Hey Y'all and welcome to my West Virginia Kitchen! Are you hungry? Would you like to try something a little different in the kitchen tonight? I got you. Creamy, rich, and downright comforting—this Crockpot Butter Chicken is the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it meal.
🍛 Perfect for busy weeknights, cozy weekends, or meal prep for the week ahead.
And don’t worry, I’ve included a vegetarian tofu option so everyone at the table can enjoy this buttery, spiced goodness. I can't wait to share it with you so...
Let's Get Started!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- 🍗 Tender, juicy chicken in a creamy butter sauce
- 🌱 Easy tofu alternative for vegetarians
- 🥦 Loaded with convenient frozen California Blend vegetables
- ⏱️ Set it and forget it in your slow cooker
- 💸 Budget-friendly and perfect for meal prep
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes OR 1 block firm/extra-firm tofu, pressed and cubed
- 1 (12–16 oz) bag frozen California Blend vegetables
- 1 McCormick Butter Chicken seasoning packet
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 cup coconut milk (full fat is best)
- 1 medium potato, peeled and diced
- 2 tbsp butter (or plant-based butter for tofu)
- 1 tsp salt, or to taste
- Optional: 1 tsp sugar (balances acidity), 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 Tbsp grated ginger
Optional add-ins: ½ cup frozen peas (add last 30 minutes), fresh lime juice, chopped cilantro
How to Prep Protein
For Chicken (Tender & Juicy)
- Cut chicken into 1-inch cubes.
- Optional: Sear in a skillet with 1 tbsp oil for 2–3 minutes per side until lightly golden. Adds flavor but not required.
For Tofu (Vegetarian Alternative)
- Press tofu 10–15 minutes to remove excess liquid.
- Cut into 1-inch cubes.
- Pre-brown using your preferred method:
- Stovetop: Cook 2–3 minutes per side in 1–2 tbsp oil until golden.
- Air Fryer: Toss with oil and salt, air fry at 400°F for 10–12 minutes.
- Oven: Bake at 425°F for 20–25 minutes, flipping once.
Build the Crockpot Butter Sauce
In your slow cooker, whisk together:
- Tomato sauce
- Coconut milk
- McCormick Butter Chicken seasoning
- Butter
- Salt
- Optional sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, ginger
Add Vegetables
Add the diced potato and the entire bag of frozen California Blend vegetables into the sauce.
Add Protein
Gently fold in chicken cubes (raw or seared) or tofu cubes (pre-browned) so everything is coated in the creamy sauce.
Cook
- Low: 5–6 hours
- High: 2½–3 hours
For chicken, ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. For tofu, cook until potatoes are tender and vegetables are soft but not mushy.
Final Stir & Adjustments
- Gently stir everything.
- Taste and adjust salt or seasonings.
- For a thicker sauce, cook uncovered for the last 20–30 minutes.
What to Serve With 🍚
- Steamed rice (white, brown, jasmine, basmati)
- Naan or flatbread
- Quinoa
- Cauliflower rice
✨ Optional garnish: fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime before serving
Optional Add-Ins
- ½ cup frozen peas (add last 30 minutes)
- Fresh lime juice for brightness
- Chopped cilantro
Storage & Reheating Tips
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days
- Reheat gently on stovetop or microwave
- Add a splash of coconut milk if the sauce thickens
Affiliate-Friendly Tools You Might Need 🔧
- Slow Cooker: Check it out here
- Air Fryer (for tofu): Grab one here
- Tofu Press: Best tofu press
FAQs
Can I skip searing chicken or browning tofu?
Yes! Chicken will still cook fully, tofu will be softer but still tasty. Browning/searing just adds flavor and texture.
Can I make this fully vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap chicken for tofu, use plant butter, and you’re good to go.
Is this spicy?
Mild as written. Add cayenne or extra chili powder if you like a kick.
This Crockpot Butter Chicken (with Tofu Option) is creamy, comforting, and ridiculously easy. Perfect for weeknights, cozy weekends, or meal prep. Try it, share it, and let me know which protein version your family loved best! 💛
And as always...
Happy Eatin' Y'all!
~The Kitchen Wife~
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