Name: Crockpot Chicken Tikka Masala
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 6 h
Total time: 6 h 20 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into chunks; 1 medium onion, finely chopped; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated; 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes; 1 can (13.5 oz) full-fat coconut milk; 1 cup plain Greek yogurt; 2 tablespoons garam masala; 1 tablespoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon ground coriander; 1 teaspoon turmeric powder; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom; Salt and pepper, to taste; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Crockpot Chicken Tikka Masala is a flavorful and aromatic dish made with tender chicken simmered in a rich, creamy tomato sauce with Indian spices. This slow cooker version allows the flavors to meld beautifully, offering a delicious, hassle-free meal perfect for busy days or dinner parties.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Browning the chicken first enhances flavor, but it’s optional for convenience.
Use full-fat coconut milk for a rich and creamy texture.
For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or extra chili powder.
Stir occasionally to ensure the chicken stays tender and absorbs the sauce.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Crockpot Chicken Tikka Masala is perfect for those who love bold, flavorful dishes but prefer easy, hands-off cooking. With just a few minutes of prep, you can have a comforting, hearty meal. The slow-cooking process ensures the chicken is incredibly tender, and the spices infuse the sauce, creating layers of complex flavors.

Yield: Serves 4

Crockpot Chicken Tikka Masala

This Crockpot Chicken Tikka Masala is a rich, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any occasion.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 6 hours

Additional Time 5 minutes

Total Time 6 hours 20 minutes

Ingredients

1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into chunks
1 medium onion, finely chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
1 can (13.5 oz) full-fat coconut milk
1 cup plain Greek yogurt
2 tablespoons garam masala
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon turmeric powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the chicken and sear until golden brown on both sides (about 5-7 minutes). Remove from heat and set aside.
Prepare the Slow Cooker: Add chopped onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger into the slow cooker. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, coconut milk, and all the spices. Stir well to combine.
Add Chicken: Place the browned chicken pieces into the slow cooker and mix everything together.
Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
Finish the Dish: Once cooked, stir in the Greek yogurt for a creamy texture. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving. Serve over basmati rice or with naan.

Notes

For the best flavor, use a high-quality garam masala. If possible, toast the spices slightly before adding them to the slow cooker for extra depth of flavor.
Basmati rice is an excellent side dish, but naan or roti also pairs wonderfully with this recipe.

Nutrition Information

Yield

Serving Size

1
Amount Per Serving Calories 321Total Fat 23gSaturated Fat 13gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 9gCholesterol 54mgSodium 186mgCarbohydrates 13gFiber 3gSugar 4gProtein 19g

The recipes and nutritional information on Crock Pot Meal are for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized dietary advice.

Ingredients Notes

Chicken: Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for the juiciest result. Chicken breasts can be used but may become drier.
Spices: Garam masala is essential for authentic flavor, but if you don’t have it, a mix of cumin, coriander, cardamom, and cinnamon works.
Yogurt: Add plain Greek yogurt at the end to create a creamy finish and tangy flavor without overwhelming the dish.

Variations and Substitutions

Non-Dairy Version: Use coconut cream or cashew cream instead of heavy cream and yogurt for a dairy-free alternative.
Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with paneer, tofu, or vegetables like cauliflower and potatoes for a vegetarian version.
Spiciness: Adjust the heat level by adding more or less chili powder and garam masala.
Flavor Boost: For a deeper flavor, add a tablespoon of tomato paste or some fresh ginger and garlic in the slow cooker.

Storage Options

Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezer: This dish freezes well. Store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.