Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala: A Delicious, Creamy & Authentic Homemade Recipe
This Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala is incredibly flavorful and wonderfully cozy, making it an absolute winter staple or a perfect hands-off meal any time of year. Imagine coming home to the enticing aroma of Indian spices filling your kitchen, with a delicious, piping hot bowl of creamy tikka masala waiting for you, cooked to perfection in your crockpot all day. This recipe simplifies Indian takeout favorites, transforming them into an effortless homemade dinner that’s rich, satisfying, and deeply comforting.
This recipe consistently ranks among my absolute favorite comfort foods to prepare, especially as the weather cools. Picture yourself snuggled under a warm blanket on the couch, eagerly digging into a steaming bowl of this homemade chicken tikka masala, perfectly spooned over fluffy basmati rice. It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience that brings warmth and joy, providing a hearty and delicious escape from the daily grind without requiring hours of active cooking. It’s truly a delightful way to enjoy the rich, complex flavors of Indian cuisine with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Absolutely Love This Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe
There are so many reasons to fall in love with this slow cooker chicken tikka masala. Beyond its incredible flavor, it offers unmatched convenience and versatility, making it a perfect addition to your weekly meal rotation. Here’s why this recipe will become a new favorite in your home:
- Effortless “Dump & Go” Dinner: This is the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it meal. Simply combine almost all the ingredients into your slow cooker in the morning, and let it simmer gently throughout the day. By dinner time, you’ll have a fully cooked, restaurant-quality meal with virtually no hands-on time, perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
- Indian Takeout Made Simple: Craving your favorite Indian curry but don’t want to order in? This recipe brings the authentic taste of chicken tikka masala right to your kitchen, without the fuss. You won’t need exotic or hard-to-find spices; most of the seasonings are likely already in your pantry, proving that delicious Indian cuisine can be easily prepared at home.
- Rich & Creamy Flavor: The slow cooking process allows the spices to meld beautifully with the tender chicken and rich tomato-cream sauce, developing an incredible depth of flavor that is both robust and beautifully balanced. Each bite offers a harmonious blend of sweet, savory, and subtly spicy notes.
- Tender, Juicy Chicken: Slow cooking ensures that your chicken turns out incredibly tender and moist, practically melting in your mouth. Whether you use chicken breasts or thighs, the long, gentle cooking method guarantees a succulent result every time.
- Customizable Spice Level: While this recipe offers a balanced spice profile, it’s easy to adjust it to your personal preference. Reduce the chili powder for a milder curry, or add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes for extra heat, allowing you to tailor it perfectly to your palate.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This dish tastes even better the next day, as the flavors continue to deepen. It’s an excellent candidate for meal prepping, offering delicious and convenient lunches or dinners throughout the week.
- Family-Friendly: With its mild yet flavorful profile, this chicken tikka masala is often a hit with the whole family, even those who might be new to Indian flavors. It’s a wonderful way to introduce diverse cuisines into your home cooking.
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Essential Ingredients and Smart Substitutions for Chicken Tikka Masala
Crafting a flavorful Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala starts with high-quality ingredients, but don’t worry if you need to make a few adjustments. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need and some helpful substitutions to ensure your curry is always a success:
- Butter: This provides a rich, foundational flavor to the sauce. For a similar richness, you could easily use margarine. If you prefer a healthier or dairy-free alternative, olive oil or coconut oil also work wonderfully, adding a subtle different nuance.
- Yellow Onion: Diced yellow onion forms the aromatic base of the curry. White onion offers a similar pungent sweetness, while shallots provide a slightly milder, more delicate flavor, both excellent choices if yellow onions aren’t available.
- Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are recommended for their tenderness and ability to stay juicy during slow cooking. However, chicken breasts can also be used; just be mindful not to overcook them to prevent dryness. For a vegetarian option, hearty substitutes like firm tofu, chickpeas, or lentils can be used. If you’re looking for a red meat alternative, stewing beef can be a fantastic choice, yielding a rich, deeply flavored curry after slow cooking.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is always preferred for its vibrant, pungent flavor that truly elevates the sauce. In a pinch, jarred minced garlic is a convenient substitute, but be aware that its flavor might be slightly less intense.
