Description
A simple, creamy, and flavorful slow cooker chicken tikka masala that requires minimal prep time and uses accessible pantry ingredients for a restaurant-quality meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 – 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger
- 1 (14 oz) can crushed tomatoes or tomato puree
- 1 (13.5 oz) can full-fat coconut milk
- 2 tablespoons tikka masala paste
- 0.5 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon ghee or butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Prep the vegetables by peeling and dicing the onion, mincing the garlic, and grating the ginger.
- Add the diced onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger to the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Pour in the chicken broth, crushed tomatoes, and coconut milk, stirring to create a uniform base.
- Stir in the tikka masala paste and ghee (or butter) to distribute spices evenly.
- Place the chicken pieces on top of the sauce without stirring; season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours until chicken reaches 165°F.
- Remove chicken, shred it using two forks, and return it to the pot.
- Stir chicken back into the sauce and simmer on low for an additional 15-30 minutes to thicken.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt or pepper if needed.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot over basmati rice or with naan bread.
Notes
For best results, use full-fat coconut milk and fresh ginger. Avoid overcooking the chicken to keep it juicy. If the sauce is too thin, mix 1 tsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp water and stir in, cooking on high for 15 minutes to thicken. Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-7 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1.5 cu
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 28
- Saturated Fat: 18
- Carbohydrates: 12
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 35
Keywords: crockpot chicken tikka masala, slow cooker curry, easy indian recipe, 5 ingredient recipe, meal prep, gluten free