Crockpot Butter Chicken: A Irresistible Crockpot Recipe for Creamy, Flavorful Bliss 🍛🧈🔥
1. Introduction
Discover the magic of a **Crockpot Butter Chicken**—a signature **Crockpot sauce recipe** that elevates your meal prep with minimal effort and maximum flavor. Perfect as a **butter curry** or a showcase of **best easy crockpot meals**, this hearty dish combines tender chicken in a rich, buttery tomato sauce that’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re seeking **harvest meal ideas** or crafting **two hour crockpot meals** for quick weeknight dinners, this recipe blends convenience with authentic taste. Embrace this **easy healthy meal prep crock pot** option that’s not only delicious but also nutritious.
2. Ingredients Needed for Buttered Chicken Crockpot
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 cup heavy cream or coconut milk for a dairy-free option
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cubed
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 teaspoons garam masala
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Optional: Serve over rice or naan for a complete **Crockpot recipe over rice** experience. For more flavor options, consider adding vegetables like bell peppers or spinach.
3. Step-by-Step Instructions for Creating the Perfect Crockpot Butter Curry
Preparation and Layering
Begin by placing the chicken pieces at the bottom of your Crockpot. Sprinkle the garlic and chopped onion evenly over the chicken. Add the diced tomatoes along with all the spices—garam masala, turmeric, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Top with the cubed butter.
Cooking
Cover the Crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. During the last 30 minutes, stir in the heavy cream or coconut milk to enrich the sauce and ensure the chicken remains tender.
Finishing Touches
Once cooked, shred the chicken slightly with two forks if needed, then garnish with freshly chopped cilantro. For a smoother sauce, you can use an immersion blender directly in the Crockpot or transfer the sauce to a blender for a quick puree. This step enhances the creamy texture of your **butter chicken crockpot** dish, making it irresistibly delicious.
4. Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This **Crockpot butter chicken** pairs beautifully with steamed basmati rice or warm naan bread, making it the perfect **crockpot recipes over rice**. For added flavor, consider serving with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh cucumber salad. This dish is ideal for family dinners, meal prepping, or impressing guests with an authentic **butter curry** style meal. Check out some inspiring healthy dinner ideas for more options!
5. Storage and Reheating Tips
Leftovers of the **butter chicken crockpot** keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave in short intervals or warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or water if needed to maintain the sauce’s creaminess. The dish freezes well and can be stored for up to 3 months, making it a fantastic **easy healthy meal prep** option for busy weekdays. For more tips, visit our meal prep ideas.
6. Variations and Customizations for Your Butter Chicken Crockpot
Customize your **butter chicken crockpot** by adding vegetables like spinach, peas, or bell peppers in the last hour of cooking. For a spicier kick, include chili powder or cayenne pepper. You can also swap out the heavy cream for Greek yogurt for a healthier twist. Experimenting with **crockpot sauce recipes** allows you to tailor the dish to your taste. For more creative ideas, explore our collection of harvest meal ideas.
7. Benefits of Using a Crockpot for Butter Curry
Using a Crockpot for preparing **butter curry** allows for slow, even cooking that enhances flavors and tenderizes the chicken with minimal effort. It is a time-saving method perfect for busy schedules, making it one of the favorite **best easy crockpot meals** for busy families. Additionally, the slow cooker helps preserve the nutrients while developing deep, rich flavors, making it an excellent choice for a wholesome and satisfying **crockpot food recipe**.
8. FAQs About Crockpot Butter Chicken
- Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? Absolutely! Thighs will stay more tender and flavorful during slow cooking.
- How do I make this dish spicy? Add more chili powder, cayenne pepper, or jalapeños to taste for an extra spicy **butter curry**.
- Can I prepare this ahead of time? Yes. Assemble all ingredients in the Crockpot and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, simply start the slow cooker.
- Is this dish suitable for freezing? Yes, it freezes beautifully and is perfect for preparing **harvest meal ideas** in advance.
9. Conclusion
In summary, **Crockpot Butter Chicken** is a phenomenal example of **easy healthy meal prep crock pot** dishes that combine convenience, rich flavor, and satisfying comfort. Whether you’re a fan of **butter curry** or looking for **best easy crockpot meals**, this recipe hits all the marks. By using simple ingredients and slow cooking, you create a delightful meal that pairs perfectly with rice or naan. Elevate your dinner game with this versatile **Crockpot food recipe** and enjoy a flavorful journey into classic Indian-inspired cuisine. For more delicious **harvest meal ideas** and innovative **crockpot recipes over rice**, explore our website for endless inspiration!
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Crockpot Butter Chicken
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
Discover the delicious and easy Crockpot Butter Chicken, a creamy, flavorful dish perfect for busy weeknights. This slow cooker recipe features tender chicken in a rich tomato and butter sauce, offering authentic taste with minimal effort. Ideal for meal prep, family dinners, or impressing guests, enjoy a wholesome, healthy meal with versatile serving options.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 cup heavy cream or coconut milk for a dairy-free option
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cubed
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 teaspoons garam masala
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Place the chicken pieces at the bottom of your Crockpot. Top with minced garlic and chopped onion.
- Add diced tomatoes and all spices: garam masala, turmeric, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Top with cubed butter and cover the Crockpot.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- In the last 30 minutes, stir in heavy cream or coconut milk to enrich the sauce.
- Once cooked, shred the chicken slightly if needed, then garnish with chopped cilantro.
- Optional: Use an immersion blender or transfer to a blender to puree for a creamier sauce.
Notes
- Serve over steamed basmati rice or naan bread for a complete meal.
- Add vegetables like spinach, peas, or bell peppers in the last hour for extra nutrition.
- For a spicier version, include chili powder or cayenne pepper.
- You can substitute Greek yogurt for heavy cream for a healthier option.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Indian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450 kcal Kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg