for even cooking.
  4. Cook in Slow Cooker: Cover and cook the chicken on high for 2 1/2 to 4 hours or on low for 4 to 6 hours until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. The slow cooking will tenderize the meat while infusing it with spices.
  5. Blend Sauce: Remove the cooked chicken from the slow cooker and chop it into bite-sized pieces. Using an immersion blender directly in the slow cooker, or transferring the sauce to a regular blender, puree the tomato sauce until smooth. This creates a luscious and creamy texture for the curry sauce.
  6. Add Butter and Cream: Return the blended sauce to the slow cooker if you transferred it out. Stir in the sliced unsalted butter and heavy cream until the sauce is fully combined, smooth, and velvety.
  7. Combine and Finish: Add the chopped chicken back into the slow cooker with the sauce and stir gently to coat. If desired, stir in the finely chopped cilantro for a fresh herbal note. Adjust the seasoning by tasting and adding more salt or spices if needed.
  8. Serve: Serve the butter chicken hot with warm naan bread and cooked rice for a full, satisfying meal.

Notes

  • Note 1: Ginger paste can be substituted with freshly grated ginger for more texture and freshness.
  • Note 2: Garam masala adds a complex blend of spices; adjust according to spice preference.
  • Note 3: Chicken thighs are preferred for their moistness and flavor; however, chicken breast can be used with slightly reduced cooking time.
  • Note 4: Warm naan bread complements the creamy butter chicken perfectly to scoop up the sauce.
  • Note 5: Pureeing the sauce creates a smooth, luxurious gravy typical of traditional butter chicken.

Nutrition

Keywords: butter chicken, crockpot recipe, slow cooker Indian curry, easy butter chicken, creamy chicken curry

Find it online: https://nataliereeve.com/crockpot-butter-chicken-recipe-2/