- Gingerroot: Freshly grated gingerroot adds a warm, spicy, and aromatic kick that is quintessential to Indian cuisine. If fresh ginger is unavailable, use about 1 teaspoon of ground ginger powder for every tablespoon of fresh ginger called for. While powdered ginger works, fresh ginger offers a more complex and brighter flavor.
- Brown Sugar: This adds a touch of sweetness to balance the acidity of the tomatoes and the warmth of the spices. White granulated sugar can be used as a direct substitute. For a more natural sweetness, honey or maple syrup can also be great alternatives, contributing their own unique flavor notes.
- Garam Masala: This is a key spice blend in Indian cooking, offering a warm and aromatic flavor. While store-bought blends are convenient, making your own garam masala from scratch can significantly enhance the depth and freshness of your curry.
- Turmeric: Known for its vibrant yellow color and earthy flavor, turmeric is a staple in many Indian dishes. Saffron can be used for a similar coloring, though it offers a more distinct flavor and is much pricier. If you don’t have either, you can simply omit it; the dish will still be delicious, just without the golden hue.
- Cumin: Cumin adds a warm, earthy, and slightly pungent flavor. If you’re out of cumin, you can increase the amount of garam masala, use a general curry powder blend, or even a small amount of chili powder (if you don’t mind a bit more heat) to provide a similar depth.
- Chili Powder: This provides the primary heat element. To create a makeshift chili powder blend, combine paprika for color, cumin for earthiness, and a touch of cayenne pepper for heat. Adjust the cayenne to control the spice level.
- Crushed Tomatoes: Crushed tomatoes form the rich, tangy base of the sauce. Diced tomatoes can be used as a substitute; they will provide a slightly chunkier texture to the final curry. You can blend them slightly if you prefer a smoother sauce.
- Sour Cream: Added at the end, sour cream gives the tikka masala its signature creamy texture and a subtle tang. For a dairy-free version, full-fat canned coconut milk is an excellent substitute, providing creaminess and a hint of coconut flavor. Heavy cream (1/3 cup) can also be used for a richer, more indulgent sauce. Plain Greek yogurt will work but will impart a more distinct tangy flavor, so use it sparingly or if you enjoy that profile.
- Fresh Cilantro: This fresh herb is primarily used as a garnish, adding a bright, fresh finish to the dish. If you or your guests aren’t fans of cilantro, feel free to omit it entirely.
- Naan Bread: Traditionally served with tikka masala, warm naan bread is perfect for scooping up the delicious sauce. Pita bread can be a good alternative, or you can skip the bread altogether to reduce calories or if you’re following a gluten-free diet.
How to Make Delicious Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala
Making this chicken tikka masala in your slow cooker is incredibly straightforward, allowing you to enjoy a deeply flavorful Indian meal with minimal effort. Follow these simple steps for a perfect result:
Step 1: Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker.
Begin by adding all the core ingredients for your tikka masala into the slow cooker. This includes the butter, diced yellow onion, diced chicken, minced garlic, grated gingerroot, brown sugar, garam masala, turmeric, cumin, chili powder, salt, and crushed tomatoes. Make sure everything is well combined, but hold back the sour cream for later – it’s added at the very end to preserve its creamy texture and tangy flavor.
Step 2: Let Your Slow Cooker Do the Work.
Once all ingredients (except sour cream) are in the crockpot, secure the lid and set it to cook. You have two convenient options: cook on the HIGH setting for 3 hours for a quicker meal, or opt for the LOW setting for 6 hours for a more gradual infusion of flavors and even more tender chicken. The longer, slower cooking time often yields a richer, more developed taste profile.
Step 3: Prepare Your Basmati Rice.
About 20-30 minutes before your tikka masala is ready, start preparing your basmati rice. You can cook it in a rice cooker for perfect results every time, or prepare it on the stovetop according to package directions. Basmati rice is an ideal accompaniment, as its fluffy texture and aromatic qualities beautifully complement the rich curry sauce.
