Description
This Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala is a flavorful, creamy, and comforting Indian-inspired dish made easy in your crockpot. It’s the perfect blend of spices, tender chicken, and a rich tomato-based sauce.
Ingredients
▢ 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into chunks
▢ 1 large onion, finely chopped
▢ 4 garlic cloves, minced
▢ 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
▢ 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
▢ 1 cup full-fat coconut milk or heavy cream
▢ 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt or dairy-free yogurt
▢ 2 tbsp garam masala
▢ 1 tbsp paprika
▢ 1 tsp ground cumin
▢ 1/2 tsp turmeric
▢ 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
▢ 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
▢ Salt and black pepper, to taste
▢ 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
▢ Cooked basmati rice or naan, for serving
Instructions
1. Add the chicken, onion, garlic, ginger, tomato sauce, garam masala, paprika, cumin, turmeric, cinnamon, cayenne, salt, and pepper to your slow cooker. Stir to coat evenly.
2. Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until chicken is tender.
3. Stir in the coconut milk and Greek yogurt. Let cook uncovered for another 15–20 minutes to warm through.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
5. Serve hot over cooked basmati rice or with naan.
6. Garnish with chopped cilantro before serving.
Notes
Chicken thighs stay extra tender in the slow cooker, but breasts work well too.
Want it dairy-free? Use all coconut milk and skip the yogurt.
To thicken the sauce further, simmer uncovered on the stovetop for a few minutes after cooking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Indian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 610mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 130mg