Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala is so simple to make and it gives you all the authentic Indian flavors. Similar to butter chicken but a little spicier, the creamy, orange sauce is what makes it so good. Slightly smoky, spicy, sweet, and a little tangy, it is to die for!
On a cold night, Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala served over rice or with fresh naan bread will warm your soul.
If you love easy crockpot meals with lots of flavor and spice, next you'll want to try my Crock Pot Jambalaya, these zesty Slow Cooked Chicken Wings, and Chicken Enchilada Casserole!
Why You'll Love This Crock Pot Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe
- Crowd Pleaser: The balance of warm spices with the creamy tomato sauce is so good, and it's not overly spicy. You can adjust the spice level up or down depending on your preference.
- More Affordable and Convenient than Eating Out: I love this as a budget-friendly weeknight meal when we don't have time to go out for Indian food. The prep time is only ten minutes!
- Even Better the Next Day: The leftovers are delicious as the spices have had more time to soak in and blend together.
Ingredients
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: You'll be cutting the chicken into cubes so that they can absorb all of the flavor from the spices. Boneless, skinless thighs work, too.
- Red Onion: Using red onion gives a little sweetness and mildness to the dish. You could also use yellow onion if you prefer.
- Minced Garlic and Fresh Ginger: These enhance the flavor and bring complexity and depth to the sauce.
- Paprika: For a subtle sweetness and a smoky undertone. You could also use smoked paprika.
- Garam Masala: This traditional warming Indian spice mix provides a ton of flavor. Garam masala usually includes cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, cumin, and black pepper, and sometimes coriander.
- Tomato Sauce and Tomato Paste: The tomato ingredients bring tangy acidity and balance well with the cream.
- Cornstarch: This gets mixed with the heavy cream to thicken the dish.
- Heavy Cream: The cream cuts down on spiciness and adds richness. You could substitute half and half or full-fat coconut cream or yogurt.
- Cilantro: Fresh cilantro is the perfect garnish.
See the recipe card below for exact ingredient amounts, nutritional information, and detailed instructions.
Variations
- Add Vegetables: Add carrots or sweet potato to make a one-pot meal out of this slow cooker tikka masala chicken. You could also do a version featuring cauliflower, peas, chopped spinach.
- Add Spiciness: For those who like spicy food, you can add cayenne pepper, Kashmiri chili powder, chipotle, or fresh hot peppers to kick up the heat.
- Vegetarian Version: For a vegetarian tikka masala, use cauliflower, chickpeas, paneer or tofu instead of chicken, and use cashew cream or coconut cream instead of heavy cream.
How to Make Chicken Tikka Masala in the Slow Cooker
I was surprised at how easy this slow cooker chicken recipe is to make, considering how bold the flavor ends up being. Here's how to make chicken tikka masala without spending hours in the kitchen!
Step 1: Add the Chicken and Sauce. Get your slow cooker prepared by adding the chicken, onion, garlic, ginger, garam masala, cayenne pepper, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Stir everything together.
Step 2: Cover and Cook. Cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2 ½-3 ½ hours.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce. Stir together the cornstarch and heavy cream, then add it to the slow cooker and cook for another 15 minutes.
Step 4: Serve. Add a heaping spoonful over rice and garnish with cilantro.
Hint: Use Fresh Spices!
Be sure to get high-quality, fresh garam masala for chicken tikka masala in the slow cooker. That makes all the difference for getting the best and boldest flavor.
Expert Tips
- Storing: Leftovers keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. I do not recommend freezing this recipe, as the dairy can make the texture temperamental when reheated.
- Adjust the Spices: If you're really into Indian spices and flavors, you can double the spices on this recipe. You can also use less if you prefer a mild version of the dish.
- Saute the Onion and Garlic First: If you have some extra time to prep, saute the onion and garlic for a few minutes on the stovetop before adding it to the Crock Pot. This enhances the flavor.
- Use Leftover Grilled Chicken: Traditionally chicken tikka masala uses grilled chicken to give it a bit of that charred, smoky flavor. If you have leftover grilled chicken that's already cooked, you can use it with this recipe and use a shorter cooking time.
Serving Suggestions
Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala is a simple but impressive dinner that's great for a family gathering.
- Serve over crockpot rice, basmati rice, or brown rice. Top with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime or lemon.
- Mango chutney also makes a great garnish and adds a little bit of bright, fruity, tangy flavor.
- For a classic pairing, serve naan bread or garlic naan with this easy slow cooker chicken tikka masala. You could also make this with lentil soup and samosas.
- I've also made this alongside steamed veggies or potato side dishes like slow cooker roasted potatoes, crockpot sweet potatoes, or some savory garlic mashed potatoes.
More Delicious Chicken Recipes
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Crock Pot Chicken Tikka Masala
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 medium red onion chopped
- 3 teaspoons garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 teaspoon fresh ginger minced
- 2 tablespoons garam masala
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 15 ounces tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1¼ cups heavy cream
- 3 tablespoons cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Add chicken, onion, garlic, ginger, garam masala, cayenne pepper, tomato sauce, and tomato paste to the slow cooker. Stir until well comibined.
- Cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2½-3½hours.
- In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and heavy cream. Stir into sauce and cook for 15 minutes
- Serve over rice and garnish with cilantro.
Notes
- Use Fresh Spices: Be sure to get high-quality, fresh garam masala for chicken tikka masala in the slow cooker. Freshness makes all the difference for the best flavor.
- Storing Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. I do not recommend freezing leftovers, as the dairy can make the texture change when reheated.
- Adjust the Flavor: You can double spices if you want a bolder flavor or add some cayenne for a bit of heat.
Nutrition
*Nutrition information is an estimate. It may vary based on ingredients, brands, and changes in cooking methods listed in the recipe. If you need exact ingredient numbers, I recommend calculating them with your preferred nutrition calculator.
Ryan Allen says
This one is one of my new favorites and is a must try.