Step 4: Stir in Sour Cream and Serve.
Once the chicken tikka masala has finished cooking, remove the lid. Stir in the sour cream until it’s fully incorporated and the sauce becomes wonderfully creamy and smooth. Serve generous portions of the chicken tikka masala over your freshly cooked basmati rice. Garnish with fresh cilantro for a burst of color and herbaceous flavor, and serve alongside warm naan bread if desired. Enjoy your delicious homemade Indian feast!
Recipe Tips for the Best Chicken Tikka Masala
Achieving the perfect slow cooker chicken tikka masala is easier than you think. Here are my top tips and tricks to ensure your curry is as flavourful and satisfying as possible:
- Elevate Flavor with Homemade Garam Masala: While store-bought garam masala is convenient, taking a few minutes to make your own blend can dramatically enhance the depth and aroma of your curry. Freshly ground spices always provide a more vibrant and authentic taste.
- Always Opt for Fresh Gingerroot: Freshly grated gingerroot offers an incomparable brightness and spicy warmth to the dish that ginger powder simply cannot replicate. While ginger powder works in a pinch, for the best and most authentic flavor, always choose fresh.
- Experiment with Creamy Substitutes: The sour cream is crucial for the creamy texture and tangy finish, but don’t be afraid to try alternatives. Full-fat canned coconut milk is excellent for a dairy-free option and adds a subtle tropical hint. Heavy cream (about 1/3 cup) will make the sauce even richer, while plain Greek yogurt offers a slightly healthier, tangier twist, though it can alter the flavor profile more noticeably.
- Make it Dairy-Free with Ease: Adapting this recipe for dietary needs is simple. Replace the butter with your favorite dairy-free butter substitute or a neutral oil like olive or coconut oil. For the creamy finish, swap the sour cream for an entire 400ml can of full-fat coconut milk, ensuring a rich and satisfying dairy-free experience.
- Don’t Skimp on Simmer Time: The beauty of slow cooking is in the time it allows for flavors to develop. While the shorter cooking time works, if you have the luxury, opt for the longer, low-heat setting. This gentle simmering truly allows the spices to infuse deeply into the chicken and sauce, resulting in a more complex and harmonious flavor.
- Adjust Spice to Your Liking: The chili powder determines the heat level. Taste the sauce towards the end of cooking (before adding sour cream) and add more chili powder, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or red chili flakes if you prefer a spicier kick. For a milder dish, simply reduce the initial amount of chili powder.
Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala
Here are some common questions about this popular Indian dish and how to best prepare it:
What’s the difference between Chicken Marsala and Chicken Tikka Masala?
These are two entirely distinct dishes from different culinary traditions. Chicken Marsala is a classic Italian-American entrée featuring pan-fried chicken cutlets and mushrooms in a rich, savory Marsala wine sauce. It’s often creamy and earthy. In contrast, Chicken Tikka Masala is a renowned Indian dish characterized by marinated, often grilled (though in this recipe, slow-cooked) chicken pieces simmered in a creamy, subtly spiced tomato-based curry sauce. The flavor profiles, spices, and origins are completely different.
Is it spicy?
This recipe for Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala is designed to have a balanced flavor with a gentle warmth, rather than an overwhelming heat. It carries a pleasant, mild spice, but it is not overly spicy for most palates. If you prefer a milder curry, you can easily reduce the amount of chili powder. For those who love more heat, feel free to add extra red chili flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to taste, stirring it in towards the end of the cooking process.
Can you make it in the Instant Pot instead?
While this particular recipe is specifically formulated for the slow cooker to achieve maximum tenderness and flavor development over time, it’s definitely possible to make Chicken Tikka Masala in an Instant Pot for a much quicker cooking experience. If you’re pressed for time and seeking a faster alternative, I recommend trying my dedicated Instant Pot chicken tikka masala recipe, which has been optimized for pressure cooking.
