EASY SLOW COOKER CHICKEN TIKKA MASALA
This slow cooker version of Chicken Tikka Masala delivers tender chicken simmered in a creamy, spiced tomato sauce with minimal effort. Everything goes into the crockpot and cooks low and slow, allowing the flavors to deepen beautifully while keeping prep simple. Serve with rice, naan, or warm flatbread for a comforting, aromatic dinner.
Ingredients (Serves 6)
For the Chicken
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2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into large chunks
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1 medium onion, finely chopped
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3–4 garlic cloves, minced
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1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated (or 1 tsp ground ginger)
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1 tablespoon garam masala
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1 teaspoon ground cumin
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1 teaspoon ground coriander
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1 teaspoon paprika
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½–1 teaspoon turmeric
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½ teaspoon chili powder (or cayenne for heat)
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1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
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½ teaspoon black pepper
Sauce Base
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1 (15-oz) can tomato sauce OR crushed tomatoes
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1 (14-oz) can coconut milk (full fat for creamy texture)
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1 cup heavy cream (or half & half for lighter)
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2 tablespoons tomato paste
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2 tablespoons butter (optional but adds richness)
Optional Add-Ins
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1–2 small green chilies, sliced (for heat)
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1 tablespoon brown sugar or honey (to balance acidity)
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1–2 teaspoons lemon juice (added at the end for brightness)
For Serving
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Cooked basmati rice
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Warm naan or roti
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Fresh cilantro, chopped
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Lemon wedges
Instructions
1. Build the Flavor Base
Place the chopped onion, garlic, and ginger into the bottom of the slow cooker. These aromatics soften and infuse the sauce as everything cooks.
2. Season the Chicken
Place the chicken pieces on top of the aromatics. Sprinkle the garam masala, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, chili powder (or cayenne), salt, and pepper over the chicken. Toss lightly to coat, or simply leave the spices on top—they will blend into the sauce during cooking.
3. Mix the Sauce
In a bowl or measuring cup, whisk together:
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Tomato sauce
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Coconut milk
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Heavy cream
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Tomato paste
Pour this mixture evenly over the chicken and spices in the slow cooker. Add butter now if using; it will melt into the sauce and deepen the flavor.
4. Slow Cook
Cook on:
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LOW for 6–7 hours (best texture)
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HIGH for 3–4 hours
The chicken should be very tender and the sauce thickened slightly.
5. Finish the Dish
Once cooking is done:
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Taste the sauce. Add brown sugar or honey if you’d like a sweeter, more restaurant-style finish.
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Add a splash of lemon juice for brightness.
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Sprinkle cilantro on top for freshness.
If you want the sauce thicker:
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Remove the lid for the last 20–30 minutes of cooking, OR
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Stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water).
6. Serve
Serve the chicken and sauce spooned over basmati rice, with warm naan, and garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lemon.
Tips & Variations
🌶️ Adjusting the Heat
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Mild: use paprika instead of chili powder
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Medium: add ½ tsp cayenne
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Hot: add 1–2 sliced green chilies during cooking
🥥 Creaminess Options
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For extra rich sauce: replace ½ cup of coconut milk with more heavy cream
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For lighter: use only coconut milk (no cream) and skip the butter
🍅 More Tomato Flavor
Add ½ cup tomato purée or extra tomato paste.
🍗 Using Chicken Thighs
Thighs stay juicier and more tender in the slow cooker—ideal if you prefer richer texture.
🍽️ Make-Ahead Friendly
This dish tastes even better the next day. Store in the fridge up to 4 days or freeze up to 3 months.
- 1.5 Tbsp garam masala
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp turmeric
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp cayenne (optional)
- Freshly cracked pepper
- 2 lbs. boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1 Tbsp cooking oil
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 Tbsp grated fresh ginger
- 15 oz. tomato sauce
- 1/3 cup heavy cream
- 4 cups cooked rice
- 1/4 bunch fresh cilantro







