Go Back
For a great Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala, you need some key items: - 2 lbs chicken thighs, boneless and skinless - 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes - 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk - Spices: garam masala, cumin, coriander, turmeric, chili powder These ingredients create a rich and creamy dish. Chicken thighs give you juicy meat that absorbs all those flavors. Diced tomatoes and coconut milk add a nice sauce base. The spices bring warmth and depth. You can also add some optional ingredients for extra flair: - Fresh cilantro for garnish - Alternative proteins like chicken breast or tofu - Variations in spices for different flavor profiles Fresh cilantro adds a pop of color and fresh taste. If you want to switch proteins, chicken breast or even tofu work well. You can also play with spices. Try adding a pinch of cinnamon for a different twist. For the full recipe, check out the details above. Enjoy making this tasty dish! To start, you need to sauté onions, garlic, and ginger. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until it turns translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Then, stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger. Cook them for one more minute until you smell the aromas. Next, it's time to measure your spices correctly. Use a measuring spoon for accuracy. This ensures the flavors balance well. For this recipe, you'll need garam masala, cumin, coriander, turmeric, and chili powder. Remember, these spices give your dish its unique taste. Now, let's add the ingredients into the slow cooker. In the slow cooker, mix the sautéed onion mixture, diced tomatoes, coconut milk, and tomato paste. Then, add the garlic, ginger, and all the spices. Stir them well to combine. After mixing, add the chicken chunks. Make sure they get coated in the sauce. When it comes to cooking times, you have options. Cook on low for 6-7 hours for tender chicken. If you're short on time, you can set it to high for 3-4 hours. Your chicken will be ready when it's tender and fully cooked. Once the cooking time is up, stir the chicken tikka masala well. Taste it and adjust the seasoning if needed. You may want to add more salt or spices to suit your taste. For serving, I recommend basmati rice or naan. The rice helps soak up the sauce, while the naan is perfect for dipping. Serve the chicken tikka masala in bowls, layered with rice, and sprinkle fresh cilantro on top for a beautiful presentation. Enjoy your meal! To make your chicken tender, always use thighs. They stay juicy and cook well. Cut the chicken into even chunks. This helps them cook at the same rate. For cooking times, I suggest 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. Check the chicken at the end. If you prefer it more tender, cook for a bit longer. Using a slow cooker is easy, but a few tips can help. First, don't lift the lid too much. Each time you do, heat escapes and cooking time increases. Second, layer ingredients correctly. Place the meat at the bottom. This helps it cook evenly. Lastly, avoid overfilling the cooker. Leave some space for steam to circulate. If you can’t find coconut milk, try unsweetened almond milk or cashew cream. Both work well and add a nice flavor. For toppings, fresh cilantro is a must for color and taste. You can also use sliced green onions or a dollop of yogurt. These add a nice touch to your dish. If you want a spicy kick, add fresh chilies or chili flakes right before serving. For the full recipe, refer to the instructions above. {{image_2}} You can easily make chicken tikka masala gluten-free. Just check the labels on your spices and sauces. Many brands offer gluten-free options. To make it dairy-free, skip the coconut milk. Use almond milk or cashew cream instead. For a vegan twist, swap the chicken for chickpeas or lentils. Both options are filling and tasty. Just add them to the slow cooker at the same time as the other ingredients. They will soak up all the great flavors. Want to kick up the heat? Add more chili powder or fresh peppers. You can also mix in smoked paprika for depth. Try adding a pinch of cinnamon for warmth, or some cardamom for a sweet note. Pair your tikka masala with basmati rice or warm naan. A side of cucumber salad or raita can cool down the heat. These sides balance the spices and make your meal complete. Chicken tikka masala varies across regions. In the UK, it often features a creamy sauce. In India, it may be spicier and less creamy. You can also find versions with different meats, like lamb or paneer. Regional spices change the flavor too. In the south of India, curry leaves are popular. In Punjab, they use more tomatoes and cream. Explore these styles to find your favorite version. To keep your chicken tikka masala fresh, store it in an airtight container. Let the dish cool before sealing it. Place it in the fridge if you plan to eat it in a few days. Chicken tikka masala stays good in the fridge for up to four days. If you want to save it longer, freeze it. In the freezer, it can last for three months. To enjoy the flavors again, reheat your chicken tikka masala carefully. The microwave is quick; just heat it in short bursts. Stir often to ensure even heating. You can also use the stovetop. Warm it in a pot over low heat, stirring regularly. This method helps keep the sauce thick and tasty. Want to make meals easy? Prep some chicken tikka masala for later. Before freezing, divide it into portions. Use freezer-safe bags or containers. This way, you can grab just what you need. When you want a meal, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Then, reheat and serve. You’ll have a delicious dinner ready in no time! For the full recipe, check out the complete guide. Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe? Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just add about an hour to the cooking time. Ensure the chicken reaches a safe temperature of 165°F. What can I substitute for garam masala? You can mix ground cumin, coriander, and a pinch of cinnamon. This blend gives a nice flavor boost. How long does chicken take to cook in a slow cooker? Chicken usually takes 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. Always check for tenderness. Differences in cooking times between chicken thighs and breasts Chicken thighs are more forgiving. They stay juicy and may take the same time. Breasts cook quicker but can dry out if overcooked. What to serve with chicken tikka masala? Serve with basmati rice or warm naan. Both soak up the sauce well and enhance the meal. Can I make this dish spicier? Yes! Add more chili powder or fresh chilies for heat. Start small to find your perfect spice level. In this blog post, we explored how to make a delicious chicken tikka masala, focusing on essential and optional ingredients. I provided step-by-step instructions for prepping, slow cooking, and serving. You also learned tips to enhance your dish and variations for dietary needs. In closing, you have all the tools to create a mouth-watering meal. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and ingredients. Happy cooking!

Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala

Craving a hearty, flavorful dinner? Discover the magic of Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala! This easy recipe combines tender chicken, vibrant spices, and rich coconut milk, creating a dish that impresses every time. Perfect for busy weeknights, it's ready to enjoy with basmati rice or naan. Dive into this simple cooking adventure and elevate your dinner game. Click through for the full recipe and make your taste buds dance!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

2 lbs chicken thighs, boneless and skinless, cut into chunks

1 large onion, finely chopped

4 cloves garlic, minced

1-inch piece ginger, grated

1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes

1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk

2 tablespoons tomato paste

2 tablespoons garam masala

1 tablespoon ground cumin

1 tablespoon ground coriander

1 teaspoon turmeric

1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)

1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

1 tablespoon olive oil

Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Cooked basmati rice or naan, for serving

Instructions
 

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onions, and sauté until they are translucent (about 5-7 minutes).

    Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for another minute until fragrant.

      In a slow cooker, add the sautéed onion mixture, diced tomatoes, coconut milk, tomato paste, garlic, ginger, garam masala, cumin, coriander, turmeric, chili powder, and salt.

        Mix well to combine all the ingredients. Then, add the chicken chunks to the slow cooker, making sure they are coated in the sauce.

          Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.

            Once done, stir the chicken tikka masala well and taste for seasoning. Adjust salt or spices as desired.

              Serve the chicken tikka masala over cooked basmati rice or with warm naan, garnished with fresh cilantro.

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 min | 7 hours | 6 servings

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve in bowls, heedfully layered with basmati rice, and sprinkle fresh cilantro on top. Use a naan on the side for dipping to enhance the dining experience.