If you’re craving a dish that bursts with rich flavors and creamy textures yet requires minimal effort, then this Creamy Crockpot Butter Chicken Recipe is about to become your new best friend in the kitchen. Combining tender chicken bathed in a luscious spiced tomato cream sauce, this recipe delivers the perfect balance of warmth and comfort with every bite. Whether you’re feeding a family or entertaining friends, this slow-cooked marvel promises mouthwatering results without keeping you tied to the stove.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients may be simple, but each one plays an essential role in crafting the vibrant flavor, silky texture, and beautiful color that make this dish unforgettable. From the earthy spices to the creamy dairy, everything comes together harmoniously for that classic butter chicken taste.
- Diced onion: Using a small onion adds aromatic sweetness and depth to the sauce.
- Unsalted butter: Four tablespoons provide the rich, velvety base that carries the spices perfectly.
- Minced garlic: A tablespoon of garlic gives a fragrant kick that balances the creamy sauce.
- Grated ginger: One tablespoon adds a gentle warmth and a fresh zing.
- Curry powder: Two and a half teaspoons deliver the characteristic Indian-inspired flavor.
- Chili powder: Two teaspoons give just enough heat without overwhelming the palate.
- Garam masala: Two teaspoons layer in complexity and traditional Indian aromatic notes.
- Cumin: Half a teaspoon imparts a subtle earthiness.
- Salt: Half a teaspoon enhances and balances all the flavors.
- Tomato sauce: One cup offers a tangy base that brightens the dish.
- Heavy cream: One and a quarter cups, divided, create that coveted creamy texture and mellow spice.
- Tomato paste: Six tablespoons intensify the tomato richness and give the sauce body.
- Cornstarch: Two tablespoons help thicken the sauce into a luxurious consistency.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Three pounds (about five to six breasts) supply tender, juicy protein for the dish.
- Fresh cilantro: Used as a garnish to add a pop of color and refreshing herby flavor.
- Cooked jasmine rice: Four cups serve as the perfect fluffy bed for soaking up the delicious sauce.
How to Make Creamy Crockpot Butter Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by melting the butter in a sauté pan set over medium-high heat. Then add the diced onions, minced garlic, and grated ginger, along with the curry powder, chili powder, garam masala, cumin, and salt. Cook these together until the spices become fragrant and the onions soften, which helps build a flavorful foundation that brings your dish to life.
Step 2: Blend the Sauce Base
Once your aromatics are ready, transfer everything to a blender. Pour in the tomato sauce, tomato paste, and three-quarters of the heavy cream. Blend until the mixture is silky smooth. This step ensures your sauce has that signature creamy texture and vivid, rich tomato flavor that is quintessential to butter chicken.
Step 3: Slow Cook the Chicken
Place the large boneless chicken breasts in your slow cooker and pour the blended sauce over them until fully covered. Cooking on high heat for two and a half to three hours allows the chicken to soak up the spices and become incredibly tender, almost melting in your mouth.
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce
To achieve the luxurious, creamy thickness that makes this recipe shine, mix the remaining half cup of heavy cream with the cornstarch to form a smooth slurry. Stir it into the crockpot sauce and let it cook until the sauce thickens to a luscious, velvety consistency.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Remove the cooked chicken breasts and cut them into bite-sized pieces. Return the chicken to the crockpot and stir to coat each piece in that irresistible buttery sauce. Let it warm through before it’s time to plate. Serve over fluffy jasmine rice and don’t forget a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for that final touch.
