Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala

Name: Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 6 h
Total time: 6 h 15 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs; 1 cup plain yogurt; 2 tablespoons garam masala; 1 tablespoon ground cumin; 1 tablespoon ground coriander; 1 teaspoon turmeric; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 onion, diced; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 inch ginger, grated; 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes; 1 cup coconut milk; Fresh cilantro for garnish

Highlighted under: Global Flavors

Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala is a rich and flavorful dish that brings the warmth of Indian spices to your table with minimal effort.

Created by

Madeline Archer

Last updated on 2025-12-28T20:19:07.166Z

This Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala is perfect for busy weeknights. Simply toss all the ingredients into your slow cooker and let it work its magic. The result is a deliciously creamy and fragrant curry that pairs perfectly with rice or naan.

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Rich and aromatic Indian spices that elevate your meal
Creamy texture that envelops tender chicken pieces
Convenient slow cooker method for easy preparation

      

The Magic of Slow Cooking

Slow cooking is a game changer for busy home cooks. It allows you to set your meal and forget about it, making it perfect for those hectic weekdays. With the slow cooker, flavors meld beautifully, and the chicken becomes incredibly tender, absorbing all the spices and coconut milk for a truly rich taste experience.

In addition, using a slow cooker means you can prepare this Creamy Chicken Tikka Masala in advance. Simply marinate the chicken the night before, and in the morning, throw everything into the cooker. By dinner time, you'll have a delicious, aromatic meal waiting for you, with minimal effort on your part.

The Health Benefits of Chicken Tikka Masala

Chicken Tikka Masala is not only delicious; it also offers several health benefits. Chicken thighs are a great source of protein, which is essential for muscle repair and growth. The spices used, such as turmeric and ginger, have anti-inflammatory properties that can contribute to overall wellness.

Moreover, the use of coconut milk adds healthy fats to the dish. These fats can help improve heart health and provide a steady source of energy. Enjoying this dish can satisfy your taste buds while nourishing your body, making it a wholesome choice for any meal.

Perfect Pairings

Creamy Chicken Tikka Masala pairs beautifully with fragrant basmati rice. The rice helps soak up the flavorful sauce, ensuring each bite is packed with taste. If you're looking for something a bit more traditional, naan bread is a fantastic option for scooping up the masala, adding an authentic Indian touch to your meal.

For a balanced meal, consider serving a side of sautéed vegetables or a fresh salad. These light accompaniments can provide a nice contrast to the richness of the tikka masala, enhancing your overall dining experience.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Tikka Masala

2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1 cup plain yogurt
2 tablespoons garam masala
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 tablespoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon turmeric
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 onion, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 inch ginger, grated
1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
1 cup coconut milk
Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

Steps

Prepare the Marinade

In a bowl, combine yogurt, garam masala, cumin, coriander, turmeric, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Add chicken thighs and coat well. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes or overnight in the refrigerator for best results.

Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker

Place the marinated chicken, diced onion, garlic, ginger, crushed tomatoes, and coconut milk into the slow cooker. Stir to combine.

Cook the Chicken

Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.

Garnish and Serve

Once cooked, shred the chicken in the sauce if desired. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro, alongside rice or naan.

Enjoy your meal!

Tips for the Best Results

To ensure your Chicken Tikka Masala turns out perfectly every time, consider using bone-in chicken thighs. They tend to stay juicier during the cooking process, enhancing the flavor of the dish. If you prefer a leaner option, skinless chicken breast can also work but may require careful monitoring to avoid drying out.

Don’t rush the marination process. Allowing the chicken to marinate overnight will intensify the flavors and ensure the spices penetrate deeply into the meat. If short on time, at least a 30-minute marinade will still yield delicious results.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors will continue to develop, making the dish even tastier the next day. You can also freeze the chicken tikka masala for up to three months, ensuring you have a quick meal ready whenever you need it.

When reheating, do so gently on the stove or in the microwave. If the sauce thickens during storage, adding a splash of water or coconut milk while reheating can help restore its creamy consistency.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breast can be used, but it may become drier compared to thighs.

→ Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Substitute chicken with chickpeas or paneer for a delicious vegetarian option.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

→ Can I freeze Chicken Tikka Masala?

Yes, it freezes well! Just make sure to cool it completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container.