Tantalizing Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe for Foodies

Aromatic spices dance through the kitchen when you make this mouthwatering slow cooker chicken tikka masala that delivers restaurant-quality flavor right at home.

Tender chicken bathes in a rich, creamy sauce bursting with warm Indian-inspired seasonings.

The slow cooker works magic, allowing each ingredient to meld into a deeply satisfying meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Turmeric, garam masala, and cumin create a symphony of flavors that transport you straight to the bustling streets of Delhi.

Weeknight dinners just got an upgrade with this incredibly easy and delicious recipe.

Simple ingredients and minimal prep work mean you can enjoy a gourmet meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Grab your slow cooker and get ready to impress with this irresistible dish that promises comfort and bold flavor in every single bite.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 4 hours

Total Time: 24 minutes

Calories: 430 kcal

Servings: 7

What You’ll Need for Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala

• Chicken: Tender meat that absorbs the rich, spicy flavors perfectly; choose boneless, skinless chicken thighs for maximum juiciness and flavor depth.
• Yogurt: Magical tenderizer that helps break down chicken fibers and adds a subtle tangy undertone; opt for full-fat Greek yogurt for best results.

• Onion, Garlic, Ginger: Holy trinity of Indian cuisine that creates a robust flavor foundation; select fresh, firm ingredients for maximum pungency.
• Coriander, Garam Masala, Cumin, Turmeric: Spice blend that delivers authentic tikka masala complexity; buy whole spices and grind fresh if possible for most vibrant taste.
• Tomato Paste: Concentrated flavor booster that adds depth and richness; choose organic brands for cleaner taste.

• Drained Tomatoes: Provides bright, acidic balance to the rich sauce; select high-quality canned whole tomatoes.
• Cream or Coconut Milk: Luxurious element that softens spice and adds silky texture; full-fat versions create most indulgent results.
• Salt: Essential seasoning that amplifies all other flavors; use kosher or sea salt for best distribution.
• Cilantro: Fresh herb that adds bright, herbal finish; choose vibrant green leaves without wilting.

Tools for Cooking Chicken Tikka Masala in a Slow Cooker

• 4-quart or larger slow cooker: Essential for cooking the chicken tikka masala to tender perfection.
• Large frying pan: Perfect for sautéing onions and building rich, aromatic flavor base.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring ingredients and preventing sticking.
• Measuring teaspoon: Helps accurately add salt and spices.
• Cutting board: Needed for chopping onions, garlic, and preparing ingredients.
• Sharp knife: For precise ingredient preparation.
• Serving dish: To beautifully present the finished tikka masala.

How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala Effortlessly

• Marinade Preparation

Chicken soaks in a creamy yogurt bath, absorbing rich flavors and becoming incredibly tender before cooking.

• Spice Infusion

Onions caramelize slowly, releasing sweet undertones while aromatic spices dance together, creating a complex flavor profile that transforms the entire dish.

• Tomato Base

Vibrant tomatoes blend with concentrated tomato paste, developing a deep, robust sauce that will coat the chicken in luxurious warmth.

• Slow Cooking Magic

Tender chicken simmers gently for hours, allowing spices to penetrate deeply and create a harmonious, mouth-watering meal that melts in your mouth.

• Creamy Finish

Silky cream swirls into the sauce, adding richness and smoothness that elevates the entire dish from good to absolutely extraordinary.

• Serving

Sprinkle fresh cilantro on top and nestle alongside fluffy rice or warm naan bread, turning an already delicious meal into a feast for the senses.

Chicken Tikka Masala Flavor Adjustments and Tips

• Replace chicken with firm tofu, lamb, or paneer for a delightful twist on the classic recipe that keeps dinner exciting and versatile.
• Adjust heat by adding cayenne pepper or reducing ground chili – customize the warmth to match your personal spice tolerance without compromising flavor.
• Use full-fat coconut milk instead of cream to create a rich, velvety sauce that's completely lactose-free and perfect for those with dietary restrictions.
• Prepare extra sauce and freeze in portions for quick weeknight dinners – the complex flavors actually improve after sitting for a day or two, making it an ideal make-ahead meal.

