Easy Crockpot Butter Chicken Recipe
This Easy Crockpot Butter Chicken recipe offers a rich, creamy, and flavorful Indian-inspired dish made effortlessly in a slow cooker. Tender chicken thighs cook slowly with aromatic spices and tomato sauce, then finish with a luscious cream and butter sauce. Perfect for a comforting weeknight meal served over rice or naan.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours 30 minutes on HIGH or 6 hours 45 minutes on LOW
- Total Time: 3 hours 40 minutes on HIGH or 6 hours 55 minutes on LOW
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients
Chicken and Spices
- 2 lbs chicken thighs, cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt (or 1 teaspoon if using table salt)
Sauce Components
- 15 ounces tomato sauce (1 can, be sure it’s sauce and not puree)
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons butter
Optional for Serving
- Cilantro leaves
- White rice or naan bread
Instructions
- Add Ingredients to Slow Cooker: Place the chicken pieces in the slow cooker. Sprinkle the salt, sugar, chili powder, turmeric, and garam masala over the chicken. Pour the tomato sauce on top. Cover with the lid.
- Cook Initial Stage: Cook the chicken on HIGH for 3 hours or on LOW for 6 hours, allowing the chicken to become tender and flavors to meld.
- Prepare Cream Mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and heavy cream until smooth. This mixture will help thicken the sauce later.
- Add Cream Mixture and Continue Cooking: Pour the cream and cornstarch mixture into the slow cooker and stir thoroughly to combine with the tomato and spices. Replace the lid and cook for an additional 30 minutes on HIGH or 45 minutes on LOW to thicken the sauce.
- Add Butter and Adjust Seasonings: Once the sauce has thickened, swirl in the butter to enrich the flavor and add silkiness to the gravy. Taste and add more salt if needed to brighten the dish.
- Serve: Spoon the butter chicken over cooked white rice or serve with warm naan bread. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves if desired. Enjoy the creamy, flavorful meal!
Notes
- Use chicken thighs for maximum juiciness and flavor; chicken breasts can be used but may be less tender.
- Be sure to use tomato sauce, not tomato puree, for the correct texture.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the chili powder or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute coconut cream for the heavy cream and use a butter alternative.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and freeze beautifully for up to 2 months.
Find it online: https://recipethrive.com/easy-crockpot-butter-chicken-recipe/