Delicious Serving Suggestions for Chicken Tikka Masala
This slow cooker chicken tikka masala is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways. While it’s fantastic on its own, pairing it with certain sides can elevate your meal even further. Here are some of my favorite options:
- Warm Naan Bread: The soft, fluffy texture of naan is perfect for soaking up every last drop of the rich, creamy sauce. Garlic naan or plain naan are both excellent choices.
- Steamed Broccoli: For a healthy and vibrant green addition, steamed broccoli offers a crisp contrast to the hearty curry and helps to round out the meal nutritionally.
- Crispy Vegetable Samosas: These savory, spiced pastry pockets are a classic Indian appetizer and make a fantastic side to complement the main course.
- Aromatic Rice Options: Beyond plain basmati rice, consider serving with Cilantro Lime Rice for a zesty, fresh twist, or Cauliflower Rice for a low-carb alternative that still soaks up all the delicious flavors.
- Cool Cucumber Raita: A refreshing yogurt-based side dish with cucumber and mint can provide a lovely cooling contrast to the warm spices of the tikka masala.
How to Store & Freeze Your Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala
One of the best things about this slow cooker chicken tikka masala is how well it stores, making it an ideal recipe for meal prepping or enjoying delicious leftovers.
Storing Leftovers: Any remaining chicken tikka masala can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Ensure it cools completely before sealing and refrigerating to maintain freshness and safety.
Freezing for Later: This dish freezes beautifully. Once cooled, transfer the chicken tikka masala to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. It can be frozen for up to 3 months without significant loss of quality. For best results, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating Instructions: To reheat, simply place your desired portion in the microwave and heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until thoroughly warmed. For stovetop reheating, place the curry in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until hot. You might need to add a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much.
More Delicious Slow Cooker Recipes You’ll Love
If you’re a fan of the ease and rich flavors that slow cooking brings, you’re in for a treat! Discover more fantastic recipes that allow your crockpot to do all the hard work, leaving you with comforting and flavorful meals.
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Slow Cooker Lentil Curry
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Slow Cooker Butter Chicken
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Slow Cooker Peanut Stew {Gluten-Free + Vegan}
Essential Meal Prep Tools for Efficiency
To make your slow cooker cooking and meal prepping experience even smoother and more enjoyable, consider these helpful tools:
- Glass Meal Prep Bowls: These are fantastic for safely storing and reheating your food, preventing plastic staining and ensuring even heating in the microwave or oven. They’re durable, eco-friendly, and perfect for keeping your portions organized throughout the week.
- A Reliable Rice Cooker: Take the guesswork out of perfectly cooked rice. A good rice cooker will automatically prepare your basmati rice to perfection, freeing up your stovetop and ensuring your side dish is ready right when your curry is.
- High-Quality Poultry from Butcher Box: Ensure your chicken is top-notch with free-range poultry from services like Butcher Box. This helps guarantee tender, flavorful chicken for your tikka masala, and is a convenient way to stock your freezer with quality meats.
- Bento Box Containers: These cleverly designed containers are ideal for packing your rice and curry separately within the same container. This prevents the rice from getting soggy and keeps your meal fresh and appealing for lunches on the go.
Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala
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Ingredients
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 1 lb chicken, diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tbsp gingerroot, grated
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp garam masala
- 2 tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 (796mL) can crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
- Naan bread (optional)
Basmati rice
- 1 1/4 cup water
- 1 cup basmati rice
- 1 tsp butter
- 1 pinch salt
Instructions
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Add all ingredients except for sour cream, rice, cilantro and naan to slow cooker in the order they are listed above and cook on high for 3 hours, or on low for 6 hours.
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Remove lid and stir in sour cream. Add rice to large bowls and top with chicken mixture, then garnish with cilantro and serve with naan (if desired). Serve and enjoy!
Basmati rice
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Add all ingredients to a rice cooker or on the stove top and cook according to package directions.
Video
Notes
Store the leftovers in the fridge for 5 days. Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 mins.
Freeze for 3 months. Thaw in the fridge then reheat as normal.
Nutrition
