Butter Chicken Freezer Meal Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Butter Chicken stands tall with its tender pieces of chicken bathed in a luscious, tomato-based sauce. Infused with a symphony of aromatic spices like garam masala, cumin, and coriander, every bite is a delightful dance on your taste buds. The richness of cream and butter brings a velvety texture, creating a harmony that's both comforting and indulgent.

Let’s dive into the world of delicious convenience with Butter Chicken – a freezer meal worth trying. Imagine having the delightful flavors of this classic Indian dish ready to grace your table with very little effort. Our make-ahead Butter Chicken recipe is not just about bold spices and creamy textures; it’s a game-changer for those hectic days when time is of the essence.

Butter Chicken stands tall with its tender pieces of chicken bathed in a luscious, tomato-based sauce. Infused with a symphony of aromatic spices like garam masala, cumin, and coriander, every bite is a delightful dance on your taste buds.

The richness of cream and butter brings a velvety texture, creating a harmony that’s both comforting and indulgent. It’s a dish that captures the essence of home-cooked goodness with a touch of exotic allure.

Our make-ahead Butter Chicken is your secret weapon for busy days. Imagine the joy of having this flavorful masterpiece waiting in your freezer, ready to be enjoyed at a moment’s notice. With our tried-and-true recipe, you can effortlessly prepare a batch, store it for later, and relish the convenience of a homemade meal without the stress. It’s not just about saving time; it’s about savoring those precious moments with your loved ones while still treating them to a restaurant-worthy dish.

So, are you ready to embrace the convenience of freezer-friendly cooking? Join me on this culinary adventure. From the enticing aroma that fills your kitchen to the first heavenly bite, this recipe is designed to make your busy life a bit more delicious. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!

Why you’ll love this Freezer Friendly Butter Chicken Recipe

  • Global Cuisine at Home: Transport your family’s taste buds to India without leaving the kitchen, introducing them to new and exciting flavors.
  • Encourages Family Participation: Get the kids involved in meal prep by allowing them to assist with simple tasks, fostering a love for cooking from an early age.
  • Fuss-Free Leftover Storage: Moms can appreciate how well Butter Chicken freezes and reheats, maintaining its quality and flavors for future dinners.
  • Minimal Cooking Skills Required: Perfect for moms who may not consider themselves culinary experts, Butter Chicken is approachable and forgiving, making it difficult to mess up.
  • Meal Prep Mastery: Embrace the art of batch cooking and meal prepping, allowing moms to have a repertoire of freezer-friendly meals ready to go.
Butter Chicken Freezer Meal Recipe
Butter Chicken stands tall with its tender pieces of chicken bathed in a luscious, tomato-based sauce. Infused with a symphony of aromatic spices like garam masala, cumin, and coriander, every bite is a delightful dance on your taste buds. The richness of cream and butter brings a velvety texture, creating a harmony that's both comforting and indulgent.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Course Main Course
Cuisine Indian
Servings 4
Equipment
  • 1 Slow Cooker
  • 1 gallon freezer bag
  • 1 High speed blender
Ingredients
  
  • 1-2 lbs Chicken thighs boneless/skinless
  • 12 oz Frozen diced sweet potato bag
  • 1 cup Frozen diced onion
Butter Chicken Sauce (Blend together)
  • 2 tsp Olive oil
  • 2 tsp Garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp Ground ginger
  • 1 tsp Coriander
  • 1 tsp Cumin
  • 1 tsp Cardamom
  • 1/2 tsp Salt
  • 14.5 oz Full fat coconut milk can
  • 6 oz Tomato paste can
For serving:
  • 1 Lime
  • 2 cups uncooked rice
Instructions
 
Prep/freezer directions
  • Label gallon freezer bag according the your preferred labeling method.
  • Blend together sauce ingredients in high-speed blender or food processor.
  • Add all ingredients, except lime, to labeled gallon freezer bag.
  • Store in freezer for up to three months.
Cooking directions:
  • Thaw overnight in fridge (Meal may not be 100% thawed but that is ok)
  • Add freezer bag contents into slow cooker
  • Cook on low for 4-6 hours.
  • Stir and serve ocer rice with a wedge of lime on the side.
Keyword Butter Chicken, Chicken Recipes, easy freezer meals for new moms, freezer meals, Slow cooker Chicken Recipe
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Equipment needed to Make Easy Make-Ahead Butter Chicken

