Chicken Tikka Masala

Name: Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 4 h 20 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 4-6 boneless and skinless chicken breasts or thighs; 1 tbsp curry powder (optional); 1 tbsp garam masala; 1/2 tsp turmeric powder; 1 tsp ground cumin; 1 tsp ground coriander; 5 garlic cloves, minced; 2 tbsp ginger, minced; 2 tbsp tomato paste; 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes; 1 large yellow or red onion, sliced; 1/2 cup full-fat yogurt; 1 cup coconut milk; 1 tbsp ghee or vegetable oil

Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala is a tender, spiced Indian dish where boneless chicken braises in a creamy tomato-yogurt sauce infused with garam masala, turmeric, cumin, and coriander. The low, slow heat transforms simple ingredients into deeply flavorful comfort food without fussing.

⚡Slow Cooker

🌍Indian 🥗Gluten-Free 🏷️Slow cook 🏷️Slow cooker 🏷️Chicken Tikka masala

🏷️

Total

4h 20m

Servings

4

Difficulty

Expert

Est. Cost

$26–$43

Recipe Source

View original recipe

From Recette Magazine

Ingredients

4-6 boneless and skinless chicken breasts or thighs
1 tbsp curry powder (optional)optional
1 tbsp garam masala
1/2 tsp turmeric powder
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp ground coriander
5 garlic cloves, minced
2 tbsp ginger, minced
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
1 large yellow or red onion, sliced
1/2 cup full-fat yogurt
1 cup coconut milk
1 tbsp ghee or vegetable oil

14 Ingredients

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Instructions

1
Pat the chicken pieces dry with a paper towel. Remove any skin and trim the excess fat. Cut the chicken into large cubes and place in a large mixing bowl.
2
Sprinkle a large pinch of salt over the chicken, add the yogurt and mix to combine. Divide the mixture and place into two Suvie protein pans.
3
Heat a skillet (non-stick if you have one) to medium-high heat. Add the ghee or oil.
4
Once the oil is hot add the onions. Cook for five minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft.
5
Add the garlic and ginger and mix to combine. Cook for 1 minute.
6
Add the dry spices and stir to combine. Cook for another 30 seconds, stirring often to prevent the spices from sticking to the pan.
7
Add the tomato paste and chopped tomatoes and stir to combine. Simmer for between 5-10 minutes.
8
Remove from heat and divide and pour into the protein pans. Mix to coat the chicken.
9
Place in the upper right cooking zone. Add water to the reservoir, enter the Slow Cook settings and cook.
10
Slow Cook Settings: Protein: High, 4 hours. Starch: 0 minutes
11
After the cook, remove the pans. Add the cream and mix to combine.
12
Garnish with fresh coriander and serve over rice or with naan bread.

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Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Mince garlic and ginger fresh rather than using paste; they integrate better into the yogurt-tomato base and deliver brighter flavor.
Toast your dry spices (garam masala, cumin, coriander, turmeric) in a dry pan for 30 seconds before adding to wake up their aromatics.
Don't skip the tomato paste; it deepens the sauce and adds umami body that hours of cooking alone won't achieve.
Chicken is done when it shreds easily with a fork and the sauce has reduced slightly; overcooked slow-cooker chicken can become stringy, so check at the 3-hour mark on low.

Substitutions

Garam masala → curry powder alone (simplifies spice profile but works well)
Diced canned tomatoes → 1.5 cups tomato sauce + 1/4 cup water (faster integration, slightly smoother texture)
Yogurt (in marinade/sauce) → heavy cream (richer, less tang; add after cooking to avoid curdling)

Storage & make-ahead

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the slow cooker on warm, stirring occasionally.

Equipment

slow cooker (4–6 quart)

Common Questions

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes. Breasts will cook faster (2–3 hours on low); thighs stay more moist but take 3–4 hours. Mix both if you prefer variety.

Do I need to marinate the chicken first?

No. This slow cooker version skips marinating; the long, gentle cooking and yogurt-tomato sauce tenderize the chicken and build flavor directly in the cooker.