Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala

Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala—a comforting and aromatic dish that’s as simple to make as it is delicious. Picture tender chicken simmered in a rich, creamy tomato sauce infused with fragrant spices like cumin, coriander, and garam masala. Whether you’re a seasoned home chef or new to Indian cuisine, this recipe is sure to impress with its bold flavors and melt-in-your-mouth texture. So, dust off your slow cooker and get ready to savor a taste of culinary delight without the hassle.

Resume of the recipe: Experience the magic of Indian cuisine without the fuss with our Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala—a recipe that brings together tender chicken and aromatic spices in a rich and creamy sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy Sundays, this dish requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor. Just set it and forget it as your slow cooker works its magic, filling your home with the tantalizing aroma of exotic spices. Whether served over fluffy rice or with warm naan bread for dipping, this Chicken Tikka Masala is sure to become a family favorite in no time.

Exciting Story: In our bustling kitchen, where the scent of spices fills the air and the sound of sizzling fills our ears, we’re embarking on a culinary adventure to create the perfect Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala. It’s a dish that holds a special place in our hearts, reminding us of cozy nights spent indulging in the flavors of India. As we marinate the chicken in yogurt and spices, we can’t help but feel a sense of excitement for the feast that awaits. And when we finally take that first bite of tender chicken smothered in creamy sauce, we know we’ve succeeded in capturing the essence of this beloved dish—a moment of pure culinary bliss that’s meant to be shared with loved ones.

Why This Recipe Rocks:

• Effortless Preparation: With just a few simple steps and the convenience of a slow cooker, you can enjoy the flavors of Chicken Tikka Masala without the hassle of traditional cooking methods.
• Versatile and Customizable: Easily adjust the spice level and ingredients to suit your taste preferences, making this recipe adaptable for the whole family.
• Satisfying and Flavorful: Tender chicken simmered in a rich and creamy tomato-based sauce, infused with a blend of aromatic spices, creates a dish that’s both comforting and full of bold flavors.

What i need to make Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala

• 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
• 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons ground coriander
• 2 teaspoons garam masala
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
• Cooked rice or naan bread, for serving

How to Make Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala:

1. Marinate Chicken: In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with the yogurt, garlic, ginger, cumin, coriander, garam masala, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best results.
2. Prepare Slow Cooker: Place the marinated chicken, chopped onion, crushed tomatoes, and chicken broth in the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
3. Cook: Cover and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or high heat for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
4. Finish Sauce: Stir in the heavy cream and allow the sauce to heat through for an additional 10-15 minutes.
5. Serve: Serve the Chicken Tikka Masala over cooked rice or with warm naan bread. Garnish with chopped cilantro before serving.

Tips For Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala:

• For a thicker sauce, you can mix 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch with a small amount of water and stir it into the slow cooker during the last hour of cooking.
• Adjust the spice level to your preference by increasing or decreasing the amount of chili powder or cayenne pepper.
• For a dairy-free option, you can substitute coconut milk for the heavy cream.

Substitutions and Variations For Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala:

• Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts instead of thighs for a leaner option.
• Add vegetables such as bell peppers, peas, or spinach to the slow cooker for extra flavor and nutrition.
• For a vegetarian version, substitute chickpeas or tofu for the chicken.

Make a Healthier Version For Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala:

• Use Greek yogurt or a yogurt alternative for a lighter marinade.
• Substitute coconut milk for the heavy cream to reduce the saturated fat content.
• Serve the Chicken Tikka Masala with brown rice or quinoa for added fiber and nutrients.

Closing: Elevate your weeknight dinner routine with our Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala—a dish that’s as effortless to make as it is flavorful to eat. With its tender chicken, aromatic spices, and creamy sauce, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your home kitchen. So, grab your slow cooker and get ready to enjoy the exotic flavors of India with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction!

Frequently Asked Questions For Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala:

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can use chicken breasts if you prefer. Keep in mind that chicken breasts may cook faster than thighs, so adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, you can freeze leftover Chicken Tikka Masala in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Can I make this Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala on the stovetop?

Yes, you can adapt this recipe for stovetop cooking by sautéing the onions, garlic, and ginger in a large skillet before adding the marinated chicken and sauce ingredients. Simmer until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened.

Can I omit the yogurt?

The yogurt helps tenderize the chicken and adds flavor to the dish, but you can omit it if necessary. Alternatively, you can use a dairy-free yogurt alternative or coconut milk.

Can I make this Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala spicy?

Yes, you can adjust the level of spiciness by adding more chili powder, cayenne pepper, or chopped fresh chili peppers to the marinade or sauce. Adjust to your taste preference.

Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala

Recipe by CutsfoodCourse: Crock Pot®

Servings

5

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

3

minutes

Calories

454

kcal

Ingredients

• For the Chicken Marinade:

• 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

• 1 cup plain yogurt

• 2 tablespoons ginger-garlic paste

• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin

• 1 teaspoon ground coriander

• 1 teaspoon garam masala

• 1 teaspoon chili powder

• Salt and pepper to taste

• For the Sauce:

• 1 large onion, finely chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon ginger, minced

• 1 can (14 ounces) crushed tomatoes

• 1 cup heavy cream or coconut milk for a dairy-free option

• 2 teaspoons ground coriander

• 2 teaspoons ground cumin

• 2 teaspoons garam masala

• 1 teaspoon turmeric

• 1 teaspoon chili powder

• Salt and pepper to taste

• For Serving:

• Cooked basmati rice

• Fresh cilantro, chopped

• Naan bread (optional)

Directions

• In the heart of our flavor-packed journey, I discovered the secret to crafting this Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala. Let’s dive into the aromatic world of marinating, slow-cooking, and savoring the authentic taste of Indian cuisine.
• Marinate the Chicken:
• In a bowl, combine the yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, turmeric, cumin, coriander, garam masala, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
• Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight for maximum flavor.
• Slow Cook the Chicken:
• In a pan over medium heat, sauté the marinated chicken until browned on all sides. Transfer the chicken to the slow cooker.
• In the same pan, sauté the chopped onions until golden brown. Add the minced garlic and ginger, cooking for an additional minute.
• Add the crushed tomatoes, ground coriander, cumin, garam masala, turmeric, chili powder, salt, and pepper to the pan. Cook for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
• Pour the tomato and spice mixture over the browned chicken in the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
• Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or until the chicken is tender.
• Finish with Creamy Goodness:
• In the last 30 minutes of cooking, stir in the heavy cream or coconut milk for a dairy-free option.
• Adjust the seasoning to taste.
• Serve and Enjoy:
• Serve the Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala over cooked basmati rice.
• Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve with naan bread on the side for an authentic experience.