Why This Recipe is Sure to Please
Delicious Butter Chicken in a Crockpot is a favorite for many reasons. It’s easy, packed with flavor, and incredibly comforting. The combination of tender chicken simmered in a rich, creamy sauce makes for a satisfying meal. Plus, using a crockpot means you can set it and forget it, making dinner prep a breeze.
Simple Steps to Create Butter Chicken
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 inch fresh ginger, grated
- 1 medium sweet onion, chopped
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (14 oz) full-fat coconut milk
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 2 tsp ground coriander
- 2 tsp garam masala
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Naan or rice for serving
Directions:
- Start by preparing your ingredients. Chop the onion, and mince the garlic and ginger.
- If you want extra flavor, sauté the onions in a skillet until they turn golden brown. Add the garlic and ginger, cooking until fragrant.
- Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the crockpot. Sprinkle them with cumin, coriander, garam masala, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the crushed tomatoes and coconut milk over the chicken. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients.
- Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Once cooked, shred the chicken in the pot using two forks. Adjust the seasonings if needed, and stir in the butter before serving.
- Serve the butter chicken over rice or with warm naan.
Enjoying Your Butter Chicken
This dish pairs perfectly with warm naan or fluffy rice. You can scoop up the creamy sauce with the naan or spoon it over the rice for a comforting meal. A simple side salad or some steamed vegetables can also complement it beautifully.
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They should last for about 3-4 days. You can also freeze the butter chicken for up to 3 months. Just make sure to let it cool completely before freezing.
Tips for Perfect Butter Chicken
- For an extra depth of flavor, let the spices sit with the chicken for a little while before cooking to help them bloom.
- You can add more vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for a bit of color and nutrition.
- Feel free to adjust the spice level. If you like it hotter, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped chilies.
Possible Variations to Try
You can easily modify this recipe. If you prefer a vegetarian version, replace the chicken with chickpeas or tofu. You can also experiment with adding different spices or using different types of creamy bases, such as yogurt.
Nutritional Information
While the exact nutritional values may vary, a serving of this butter chicken is generally rich in protein and can be balanced out with the healthy fats from the coconut milk.
Serving Suggestions for Family
Consider serving this delicious butter chicken with a fresh green salad, garlic naan, or basmati rice. You could also add a side of roasted vegetables to bring in more colors and flavors!
Pairing Suggestions for a Complete Meal
This meal goes well with mango chutney for a touch of sweetness, or cucumber raita to add a cooling effect. Enjoy it with a chilled glass of lassi or a light beer to round out the experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but make sure to extend the cooking time by an hour or so.
2. How can I make this dish spicier?
To increase the heat, add cayenne pepper or red chili flakes to the spices when you season the chicken.
3. Can I make this recipe in the oven?
Yes, if you prefer the oven, you can bake the chicken with the sauce at 350°F (175°C) for about 45 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
Enjoy your cooking adventure with this effortless and flavorful Butter Chicken!

Butter Chicken
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts about 1.5 lbs
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 inch fresh ginger, grated
- 1 medium sweet onion, chopped
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (14 oz) full-fat coconut milk
- 2 tablespoons butter
Spices
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons ground coriander
- 2 teaspoons garam masala
- to taste salt and pepper
Serving Suggestions
- Naan or rice for serving
Instructions
Preparation
- Chop the onion, and mince the garlic and ginger.
- Optional: Sauté the onions in a skillet until golden brown. Add the garlic and ginger, cooking until fragrant.
Cooking
- Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the crockpot.
- Sprinkle the chicken with cumin, coriander, garam masala, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the crushed tomatoes and coconut milk over the chicken. Stir gently to combine.
- Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Once cooked, shred the chicken in the pot using two forks. Adjust the seasonings if needed, and stir in the butter before serving.





