Elevate your mealtime with this delicious Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala! This simple and tasty meal features tender chicken, fragrant spices, and a creamy sauce—all made effortlessly in one pot. Perfect for busy evenings or gatherings, this recipe ensures you impress your loved ones with its rich flavors. Ready to make your own?
2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 large onion, finely chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
2 tablespoons garam masala
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 tablespoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon turmeric
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
1 can (15 oz) tomato puree
1 cup coconut milk or heavy cream
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh cilantro for garnish
Cooked basmati rice or naan for serving
![- Chicken: 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces - Aromatics: 1 large onion, finely chopped; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated - Spices: 2 tablespoons garam masala; 1 tablespoon ground cumin; 1 tablespoon ground coriander; 1 teaspoon turmeric; 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste) - Liquids: 1 can (15 oz) tomato puree; 1 cup coconut milk or heavy cream - Acidity: 2 tablespoons lemon juice - Fats: 2 tablespoons olive oil - Seasoning: Salt and pepper to taste - Garnish: Fresh cilantro for garnish - Serving Suggestions: Cooked basmati rice or naan for serving The key to a great Chicken Tikka Masala lies in using fresh and quality ingredients. I love using chicken thighs for their juiciness. Aromatics like onion, garlic, and ginger build a strong flavor base. The spice blend, with garam masala and others, gives the dish its signature taste. Tomato puree and coconut milk add richness and depth. Don't forget the lemon juice; it brightens the dish. A sprinkle of fresh cilantro on top gives a beautiful finish. Pair this with fluffy basmati rice or warm naan for a complete meal. For the full recipe, check the details above. - First, season the chicken with salt and pepper. Set it aside to absorb the flavors. - Next, heat olive oil in a skillet. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about five minutes until it turns soft and clear. - Stir in minced garlic and grated ginger. Cook for one minute until you smell their lovely aroma. - Now, add garam masala, cumin, coriander, turmeric, and cayenne pepper to the skillet. Stir well for one to two minutes to mix the spices with the onion. - Transfer the sautéed mixture into the slow cooker. Next, add the seasoned chicken pieces on top. - Pour in the tomato puree and coconut milk. Make sure the chicken gets coated nicely in the sauce. - Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for six to eight hours. You can also cook it on high for four to five hours. - When it is time to serve, stir in lemon juice. This adds a fresh taste to the dish. Adjust salt and pepper to your liking. To get tender chicken, cook on low for 6-8 hours. If you need it ready faster, cook on high for 4-5 hours. This slow cooking breaks down the chicken, making it juicy and soft. For heat, adjust cayenne pepper in the recipe. If you want more spice, add more. For less heat, use less cayenne. Taste as you go to find your perfect balance. You can make Chicken Tikka Masala on the stovetop too. This method is quicker but requires more attention. You will need to stir often and watch the heat. The slow cooker lets the flavors meld while you do other things. Both methods yield a tasty dish, so choose what fits your schedule. Serve Chicken Tikka Masala over fluffy basmati rice. You can also use warm naan to scoop up the sauce. This makes each bite extra tasty. For presentation, garnish with fresh cilantro. It adds color and freshness. You can also drizzle a bit of cream on top for a nice touch. For more details, check the Full Recipe. {{image_2}} You can switch up the chicken in this recipe. Try using chicken breast instead of thighs. Chicken breast is leaner but still tasty. If you want a vegetarian dish, use tofu. Firm tofu absorbs flavors well. For the creamy base, you have options. Coconut milk gives a nice tropical taste. It also makes this dish dairy-free. Heavy cream adds richness and a smooth texture. Choose what you like best for your meal. To boost flavors, add more spices. Try cardamom or cinnamon for a warm touch. If you want heat, add more cayenne pepper. Adjust it to suit your taste. You can also add veggies for extra nutrition. Spinach or peas work well in this dish. Lentils are another great addition. They provide protein and fiber, making your meal heartier. You can change the style of this dish, too. Make it a Chicken Tikka Masala curry by adding broth. This gives a soup-like texture, perfect for dipping naan. For a lighter version, use less cream or coconut milk. You can also add more veggies to keep it filling. This way, you enjoy the flavors with fewer calories. For the full recipe and more details, check the [Full Recipe]. To keep your Chicken Tikka Masala fresh, follow these steps for refrigeration. First, let the dish cool to room temperature. Once cooled, transfer it to an airtight container. This helps lock in moisture and flavor. Store the container in the fridge. Your Chicken Tikka Masala will be good for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to enjoy your Chicken Tikka Masala later, freezing is a great option. Pour the cooled dish into a freezer-safe container. Leave some space at the top for expansion. Seal the container tightly. You can freeze it for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then, heat it on the stove or in the microwave. Stir well to ensure even heating. Chicken Tikka Masala stays fresh in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. In the freezer, it lasts up to 3 months. To ensure the best flavor and texture, always check for signs of spoilage. If it smells off or looks different, it’s best to toss it. By following these tips, you can enjoy this tasty meal anytime! Don’t forget to check the Full Recipe for more details. How do I thicken the sauce? To thicken the sauce, you can add a cornstarch slurry. Mix one tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water. Stir this into the sauce and cook for about 15 minutes. This will help the sauce become rich and creamy. Can I use frozen chicken in this recipe? Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just add extra cooking time. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 5-6 hours. Make sure the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F. What sides pair best with Chicken Tikka Masala? I love serving Chicken Tikka Masala with basmati rice or warm naan. You can also add a side of cucumber raita for coolness. A simple salad with fresh veggies is great too. What's the difference between garam masala and curry powder? Garam masala is a blend of warm spices, often used at the end of cooking. Curry powder is a spice mix that often includes turmeric and is used earlier in the cooking process. They both add different flavors to your dishes. How to make Chicken Tikka Masala spicier? To spice up your dish, add more cayenne pepper or fresh chili. You can also include sliced jalapeños for a fresh heat. Just be sure to taste as you go to reach your preferred level of spice. Can I make this dish vegetarian? Absolutely! You can replace chicken with chickpeas or tofu. Make sure to adjust cooking time. Cook until the chickpeas are warm or the tofu is heated through. How to adjust the recipe for different serving sizes? To adjust servings, simply scale the ingredients up or down. For example, if you want to double the recipe, use 4 lbs of chicken and double the spices. Cooking time may remain the same, but check for doneness. For full details of the recipe, check the Full Recipe section. This post walked you through making Chicken Tikka Masala in a slow cooker. We discussed each ingredient, cooking steps, and tips to perfect your dish. You learned about variations, storage, and got answers to common questions. Now you have the tools to create a comforting, flavorful meal. Enjoy experimenting and tasting different styles. This dish can be both comforting and exciting. Happy cooking!](https://mycookingcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/9bfebc6a-c4e3-47b2-a924-93776e0c8892-250x250.webp)