Description
This Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala recipe offers tender, flavorful chicken simmered in a rich, creamy tomato sauce infused with aromatic spices. Perfectly cooked in a slow cooker for convenience, it delivers authentic Indian-inspired taste with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Sauce
- 3 lbs chicken thighs, trimmed of excess fat, cut into 1 1/4-inch cubes
- 1 small yellow onion, grated (scant 1/2 cup)
- 1 Tbsp peeled and finely grated ginger
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 2 cups canned tomato puree
- 1/2 cup low fat plain Greek yogurt
- 2/3 cup heavy cream
- 4 tsp tapioca starch
- 1 Tbsp dried fenugreek
- Cayenne pepper, to taste (optional)
- Cilantro, for serving
Spice Blend
- 1 Tbsp ground cumin
- 1 Tbsp mild kashmiri chili powder
- 2 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 3/4 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground cardamom
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
Instructions
- Prepare the spice blend: In a small mixing bowl, whisk together all the spices listed under the spice blend section until well combined. Set aside.
- Add ingredients to slow cooker: Place the chicken thighs, grated onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger in a 6 or 7 quart slow cooker. Sprinkle the prepared spice blend over the top and toss gently to coat the chicken evenly.
- Add tomato puree and yogurt: Pour in the canned tomato puree and the low fat plain Greek yogurt. Toss everything together to combine.
- Cook chicken: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for about 5 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Prepare cream mixture: In the liquid measuring cup used for the heavy cream, whisk together the heavy cream and tapioca starch until smooth. Pour this mixture into the slow cooker along with the dried fenugreek, then gently stir to combine.
- Season to taste: Add cayenne pepper if you desire extra heat, and taste the sauce. Adjust salt as needed.
- Serve: Serve the chicken tikka masala hot, garnished with fresh cilantro. It pairs beautifully with basmati rice.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, increase the amount of Kashmiri chili powder or cayenne pepper according to your preference.
- If you want a thicker sauce, cook the cream and tapioca starch mixture a little longer before serving.
- Chicken breasts can be substituted for thighs for a leaner option, but thighs offer more tenderness and flavor.
- Fenugreek adds authentic flavor but can be omitted if unavailable; however, it is recommended for the best taste.
- Use full fat Greek yogurt if you prefer a richer texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