How to Serve Creamy Crockpot Butter Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing your butter chicken with fresh cilantro not only adds a splash of vibrant green but also imparts a refreshing herbal aroma that perfectly complements the rich sauce. For a touch of extra indulgence, a drizzle of cream or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice can brighten the flavors wonderfully.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with warm, buttery naan bread to scoop up every last bit of sauce. You can also side it with a crisp cucumber salad or lightly sautéed greens like spinach or kale to add a fresh balance to the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For an impressive presentation, serve the chicken and sauce in individual bowls over a bed of jasmine rice, topped with a sprinkle of toasted cumin seeds or crushed pistachios for a delightful crunch. Alternatively, layering the chicken with rice in a large serving dish and garnishing with edible flowers elevates the meal for special occasions.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover butter chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The sauce tends to absorb more flavor over time, making it even tastier the next day.
Freezing
This Creamy Crockpot Butter Chicken Recipe freezes exceptionally well. Portion your leftovers into freezer-safe containers and keep them for up to three months. Just be sure to thaw completely in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat your butter chicken gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure the sauce stays smooth and creamy. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of water or cream to loosen it back up.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add a bit more fat and a richer flavor, and they tend to stay more tender during slow cooking. Just adjust the cooking time slightly if needed.
Is it possible to make this recipe without dairy?
Yes. You can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a plant-based heavy cream alternative to keep it creamy and delicious without dairy.
How spicy is this recipe?
This version has a mild to medium level of heat thanks to the chili powder. You can adjust the spice amounts to better suit your heat preference by adding more or less chili powder or including fresh chilies.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
Definitely! You can make the sauce mixture a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. When ready, pour it over the chicken in the crockpot and cook as directed.
What rice is best served with this butter chicken?
Jasmine rice is ideal because its floral aroma and light texture complement the rich butter chicken perfectly. Basmati rice is also a fantastic alternative.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Crockpot Butter Chicken Recipe is more than just a meal — it’s a cozy hug on a plate that anyone can recreate with ease. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting while filling your home with irresistible aromas, making dinner something to look forward to every night. Give it a try, and soon it will be your go-to recipe for effortless, comforting, and delightful dinners.
Print
Creamy Crockpot Butter Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Indian
Description
This creamy and flavorful Butter Chicken recipe is made easy with a slow cooker, combining tender chicken breasts with a rich, spiced tomato and cream sauce. Infused with traditional Indian spices and fresh aromatics, it offers a comforting dish perfect for a delicious weeknight dinner served over jasmine rice.
Ingredients
For the Sauce and Chicken
- 1 cup diced onion (1 small onion)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 2½ teaspoons curry powder
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 2 teaspoons garam masala
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 6 tablespoons tomato paste
- 3 pounds large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (5 to 6 breasts)
- 1¼ cups heavy cream, divided and at room temperature
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
For Serving
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
- 4 cups cooked jasmine rice, prepared according to package directions
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: In a sauté pan over medium-high heat, melt the unsalted butter and add the diced onions, minced garlic, grated ginger, curry powder, chili powder, garam masala, cumin, and salt. Cook and stir until the mixture is fragrant and the onions soften, about 3-5 minutes.
- Blend Sauce: Transfer the cooked aromatics to a blender. Add the tomato sauce, tomato paste, and ¾ cup of the heavy cream. Blend the mixture until smooth and well combined, creating a rich sauce base.
- Cook Chicken in Slow Cooker: Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker. Pour the blended sauce over the chicken, ensuring it is fully covered. Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on high heat for 2½ to 3 hours until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
- Thicken Sauce: Mix the remaining ½ cup of heavy cream with the cornstarch to create a slurry. Stir this slurry into the sauce in the slow cooker. Continue cooking and stirring until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the chicken breasts and cut them into bite-sized pieces. Return the chicken to the slow cooker and stir to coat evenly with the thickened sauce. Warm through for a few minutes. Serve the butter chicken over cooked jasmine rice and garnish with fresh cilantro for a vibrant finish.
Notes
- For a spicier version, increase the chili powder or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- To reduce calories, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream, but the sauce will be less rich.
- This recipe can be prepared a day ahead; flavors tend to develop and improve overnight.
- Use boneless skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier texture.
- Make sure to stir the cornstarch slurry thoroughly to avoid lumps in the sauce.