Best Ways to Serve Chicken Tikka Masala

• Pair with Fluffy Basmati Rice: Spoon the creamy chicken tikka masala over steaming basmati rice, letting the fragrant sauce seep into each grain for a delightful flavor explosion.
• Naan Bread Dipping Delight: Tear soft, warm naan bread into pieces and use them to scoop up the rich, spicy sauce, capturing every last bit of deliciousness.
• Fresh Herb Finishing Touch: Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro on top just before serving, adding a bright, green pop of color and a fresh herbal note that cuts through the creamy sauce.
• Cool Yogurt Contrast: Serve with a side of cool, tangy raita or plain yogurt to balance the warmth and spiciness of the tikka masala, creating a perfect flavor harmony.

How to Store Chicken Tikka Masala

• Prep Ahead Strategy: Chop onions, garlic, and measure spices the night before to streamline morning cooking.
• Batch Cook Brilliance: Double the recipe and freeze individual portions in airtight containers for quick future meals.
• Smart Refrigeration: Store leftovers in sealed containers for up to 4 days, ensuring maximum flavor and food safety.
• Revive Leftovers Technique: Gently reheat in a skillet with a splash of cream or water to restore sauce consistency and prevent drying out.

Authentic Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe

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4.6 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 24 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Comfort meets Indian cuisine in this slow cooker chicken tikka masala recipe that brings rich spices and creamy textures to your home kitchen. Home cooks can enjoy restaurant-quality flavors with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 lbs (907 g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
• ½ cup (120 ml) whole-milk plain yogurt (not Greek)
• 1 large yellow onion, diced
• 1 ½ tsps kosher salt, divided
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp peeled and minced fresh ginger
• 2 tsps ground coriander
• 2 tsps garam masala
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground turmeric
• 2 tbsps tomato paste
• 1 (15 oz/425 g) can diced tomatoes, drained
• ¾ cup (180 ml) heavy cream or coconut milk
• Chopped fresh cilantro
• Cooked rice or naan, for serving

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Instructions

1. Marination: Coat chicken pieces thoroughly with yogurt and salt in a slow cooker, ensuring complete coverage and uniform seasoning.
2. Aromatic Base: Sauté onions in olive oil until translucent, then rapidly incorporate garlic, ginger, coriander, garam masala, cumin, and turmeric, releasing their intense flavors within moments.
3. Sauce Development: Enhance the onion mixture with tomato paste, deepening its color and complexity, then introduce crushed tomatoes and remaining salt, scraping the skillet to capture all caramelized essence.
4. Slow Cooking Fusion: Merge the spiced tomato mixture with marinated chicken in the slow cooker, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and ensuring complete ingredient integration.
5. Tenderization Process: Cover and cook on HIGH for 4 hours or LOW for 8 hours, allowing chicken to become supremely tender and fully infused with the intricate spice profile.
6. Creamy Transformation: Stir in heavy cream or coconut milk to elevate the sauce’s richness and create a luxurious, silky texture.
7. Final Refinement: Optionally reduce sauce by cooking uncovered on HIGH for 30 minutes, concentrating flavors and achieving desired consistency; taste and fine-tune seasoning as needed.
8. Presentation: Embellish with fresh cilantro and serve alongside basmati rice or warm naan, completing this aromatic culinary experience.

Notes

• Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Coat chicken thoroughly in yogurt and salt to tenderize and infuse deep, rich flavors throughout the meat.
• Bloom Spices Perfectly: Quickly sauté spices with onions to unlock their aromatic oils, creating a more intense and authentic taste profile.
• Prevent Watery Sauce: Remove lid during final cooking stage to reduce liquid and concentrate the sauce’s robust, complex flavors.
• Customize Creaminess: Adjust sauce thickness by controlling cream or coconut milk quantity, ensuring your desired consistency and richness.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Indian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 430
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg