Delicious Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe

4 stars
4.12 (11)
Delicious Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe
Prep Time:
10 mins
Cook Time:
30 mins
Total Time:
40mins
Category:
Recipe by Administrator
Published on November 06, 2023

This easy slow cooker chicken tikka masala recipe is packed full of flavor and perfect for busy weeknights. This classic Indian dish features tender chicken marinated in a yogurt and spice blend, cooked slowly in the slow cooker, and served in a creamy tomato sauce. It's a crowd-pleasing recipe that will warm you up from the inside out.

Ingredients

  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 cup plain yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons tikka masala spice blend
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 1 can (14 ounces) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Directions

  1. In a bowl, combine the yogurt, tikka masala spice blend, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, salt, black pepper, minced ginger, and minced garlic. Mix well.
  2. Add the chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.
  3. In the slow cooker, add the diced onion, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and butter. Stir to combine.
  4. Remove the chicken thighs from the marinade and place them on top of the tomato mixture in the slow cooker.
  5. Cook on low heat for 6-8 hours, or on high heat for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
  6. Stir in the heavy cream and let it heat through for 10-15 minutes.
  7. Serve the chicken tikka masala over steamed basmati rice or with naan bread. Garnish with fresh cilantro.

Interesting Facts

  • Chicken tikka masala is believed to have originated in the Indian subcontinent but has gained immense popularity in the United Kingdom and the United States.
  • Tikka masala is known for its vibrant red-orange color, which comes from the combination of spices and tomatoes in the sauce.
  • Slow cooking the chicken in the marinade allows the flavors to meld together and creates a tender and juicy result.
  • This recipe can easily be adjusted to suit your spice preference by adding more or less tikka masala spice blend.