Crockpot Butter Chicken

Mandy in the Making

Video Stats

Host: Mandy in the Making
Published: Jul 6, 2025
Views: 102k

Recipe Overview

Prep: 15 min
Cook: 240 min
Difficulty: Intermediate
Serves: 4

Overview

Crockpot Butter Chicken is a delightful dish that brings the flavors of India right into your home. The recipe starts with a blend of spices, including garam masala, chili powder, and turmeric, which create a fragrant base for the chicken. As the chicken thighs cook slowly in the crockpot, they absorb all the delicious flavors from the sauce, resulting in tender, juicy meat that practically melts in your mouth.

One of the standout features of this dish is the creamy tomato sauce, which is enriched with heavy cream added towards the end of cooking. This not only enhances the flavor but also gives the dish its signature richness. The use of diced tomatoes and a variety of spices ensures that every bite is packed with flavor, making it a comforting meal perfect for any occasion.

Serving this butter chicken over rice is a must, as it helps soak up the delicious sauce. The combination of spices creates a warm, inviting aroma that fills the kitchen, making it hard to resist. Whether you’re new to Indian cuisine or a seasoned fan, this recipe is sure to impress and satisfy.

Overall, this Crockpot Butter Chicken is an easy and accessible way to enjoy a classic Indian dish at home. With minimal prep and the convenience of a slow cooker, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings. Don’t forget to garnish with fresh cilantro for an added touch of flavor!

Recipe Details

Steps & Tips

1
00:18

Gather ingredients for crockpot butter chicken.

01:15

Tip: Use a food processor for smoother sauce consistency.

2
01:46

Blend diced tomatoes, garlic, onion, sugar, and spices until smooth.

3
02:00

Pour blended sauce into the slow cooker.

4
02:09

Lay chicken thighs in the sauce and coat well.

5
02:28

Place chopped butter on top of the chicken.

6
02:39

Cover and cook on high for 4 hours.

02:41

Tip: Cooking on high for 4 hours is a good alternative to low for 8 hours.

7
02:51

Start cooking rice to serve with the chicken.

8
02:56

Stir in heavy cream into the chicken sauce.

03:01

Tip: Add heavy cream towards the end for a creamier texture.

9
07:00

Dice onion and mince garlic for spaghetti sauce.

10
07:39

Add crushed tomatoes and tomato paste to the crockpot.

11
08:22

Blend fire-roasted tomatoes with sugar and balsamic vinegar.

12
09:22

Add basil, oregano, salt, and crushed red pepper to the sauce.

13
09:25

Cook on high for 4 hours.

09:36

Tip: Plug in the crockpot to ensure it heats up properly.

14
10:10

Brown ground beef with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.

15
10:58

Cook pasta according to package instructions.

11:06

Tip: Taste the sauce before serving to adjust seasoning.

16
11:11

Add browned beef to the marinara sauce.

17
15:04

Sear the beef and add to the slow cooker with vegetables.

18
15:11

Add tomato sauce and spices to the beef in the slow cooker.

19
16:02

Cook on high for 4 hours.

20
16:24

Dice onions and peppers for black beans.

21
17:07

Sauté onions and peppers in oil until soft.

17:11

Tip: Add garlic towards the end of sautéing for better flavor.

22
17:19

Add black beans, water, and seasonings to the sautéed vegetables.

23
17:38

Simmer black beans for 10-15 minutes.

24
18:00

Shred the beef in the slow cooker.

25
19:40

Serve the shredded beef with rice and black beans.

21:12

Tip: Remove seeds from peppers to reduce spiciness.

Ingredients

Serves: 4
Tomato Sauce16 oz
Garlic6 cloves
Onion1
Sugar1 tbsp
Garam Masala1 tbsp
Ginger1 tbsp
Chili Powder1 tsp
Turmeric1 tsp
Cumin1 tsp
Coriander1 tsp
Salt1 tsp
Butter4 tbsp
Heavy Cream1 cup
Allergen Alerts

Ingredient: Dairy

    → Substitution: Coconut Cream

Ingredient: Eggs

    → Substitution: Flaxseed Meal + Water

Nutrition

Calories
480
kcal per serving
Protein
22
per serving
Carbs
40
per serving

Skill Level

Skill Level Intermediate
Beginner Intermediate Advanced

Frequently asked questions

Below you will find answers to the most common questions about this recipe.

Got a Recipe Question? Ask Away!

Interesting Tidbits

  • Butter chicken is a popular Indian dish known for its creamy tomato sauce and aromatic spices.
  • Garam masala is a blend of spices that often includes cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves.
  • Using chicken thighs instead of breasts adds more flavor and tenderness to the dish.
  • The addition of heavy cream at the end of cooking makes the sauce extra rich and creamy.