What ingredients are essential for making Crockpot Butter Chicken?

The key ingredients include boneless chicken (preferably thighs for juiciness), butter, crushed tomatoes, heavy cream or yogurt, garlic, ginger, and a blend of spices such as garam masala, cumin, paprika, turmeric, and chili powder. These create the signature creamy, flavorful sauce that makes Crockpot Butter Chicken irresistible.

How long should I cook butter chicken in a crockpot for perfect tenderness?

Cook on low for 5–6 hours or high for 3–4 hours . Slow cooking allows the chicken to become tender and lets the flavors meld fully. Avoid opening the lid frequently, as it can extend cooking time and affect sauce consistency.

Can I make Crockpot Butter Chicken dairy-free or lighter?

Yes! Replace heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream and use plant-based butter instead of regular butter. These substitutions maintain creaminess while reducing fat and making the dish suitable for dairy-free diets.

What are the best side dishes to serve with Crockpot Butter Chicken?

Classic pairings include steamed basmati rice, naan, or roti. You can also serve it with fresh cucumber-tomato salad, sautéed vegetables, or a yogurt raita to balance the rich and creamy sauce. Leftovers can be repurposed over roasted vegetables or in wraps for versatile meals.

Crockpot Butter Chicken – 7 Secrets for the Creamiest Slow Cooker Recipe

Description

Crockpot Butter Chicken brings bold flavors, tender chicken, and a sauce so good you’ll want to lick the bowl

Ingredients

▢1 tablespoon melted coconut oil or olive oil
▢1 large yellow onion finely diced (1-1/2 cups)
▢1 tablespoon ginger paste see note 1
▢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 see note 2
▢1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
▢1 teaspoon sugar optional
▢1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes or crushed; fire-roasted is delicious
▢2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs see note 3
▢8 tablespoons unsalted butter sliced into tablespoons
▢1/2 cup heavy cream
▢1/3 cup finely chopped cilantro optional
▢Naan warmed, for serving, see note 4
▢Cooked rice for serving

Instructions

Heat a large nonstick pan over medium-high heat. Add the oil, and once hot, sauté onion, garlic, and ginger, stirring occasionally, until golden (3–6 minutes). Add all the spices and stir constantly for 1–3 minutes until fragrant. Stir in the tomatoes, scraping the bottom of the pan, and let the mixture cool slightly. Transfer to the slow cooker.
Trim large pieces of fat and gristle from chicken thighs but leave some fat for added flavor. Add the chicken to the slow cooker and stir to coat in the sauce. Arrange thighs in a single layer, smooth side down. Cover and cook on high for 2-1/2–4 hours or low for 4–6 hours, until the chicken reaches 165°F.
Remove the chicken and chop it into bite-sized pieces. Use an immersion blender (or transfer sauce to a regular blender) to purée the sauce until smooth (see Note 5).
Return blended sauce to the slow cooker. Stir in the butter and heavy cream until fully combined and smooth.
Add chopped chicken back into the sauce. Stir in cilantro (if using) and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot with rice and naan.

Notes

Note 1: Pre-prepared ginger and garlic paste from the refrigerated section saves time.

Note 2: Garam masala is critical for flavor—don’t skip it!

Note 3: Chicken thighs are ideal for this dish. They stay juicy and tender, unlike chicken breasts, which can become tough.

Note 4: Serving Suggestions: Use any type of rice, even microwaveable, for ease. Warm naan by spraying with cooking oil and lightly grilling over medium heat until charred, flipping once. Keep warm wrapped in a towel. You can also warm naan in a skillet, toaster, or microwave under a damp towel.

Note 5: Blending Tip: Let the sauce cool slightly before blending to avoid overflow or burns. If using a blender not designed for hot liquids, secure the lid with a towel to contain steam.

Storage: Store in an airtight container for up to 3–5 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding water or cream to adjust the sauce thickness.

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 640kcal
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 3329g
Fat: 39g
Saturated Fat: 20g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Carbohydrates: 10.83g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 32g
Cholesterol: 423g