Description
This Crockpot Cajun Butter Chicken is a comforting, flavorful dish featuring tender, slow-cooked chicken breasts infused with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and creamy butter sauce. Perfectly cooked in the crockpot, the chicken becomes tender and juicy, making it ideal for serving over rice or pasta, garnished with fresh parsley for a vibrant finish.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Chicken
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 pounds total)
Seasoning & Spices
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Butter & Aromatics
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped (to taste)
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly with salt, black pepper, and Cajun seasoning. Place the seasoned chicken into the crockpot to prepare for slow cooking.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a skillet over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, enhancing the flavor base for the dish.
- Combine Ingredients in Crockpot: Pour the sautéed onion and garlic mixture over the chicken in the crockpot. Sprinkle in smoked paprika and dried oregano, then add the chicken broth to create a flavorful cooking liquid.
- Slow Cook the Chicken: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6 hours. This slow cooking process ensures the chicken becomes tender and easy to shred.
- Shred and Finish: After 6 hours, shred the chicken directly in the crockpot using two forks. Stir in the heavy cream, mixing thoroughly, and continue cooking on low for an additional 15-20 minutes to meld the flavors and thicken the sauce slightly.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve the Cajun butter chicken hot, ideally over rice or pasta. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a bright, fresh finish.
Notes
- The chicken breasts can be substituted with thighs for a juicier option, but cook time may vary.
- Adjust Cajun seasoning to taste if you prefer more or less spiciness.
- If you don’t have a crockpot, this recipe can be adapted for a slow cooker or Instant Pot with adjusted times.
- For a lighter dish, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, but the sauce will be less rich.
- This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad besides rice or pasta.
