Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala – Perfect Weeknight Dinner Recipe

This Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala is a game-changer. Tender, flavorful chicken simmers in a rich, creamy tomato sauce, creating a dish that’s both comforting and full of bold flavors. With just a few minutes of prep, you can let your slow cooker do all the hard work. Plus, the blend of spices, including garam masala and turmeric, gives this meal its signature warmth. Serve it over basmati rice or with naan for the perfect weeknight dinner. Best of all, the leftovers taste even better the next day. So, why not make a big batch? It’s a crowd-pleaser every time.

What Makes This Recipe So Good?

• Hands-off cooking: The slow cooker does all the work, allowing you to focus on other things.
• Tender chicken: The long, slow cooking process ensures the chicken is incredibly tender and juicy.
• Rich, creamy sauce: The blend of tomato sauce and coconut milk creates a luxurious, flavorful sauce.
• Bold, authentic flavors: Spices like garam masala, cumin, and turmeric give the dish its signature depth.
• Perfect for meal prep: The flavors get even better the next day, making it ideal for leftovers.
• Customizable: Adjust the spice level to your taste, and serve it with rice, naan, or your favorite side.

Key Ingredients

• Chicken thighs: Boneless, skinless, and cut into bite-sized pieces for tenderness.
• Tomato sauce: Forms the base of the flavorful sauce.Coconut milk or heavy cream: Adds creaminess to the sauce.
• Garam masala: A blend of warm spices, essential for that classic tikka masala flavor.
• Ground cumin: Adds earthiness and depth.
• Paprika: Provides a mild sweetness and smoky flavor.
• Turmeric: Gives the dish its golden hue and adds subtle warmth.
• Garlic and ginger: Fresh aromatics that bring brightness and depth to the dish.Onion: Adds natural sweetness and texture to the sauce.

Chefs Helpful Tips

• Use chicken thighs: They stay juicy and tender in the slow cooker, unlike chicken breasts, which can dry out.
• Sear the chicken (optional): For extra flavor, quickly sear the chicken pieces before adding them to the slow cooker.
• Don’t skimp on spices: Garam masala, cumin, and turmeric are key to the dish’s bold flavor. Fresh spices make a big difference!
• Use coconut milk for dairy-free: If you prefer a lighter, dairy-free option, use coconut milk instead of heavy cream.
• Thicken the sauce: If you want a thicker sauce, stir in a cornstarch slurry during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
• Adjust spice level: For more heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or extra paprika.
• Prep ahead: This dish tastes even better the next day, so it’s perfect for making ahead of time.

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Print Recipe

Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala – Perfect Weeknight Dinner Recipe

Author: Courtney Cooking Method: Slow Cooker Cuisine: Indian Courses: Dinner, Lunch Recipe Keys: Dairy Free Egg Free Freezer Meals Gluten Free High Protein Low Carb Non Vegetarian Nut Free Paleo Slow Cooker Recipes Soy Free Spicy

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 5 hrs Rest Time 5 mins Total Time 5 hrs 20 mins

Servings: 4 Calories: 380

Best Season: Summer, Spring, Suitable throughout the year, Winter, Fall

Dietary:

D dairy free G Gluten Free H High Protein L Low Carb N Non Vegetarian P Paleo

Description

This Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala is a game-changer. Tender, flavorful chicken simmers in a rich, creamy tomato sauce, creating a dish that’s both comforting and full of bold flavors. With just a few minutes of prep, you can let your slow cooker do all the hard work. Plus, the blend of spices, including garam masala and turmeric, gives this meal its signature warmth. Serve it over basmati rice or with naan for the perfect weeknight dinner. Best of all, the leftovers taste even better the next day. So, why not make a big batch? It’s a crowd-pleaser every time.

Ingredients

Servings

• 1 ¹⁄₂ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)

• 1 large onion (finely chopped)

• 4 cloves garlic (minced)

• 1 tbsp fresh ginger (grated)

• 1 can or 15oz tomato sauce

• 1 can or 14oz coconut milk (or heavy cream)

• 2 tbsp garam masala

• 1 tbsp ground cumin

• 1 tsp paprika

• 1 tsp turmeric

• 1 tsp ground coriander

• ¹⁄₂ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)

• 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)

• 1 tbsp olive oil (optional, for sautéing)

• fresh cilantro (chopped, for garnish)

• basmati rice or naan (for serving)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken

   Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces and set aside.

1. Sauté the Aromatics (Optional)

   If you want extra flavor, heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and ginger, cooking for another minute until fragrant.

1. Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker

   In the slow cooker, add the chicken pieces, sautéed onions (if using), garlic, ginger, tomato sauce, coconut milk, garam masala, cumin, paprika, turmeric, ground coriander, cayenne pepper (if using), and salt. Stir everything together until the chicken is evenly coated with the sauce and spices.

1. Cook on Low or High

   • Cook on Low for 4-6 hours, or
   • Cook on High for 3-4 hours.
     The chicken should be tender and cooked through.

1. Adjust Consistency (Optional)

   If the sauce is too thin, you can thicken it by mixing 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp water to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the sauce and cook on high for an additional 20-30 minutes.

1. Rest and Serve

   Once the chicken is done, let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro.

1. Serve

   Serve the Chicken Tikka Masala over basmati rice or with naan. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 380kcal

Calories from Fat 210kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 24g37%

Saturated Fat 14g70%

Cholesterol 105mg35%

Sodium 850mg36%

Potassium 620mg18%

Total Carbohydrate 10g4%

Dietary Fiber 2g8%

Sugars 4g

Protein 28g57%

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* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

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