Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala

Name: Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 4 h 20 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 lbs boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces; 1 onion, finely chopped; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 inch ginger, grated; 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes; 1 cup coconut milk; 2 tablespoons tikka masala curry paste; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon ground coriander; 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional); Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Highlighted under: Global Flavors

Indulge in the rich flavors of India with this Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala. Perfectly spiced chicken simmered in a creamy tomato sauce makes for a delightful meal.

Created by

Ariana Brooks

Last updated on 2025-12-28T17:37:08.061Z

This Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala is not just a meal; it's an experience! The blend of spices and the slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a dish that's perfect for any occasion.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Rich and aromatic spices that awaken your senses
Creamy texture that pairs perfectly with rice or naan
Effortless preparation with the slow cooker

      

The Essence of Tikka Masala

Tikka Masala is a beloved dish that hails from Indian cuisine, known for its vibrant flavors and comforting aroma. The dish typically features marinated chicken that is grilled or roasted and then simmered in a luscious tomato-based sauce. Each bite offers a delightful combination of spices that dance on your palate, making it a favorite for many. The beauty of this creamy slow cooker version is that it captures all the traditional flavors with minimal effort, allowing you to enjoy an authentic Indian meal at home.

The hallmark of a great Tikka Masala lies in its sauce. The rich blend of tomatoes, coconut milk, and aromatic spices creates a velvety texture that clings to the chicken beautifully. This slow cooker recipe ensures that the flavors meld together over hours of cooking, resulting in a dish that's not only delicious but also incredibly satisfying. Serve it with fluffy rice or warm naan to soak up every drop of that scrumptious sauce.

Slow Cooking Benefits

Using a slow cooker for this Chicken Tikka Masala recipe is not just convenient; it also enhances the flavors significantly. Slow cooking allows the spices to infuse deeply into the chicken, resulting in tender pieces that are bursting with flavor. This method also frees you up to focus on other tasks, making it perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings. Simply set it and forget it, and let the slow cooker do the work for you.

Another advantage of using a slow cooker is the ability to prepare meals ahead of time. You can assemble all the ingredients in the morning, set your slow cooker, and come home to an aromatic meal ready to be served. This makes it an ideal choice for meal prepping or entertaining, as it requires minimal hands-on time and allows you to enjoy more moments with your family and friends.

Customizing Your Dish

One of the best aspects of this Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala is its versatility. You can easily customize the spice levels to suit your taste. If you prefer a milder dish, simply reduce the amount of cayenne pepper or omit it altogether. Conversely, if you're a spice enthusiast, feel free to add extra heat with chili powder or crushed red pepper flakes to elevate the flavor profile.

Additionally, this recipe can be adapted to accommodate various dietary preferences. For a vegetarian option, substitute chicken with chickpeas or tofu. You can also experiment with different types of vegetables, such as bell peppers or spinach, to add extra nutrients and color to your meal. This adaptability makes it a go-to recipe for a variety of dietary needs while still delivering that iconic Tikka Masala taste.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Tikka Masala

2 lbs boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 onion, finely chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 inch ginger, grated
1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
1 cup coconut milk
2 tablespoons tikka masala curry paste
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Serve with rice or naan for a complete meal.

Instructions

Prepare the Ingredients

In a slow cooker, combine the chicken, onion, garlic, ginger, crushed tomatoes, coconut milk, tikka masala paste, salt, cumin, coriander, and cayenne pepper.

Cook

Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or on high for 2 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.

Serve

Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve over rice or with naan.

Enjoy your delicious homemade Chicken Tikka Masala!

Tips for Perfecting Your Tikka Masala

To achieve the best results with your slow cooker Chicken Tikka Masala, consider marinating the chicken in the tikka masala paste and spices a few hours before cooking, or even overnight. This extra step enhances the flavor and tenderness of the meat. Additionally, ensure your slow cooker is set to the appropriate temperature; low settings are ideal for a longer cook time, which helps develop deeper flavors.

Don’t rush the cooking process. Allowing the chicken to cook on low for the full duration will yield the most tender and flavorful results. If you're in a hurry, cooking on high is a viable option, but keep an eye on the chicken to prevent overcooking.

Serving Suggestions

Chicken Tikka Masala is traditionally served with basmati rice or naan, which perfectly complements the creamy sauce. For an extra touch, consider adding a side of cucumber raita, a yogurt-based condiment that provides a refreshing contrast to the spices in the dish. This balance enhances the overall dining experience and makes it more enjoyable.

If you're looking to elevate your meal further, garnish the Tikka Masala with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice before serving. The brightness of the lime cuts through the richness of the sauce, making each bite even more delightful. Pair your meal with a glass of chilled mango lassi for a complete Indian feast.

Storage and Reheating

Leftover Chicken Tikka Masala can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors will continue to meld and deepen, making the leftovers just as tasty, if not better, than the fresh dish. You can also freeze the masala for up to three months. Just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.

When it’s time to enjoy your leftovers, reheat the Tikka Masala on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. If it appears too thick, add a splash of coconut milk or water to reach your desired consistency. For microwave reheating, place it in a microwave-safe bowl, cover it loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals until hot. This ensures a delicious meal is just minutes away, even on the busiest of days.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but thighs are recommended for a more tender result.

→ Is this recipe spicy?

The spice level can be adjusted by adding or reducing the cayenne pepper.

→ Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, substitute the chicken with chickpeas or tofu for a vegetarian option.

→ How do I store leftovers?

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