There’s something truly special about a perfectly tender piece of chicken swimming in a rich, creamy, and warmly spiced sauce. My Crockpot Chicken Tikka Masala brings those restaurant-quality flavors right into your kitchen. It’s amazingly simple, yet the depth of taste is simply undeniable, making it a weeknight hero.
This slow cooker chicken tikka masala recipe is one I turn to again and again. It’s fantastic for busy evenings. Everyone who tries it raves about how flavorful and comforting it is.
Why I Love This Recipe
This Crockpot Chicken Tikka Masala is a winner for so many reasons!
- Incredible Ease: Toss everything in the slow cooker. That’s pretty much it!
- Flavor Explosion: The spices meld beautifully for a rich, authentic taste.
- Weeknight Savior: Dinner is ready when you walk in the door.
- Company Worthy: It’s impressive enough for guests.
- So Comforting: It warms you from the inside out.
Crockpot Chicken Tikka Masala Ingredients
The magic of a truly wonderful Crockpot Chicken Tikka Masala lies in its harmonious blend of simple ingredients. These components come together in your slow cooker to create something truly spectacular. It’s a beautiful marriage of textures and tastes.
Here’s what you’ll need for this flavorful dish:
- Chicken Breasts or Thighs: The star of our dish. Boneless, skinless cuts work best for tender, shreddable results.
- Crushed Tomatoes and Tomato Sauce: These form the rich, savory base of our tikka masala sauce.
- Onion, Garlic, and Ginger: Our aromatic trifecta. They build incredible depth of flavor and fragrance.
- Plain Full-Fat Yogurt: This tenderizes the chicken. It also adds a lovely tang and creaminess to the sauce.
- Garam Masala, Cumin, Coriander, Turmeric, and Cayenne Pepper: The soul of the dish! These spices create that signature warm, complex flavor profile. Adjust the cayenne for your preferred heat level.
- Heavy Cream or Full-Fat Coconut Milk: This makes the sauce luxuriously smooth and rich at the end.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for balancing all the flavors.
- Fresh Cilantro: A bright, fresh garnish that adds a burst of color and zing.
- Cooked Rice or Naan: Perfect for soaking up all that delicious sauce.
Substitutions and Tips
Don’t have full-fat yogurt? Greek yogurt is a great substitute and makes for a thicker sauce. For a dairy-free option, full-fat coconut milk works beautifully in place of heavy cream. You can also play with the spice level; add more or less cayenne as your taste buds dictate! Remember, exact measurements are always in the recipe card below.
How to Make Crockpot Chicken Tikka Masala
Step 1: Combine Ingredients
This step is super simple. Grab your 6-quart slow cooker. Add the chicken pieces to the pot. Next, pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce. This creates our flavorful base. Toss in the chopped onion. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger too. These aromatics are key for a delicious taste. Spoon in the plain, full-fat yogurt. It helps tenderize the chicken beautifully. Now for the spices! Add the garam masala, cumin, and coriander. Sprinkle in the turmeric. If you like a little heat, add the cayenne pepper now. Season generously with salt and black pepper. This easy chicken tikka masala is coming together!
Step 2: Mix Everything Together
Give it all a good stir. You want everything combined well. Ensure the chicken is coated. This helps the flavors meld. Make sure there are no dry spots. This slow cooker chicken tikka masala is almost ready to do its magic.
Step 3: Cook Until Tender
Cover the slow cooker. Set it to cook. You can use the ‘low’ setting for 6 to 8 hours. Or, choose the ‘high’ setting for 3 to 4 hours. Either way works great. The chicken will be cooked through. It will also become wonderfully tender. This patient cooking builds deep flavor.
Step 4: Add Creamy Finish
During the final 30 minutes of cooking, stir in the heavy cream. If you’re using coconut milk, add it now. This makes the sauce extra rich. You can also stir it in just before serving. Stir gently until it’s combined. This adds a lovely, creamy texture.
Step 5: Adjust Seasoning
Now, taste your Crockpot Chicken Tikka Masala. Does it need more salt? Perhaps a bit more pepper? Adjust the seasonings as needed. This ensures perfect flavor for everyone. Sometimes a little tweak makes all the difference.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Serve your hot chicken tikka masala immediately. Ladle it over fluffy cooked rice. Or, pair it with warm naan bread. Garnish generously with fresh, chopped cilantro. This adds a lovely pop of color and freshness. Enjoy this amazing Indian-inspired dish!
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Crockpot Chicken Tikka Masala
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3-8 hours
- Total Time: 3.25 – 8.25 hours
- Yield: 4-6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Indian-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simplified and flavorful Chicken Tikka Masala made conveniently in a slow cooker.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 (15-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
- 1 cup plain full-fat yogurt (or Greek yogurt for thicker sauce)
- 2 tbsp garam masala
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp turmeric
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
- Cooked rice or naan, for serving
Instructions
- Combine chicken, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, onion, garlic, ginger, yogurt, garam masala, cumin, coriander, turmeric, and cayenne pepper (if using) in a 6-quart slow cooker. Season with salt and pepper.
- Stir everything until well combined.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Stir in the heavy cream (or coconut milk) during the last 30 minutes of cooking, or just before serving.
- Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary.
- Serve hot over rice or with naan, garnished with fresh cilantro.
Notes
- Using Greek yogurt can result in a thicker sauce.
- Adjust cayenne pepper for desired level of heat.
- Full-fat coconut milk can be used as a dairy-free alternative to heavy cream.
How to Store Crockpot Chicken Tikka Masala
Leftover Crockpot Chicken Tikka Masala? Wonderful! Store any cooled portions in an airtight container. It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the cooled chicken tikka masala. It lasts for about 2 months in the freezer. Simply thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. This makes busy weeknights even easier!
Tips for Success
- Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for extra tender results.
- Don’t skip the yogurt; it tenderizes the chicken beautifully.
- Adjust cayenne pepper to your heat preference.
- Stir in cream or coconut milk at the very end.
- Taste and adjust seasonings before serving.
- Garnish generously with fresh cilantro.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
Gathering your tools makes cooking so much smoother.
- 6-Quart Slow Cooker: Essential for this recipe. A programmable one is handy.
- Cutting Board and Knife: For prepping chicken and veggies.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate spice and ingredient amounts.
- Stirring Spoon: A sturdy wooden or silicone spoon works best.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve this delightful Crockpot Chicken Tikka Masala over fluffy basmati rice.
- Warm naan bread is perfect for scooping up the rich sauce.
- A side of cooling raita or cucumber salad balances the flavors.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Crockpot Chicken Tikka Masala ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the ingredients and combine them in the slow cooker the night before. Just store the pot in the refrigerator. Then, start it in the morning. This easy chicken tikka masala is perfect for busy schedules.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs are a fantastic choice! They tend to be more tender and forgiving in the slow cooker. This dish will still be wonderfully flavorful with thighs.
What if I don’t have garam masala?
Garam masala is key for that authentic tikka masala flavor. If you can’t find it, you can create a substitute. Mix ground cinnamon, cumin, coriander, and a pinch of cloves. It won’t be exactly the same, but it will still be delicious.
How can I make the sauce thicker?
For a thicker sauce, you can use full-fat Greek yogurt instead of regular plain yogurt. Also, ensure you cook it uncovered during the last 30 minutes if it seems too thin. Stirring in the cream at the very end helps thicken it too.
