Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala
This Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala is SO EASY! Tender chicken thighs in a creamy, spiced tomato sauce make for a hands-off, flavorful Indian-inspired meal.
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 medium onion diced
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger grated
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons tikka masala curry powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 2 14 oz cans diced tomatoes fire-roasted if available
- 1 cup coconut milk full-fat
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
- fresh cilantro chopped, for garnish
- cooked rice for serving
Instructions
- Start by dicing one medium onion, mincing four cloves of garlic, and grating about one tablespoon of fresh ginger. Trim any excess fat from the chicken thighs and pat them dry with paper towels.
- Heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the garlic, ginger, 3 tablespoons of tikka masala curry powder, 1 teaspoon each of cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala. Sauté for another 1-2 minutes until the spices become fragrant.
- Transfer the sautéed mixture to your slow cooker. Add the two cans of diced tomatoes, 1 cup of coconut milk, 2 tablespoons of tomato paste, and season with salt and pepper. Stir well to combine.
- Place the chicken thighs into the slow cooker, nestling them into the sauce. Ensure they are mostly submerged for even cooking.
- Set your slow cooker to low and cook for 6 to 8 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours. The chicken should be tender and the sauce thickened.
- Before serving, taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro for a burst of color and freshness.
- Serve your Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala hot over fluffy cooked rice. This dish pairs beautifully with naan or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Equipment
- Slow Cooker
- Skillet
- Grater
- Knife
- Cutting Board
- Measuring spoons
- Measuring cups
Notes
- Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for the best texture and flavor retention during slow cooking.
- For a spicier dish, add chopped green chili or extra tikka masala curry powder.
- Prepare the sauce and chicken ahead of time by refrigerating the slow cooker insert overnight for deeper flavors.
