Name: Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 360 min
Total time: 370 min
Ingredients: 2 lbs skinless chicken thighs (about 8 thighs); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 cloves garlic (minced); 1/4 piece onion (of a large, diced); 3 teaspoons garam masala; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 28 oz tomato sauce; 15 oz diced tomatoes; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper; 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin; 1/4 piece jalapeño pepper (optional, seeds removed, finely chopped); 1 cup coconut milk (canned, unsweetened); 1/4 cup cilantro (chopped, optional); 4 cups basmati rice (hot cooked, for serving)

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There’s something about a cozy evening that calls for a warm, comforting dish, and for me, that dish is Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala. I remember the first time I made this recipe; it was a rainy Sunday, and I craved something hearty yet simple. The aroma of spices filled the air as I combined them with the chicken and let my slow cooker work its magic. By evening, the flavors had melded into a rich, creamy sauce that enveloped the tender chicken perfectly. It became a family favorite, served over fluffy basmati rice and garnished with fresh cilantro. Each bite is a reminder of home, comfort, and the joy of sharing good food with loved ones.

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
6 hr 10 mins

Prep Time:
10 mins

Cook Time:
360 mins

Difficulty:
Hard

Calories:
370 kcal

Protein:
24 g

Diet:
Gluten-Free

Fat:
18 g

Tools Used:
Slow Cooker

What Sets This Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala Apart

A Comforting Classic

The first reason to love Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala is its depth of flavor. The combination of spices like garam masala, cumin, and cayenne pepper creates a warm, inviting aroma that fills your home, making it feel like a special occasion.

Easy Preparation

Another standout feature is the ease of preparation. With just a little chopping and mixing, you can have everything ready to go in your slow cooker. Once it’s cooking, you can forget about it and go about your day, knowing a delicious meal awaits you.

Versatile Serving Options

This recipe is incredibly versatile. While I love serving it over basmati rice, you can easily pair it with cauliflower rice for a low-carb option or alongside warm naan for a more traditional experience.

Perfect for Meal Prep

Meal prep enthusiasts will appreciate that Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala keeps well. It’s perfect for weekly meal prepping, as the flavors actually improve over the next few days in the fridge, making it a fantastic option for lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Family-Friendly

Finally, it’s a dish that the whole family will enjoy. The creaminess of the coconut milk and the tender chicken make it appealing to both adults and kids alike. If your little ones are hesitant about spice, you can easily adjust the heat level to suit their tastes.

Essential Ingredients for Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala

Each ingredient in Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala plays a significant role in building the rich flavors that make this dish special. The spices, combined with the chicken and coconut milk, create a balance of heat and creaminess, making every bite memorable. Here’s what you need:

2 lbs skinless chicken thighs (about 8 thighs) – Tender and juicy, these thighs are perfect for slow cooking, absorbing the flavors of the spices beautifully.
2 tablespoons olive oil – This adds a rich, fruity flavor to the dish and helps in cooking the chicken.
2 cloves garlic, minced – The aromatic flavor of garlic elevates the entire dish, adding depth.
1/4 of a large onion, diced – Onions caramelize and sweeten during cooking, contributing to the overall flavor profile.
3 teaspoons garam masala – This spice blend is the star of the show, providing warmth and complexity.
1/2 teaspoon salt – Essential for enhancing the flavors of the dish.
28 oz can tomato sauce – The base of the sauce, bringing acidity and sweetness.
15 oz can diced tomatoes – Adds texture and additional flavor to the sauce.
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper – This gives a bit of heat; adjust to taste!
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin – Adds a warm, earthy flavor that complements the spices.
1/4 fresh jalapeño pepper, optional – For those who enjoy an extra kick, this is a great addition.
1 cup canned unsweetened coconut milk – This provides a creamy texture and balances the spices perfectly.
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional) – A fresh garnish that brightens the dish.
4 cups hot cooked basmati rice, for serving – The perfect vessel to soak up the delicious sauce.

Recipe Steps for Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala

Cooking Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala is a truly enjoyable process. It combines simple steps with incredible results. Let’s walk through the steps together so you can create this flavorful dish.

