Description
Crockpot Butter Chicken is a sumptuous and aromatic dish that brings the rich flavors of Indian cuisine to your dinner table with minimal effort. This creamy, spiced chicken stew is cooked slowly in a crockpot, allowing the ingredients to meld into a deliciously comforting meal. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, it pairs beautifully with fluffy rice or warm naan, making every bite a delightful experience. The tender chicken thighs simmer in a luscious sauce made from tomatoes, spices, and cream, ensuring each serving bursts with flavor. Additionally, leftovers make for an excellent meal prep option that can be enjoyed throughout the week.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon melted coconut oil (or olive oil)
- 1 large yellow onion (finely diced)
- 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
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/3 cup finely chopped cilantro (optional)
- Naan (warmed, for serving)
- Cooked rice (for serving)
Instructions
- Heat coconut oil in a large nonstick pan over medium-high heat. Sauté diced onion, garlic, and ginger until golden brown.
- Stir in spices and cook until fragrant. Add diced tomatoes and scrape any bits from the pan.
- Transfer the mixture to your slow cooker and add chicken thighs; stir to coat.
- Cook on high for 2.5–4 hours or low for 4–6 hours until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Remove chicken and chop into bite-sized pieces. Blend the sauce until smooth.
- Return blended sauce to the slow cooker along with chopped chicken and mix in butter and heavy cream.
- Serve hot with rice and naan.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 491
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 921mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 21g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 116mg
Keywords: For added heat, include more red pepper flakes or fresh chilies. Substitute chicken thighs with turkey or plant-based options like chickpeas for variation. Adjust seasoning at the end based on personal preference for optimal flavor.