  • 1 Slow Cooker
  • 1 gallon freezer bag
  • 1 High speed blender

Ingredients for your Butter Chicken

  • 1-2 lbs Chicken thighs boneless/skinless
  • 12 oz Frozen diced sweet potato bag
  • 1 cup Frozen diced onion
  • Butter Chicken Sauce (Blend together)
  • 2 tsp Olive oil
  • 2 tsp Garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp Ground ginger
  • 1 tsp Coriander
  • 1 tsp Cumin
  • 1 tsp Cardamom
  • 1/2 tsp Salt
  • 14.5 oz Full fat coconut milk can
  • 6 oz Tomato paste can
  • For serving:
  • 1 Lime
  • 2 cups uncooked rice

How to make a Butter Chicken

Prep/freezer directions:

  1. Label gallon freezer bag according the your preferred labeling method.
  2. Blend together sauce ingredients in high-speed blender or food processor.
  3. Add all ingredients, except lime, to labeled gallon freezer bag.
  4. Store in freezer for up to three months.

Slow cooker directions:

  1. Thaw overnight in fridge (Meal may not be 100% thawed but that is ok)
  2. Add freezer bag contents into slow cooker
  3. Cook on low for 4-6 hours.
  4. Stir and serve ocer rice with a wedge of lime on the side.

What to pair with your Creamy Butter Chicken Freezer Meal

Sides:

Desserts:

Mocktails:

Popular Substitutions and Additions

Substitutions:

  • Chicken Thighs Substitution: Option: 1-2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts. If you prefer a leaner protein or have a preference for chicken breasts, swap them for the thighs.
  • Sweet Potato Substitution: (12 oz) bag frozen diced butternut squash. For a variation in sweetness and texture, substitute sweet potatoes with butternut squash.
  • Full-Fat Coconut Milk Substitution: (14.5 oz) can of coconut cream. If you’re looking for an even creamier texture, coconut cream can replace coconut milk.

Additions:

  • Spinach Addition: Add  2 cups frozen chopped spinach. Introduce a nutritional boost to your Butter Chicken by adding frozen spinach.
  • Cashew Cream Addition: Add: 1/2 cup frozen cashew cream (blend equal parts soaked cashews and water). Elevate the creaminess of your Butter Chicken by incorporating cashew cream.
  • Frozen Pea Addition: Add: 1 cup frozen peas.  For a pop of color and a touch of sweetness, frozen peas are a delightful addition.

Ensure to adjust cooking times and temperatures as needed when incorporating these substitutions and additions, and enjoy your customized and freezer-friendly Butter Chicken creation!

How to Reheat and Store Butter Chicken

Best way to store Creamy Butter Chicken Freezer Meal Leftovers?

To ensure the freshness and safety of your Butter Chicken, make sure to allow your Butter Chicken to cool slightly before storing it. This helps prevent bacterial growth in your leftovers. Transfer your leftover Butter Chicken into an airtight container or storage bag. Refrigerate within two hours of cooking. Store your leftovers in the coldest part of your fridge.

How long will Butter Chicken last in the fridge?

With proper cooling and storage, your butter chicken will remain fresh in the fridge for 3-5 days.

Can I freeze Quick and Delicious Butter Chicken?

Yes, absolutely. If you don’t plan to consume your leftovers within the refrigeration time frame, consider freezing them. Allow the Butter Chicken leftovers to cool to room temperature before freezing. Use a freezer-safe container or gallon freezer bag. Make sure to remove excess air from freezer bags. Label your container or bag with date of preparation and recipe name for easy tracking. Frozen leftovers can be kept for 2-3 months for best quality.

We suggest making this recipe as a raw freezer meal, blend together sauce ingredients in a high speed blender, then add all ingredients, except the lime, to a labeled gallon freezer bag. Then store in the freezer for up to three months.

How to Reheat Healthy Make-Ahead Butter Chicken Recipe?

The best and most convenient reheating methods are to use the stovetop or the microwave, the latter will impact the flavor and texture slightly. To use the microwave, use a microwave safe plate, place desired amount of leftovers on the plate, and reheat in a short burst of 30-60 seconds, stirring between each interval to ensure consistent heating.
When using the stovetop, place desired amount of leftovers in a saucepan over medium heat. You may consider adding a splash of broth or water to prevent sticking. Stir occasionally, until desired temperature has been reached.  

Easy Make-Ahead Butter Chicken for Freezing FAQs

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Hi! I'm Hannah

As a full time working mom of four, I know how hard it is to find time (or energy) to cook. That’s why I’ve spent over a decade perfecting freezer meal recipes to make sure they’re not only quick to prepare but packed with flavors the whole family will love!

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