First, gather all your ingredients. It’s always best to prepare everything beforehand to ensure a smooth cooking experience. In a mixing bowl, combine the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, garlic, onion, garam masala, salt, cayenne pepper, and ground cumin. Stir until everything is well mixed.
Next, season the chicken thighs with a bit of salt and pepper. This simple step enhances the flavor of the meat and allows it to shine through the sauce.
Now, place the seasoned chicken into your slow cooker. Make sure it’s spread out evenly to ensure even cooking. Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken, ensuring it’s well coated.
Cover the slow cooker with its lid, and set it to cook on LOW for about 6 to 7 hours. This slow cooking process allows the chicken to become tender and infused with all the flavors.
As the hours pass, the aroma will fill your kitchen, tempting your taste buds. After the cooking time is complete, carefully remove the lid and check the chicken. It should be fork-tender.
Remove the chicken thighs from the slow cooker and shred them using two forks. Discard any bones that may be present. This step is crucial as it allows the chicken to soak up more of that delicious sauce.
Return the shredded chicken back to the slow cooker, and pour in the coconut milk. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. The addition of coconut milk will create a creamy texture that complements the spices beautifully.
At this point, you can also add the chopped cilantro for an extra burst of flavor, if desired. Give it one final stir, and allow it to cook for an additional 5 to 10 minutes on LOW.
Finally, serve the Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala hot over a bed of warm basmati rice. Make sure to spoon some sauce over the top for a satisfying finish and garnish with more cilantro if you like.

Things Worth Knowing

Slow Cooking is Key: The magic of this dish happens over hours of slow cooking. It allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in tender chicken that’s full of flavor.
Cooking Time Variations: Depending on your slow cooker, you may find that your chicken cooks faster or slower. Always check for tenderness before serving.
Spice Adjustments: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper or jalapeño. You can always add more spice later!
Freezing Instructions: This recipe freezes well. Just make sure to leave out the coconut milk if freezing raw ingredients; you can add it when you cook it.

Expert Tips about Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala

Here are some expert tips to make your Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala even better:

Storage: Leftover Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala can be stored in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days. Make sure to keep it in an airtight container to retain its flavor.
Freezing: You can freeze this dish for up to 3 months. Just thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Pairing: Serve with warm naan or roti for a complete meal. A side of cucumber raita can also help balance the spices.
Serving Size: A typical serving size is about 1 cup of chicken tikka masala with rice. Adjust the portion based on your appetite!
Customize: Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or peas to the slow cooker for added nutrition.

Great Combinations for Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala

When it comes to serving Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala, the options are as exciting as the dish itself. Here are some great combinations:

With Basmati Rice: Serve over fluffy hot basmati rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
With Naan or Roti: Pair with warm, fluffy naan or roti for a traditional Indian experience.
As Meal Prep: This dish is perfect for meal prep! Portion it out into containers for easy lunches throughout the week.
For a Festive Occasion: This dish is fantastic for family gatherings or special occasions like Ramadan.
With a Side Salad: A refreshing side salad with cucumber and tomato can balance out the richness of the tikka masala.

FAQ

Yes, you can use chicken breasts instead of thighs. However, you’ll want to reduce the cooking time to about 2 to 3 hours on LOW in the slow cooker. Chicken breasts can dry out if cooked for too long, so be sure to check for tenderness.

If you’re looking to kick up the heat in your Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala, you can add more cayenne pepper or include sliced jalapeños in the sauce. Start with small amounts and adjust to your heat preference. Remember, it’s easier to add more spice than to take it away!

Absolutely! This dish is perfect for meal prep. You can prepare the ingredients and place them in the slow cooker the night before and store it in the fridge. Just remove it in the morning and set it to cook while you go about your day. The flavors will deepen as it cooks, making it even more delicious!

There are several great options to serve with Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala. It pairs wonderfully with warm naan or roti for dipping, as well as basmati rice to soak up the sauce. You could also serve it with a refreshing cucumber salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala is a dish that brings warmth and comfort to any table, making it a beloved choice for many. Its rich flavors and ease of preparation are why I encourage you to give this recipe a try. You’ll find that it’s not just a meal; it’s an experience to share with friends and family.