The Best Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala

Few dishes achieve the perfect balance of comfort and exotic flavor quite like Chicken Tikka Masala. It’s rich, creamy, and deeply satisfying—the definition of a perfect weekend indulgence. But traditionally, achieving that complex, layered flavor requires multiple steps, including marinating the chicken and simmering the sauce for hours.

For too long, I relegated this beautiful Indian food dish to the takeout menu, convinced I couldn’t replicate the restaurant quality at home without an entire afternoon to dedicate to it.

Then, I discovered the slow cooker method.

This Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala recipe is, quite simply, the ULTIMATE solution for weeknights. The magic of the slow cooker lies in its ability to marry the spices and tenderize the chicken to perfection over a long period, creating a depth of flavor that usually only comes from hours of stovetop attention. The result is a vibrant, creamy, and authentic curry that is genuinely effortless.

This is the gold standard of crockpot recipes because it proves you don’t have to choose between convenience and extraordinary flavor. If you are searching for a true takeout fakeout that will become an instant family favorite, your search ends here.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is a massive hit on Pinterest because it satisfies the craving for authentic international food with the modern demand for ease, making it the perfect easy weeknight dinner.

The Ultimate Takeout Fakeout Flavor

The secret to this authentic flavor is letting the spices bloom. By adding them early and allowing the low, moist heat of the slow cooker to permeate the chicken, you get a depth and richness that is incomparable. The final addition of heavy cream transforms the tomato base into that signature velvety texture that is the hallmark of great Tikka Masala. You save money and time, yet achieve a restaurant-quality curry recipe.

The Best Easy Weeknight Dinner Solution

The prep work for this delicious Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala takes less than 15 minutes. It requires very little chopping and no multi-step cooking. You simply combine the ingredients, set the timer, and return to a finished, fragrant meal. This ease makes it a sustainable slow cooker chicken option for even your busiest days.

Freezer-Friendly and Meal Prep Ideas Perfect

Like many curries, the flavor of this Tikka Masala intensifies overnight, making it ideal for leftovers. It’s also freezer-friendly, allowing you to double the batch for simple meal prep ideas. The sauce base (before adding the cream) freezes perfectly, meaning you always have a delicious, homemade option ready to go.

A Family Favorite That’s Customizable

The beauty of cooking at home is controlling the heat. While Chicken Tikka Masala is typically mild, you can easily adjust the chili powder to make it suitable for younger children or add a kick for the adults. Served over fluffy rice and with soft naan, it’s a complete meal that appeals to nearly every palate.

Ingredients and Instructions: Building the Creamy Curry Base

The complexity of a great Chicken Tikka Masala comes from the careful balance of spices, tomatoes, and cream. We use a method that maximizes flavor absorption during the slow cook process.

The Basic Instructions:

1. Aromatic Prep: In a small skillet, sauté the chopped onion until soft. Add the minced ginger and garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Transfer the mixture to the slow cooker.
2. Add Base: Pour the crushed tomatoes into the slow cooker. Add all the spices (Garam Masala, Turmeric, Cumin, Coriander), salt, and sugar. Stir well to form the curry base.
3. Add Chicken: Stir the cubed chicken into the sauce until every piece is fully coated.
4. Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or on HIGH for 2–3 hours. The chicken is done when it is fork-tender and an internal temperature of 165°F is reached.
5. Cream and Finish: Once cooked, stir in the heavy cream. Let it heat through for 10 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning (add a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness, if desired).
6. Serve: Serve hot over fluffy basmati rice, garnished with fresh cilantro and a side of naan.

Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala

This Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala features tender chicken thighs simmered in a rich, creamy tomato sauce infused with Indian spices. It’s an easy, flavorful twist on the restaurant favorite—perfectly cooked in the crockpot and served with rice or naan for a cozy, satisfying meal.

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Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 4 hours hrs 30 minutes mins

Total Time 5 hours hrs

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Indian

Calories: 334

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1/2 cup whole-milk plain yogurt (not Greek)
• 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
• 1 large yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, peeled and minced
• 2 teaspoons ground coriander
• 2 teaspoons garam masala
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained
• 3/4 cup heavy cream or coconut milk
• chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish
• cooked rice or naan, for serving

Equipment

• 4-quart or larger slow cooker
• frying pan
• spatula or wooden spoon
• Chef’s knife
• cutting board

Method

 

1. Place chicken, yogurt, and 1 teaspoon of salt in a 4-quart or larger slow cooker. Stir to coat chicken evenly.
2. In a frying pan over medium heat, warm oil until shimmering. Add onion and cook for about 8 minutes until tender.
3. Add garlic, ginger, coriander, garam masala, cumin, and turmeric. Stir for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute until darkened. Add diced tomatoes and remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt. Simmer for 2–3 minutes.
5. Transfer the mixture to the slow cooker and stir to combine with the chicken.
6. Cover and cook on HIGH for 4 hours or LOW for 8 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
7. Stir in heavy cream or coconut milk. For a thicker sauce, uncover and cook on HIGH for another 30 minutes.
8. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve with rice or naan, garnished with chopped cilantro.

Notes

Recipe Notes: You can substitute chicken breasts for thighs, but thighs stay juicier through long cooking. For a smoky twist, use smoked paprika or roasted tomatoes. Use coconut milk instead of cream for a dairy-free version. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Serve with basmati rice or naan bread and garnish with cilantro.

Step by Step: Getting That Creamy, Authentic Masala

The key to the ULTIMATE Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala is ensuring the spices bloom and the final sauce is velvety smooth. My early batches were sometimes too thin or lacked the depth of a true masala. These steps guarantee the best result, making your slow cooker chicken shine.

Step 1: Blooming the Aromatics

While you can simply dump the onion, garlic, and ginger into the crockpot, you shouldn’t. Sautéing them first (as outlined above) releases their essential oils and mellows their sharp flavors. This quick sautéing of aromatics is the single most important step for achieving restaurant-quality depth in any curry recipe.

Step 2: The Spice Marriage

Adding the spices (Garam Masala, etc.) to the warm, fragrant onion mix before adding the liquids is another professional secret. This process, called “blooming,” toasts the spices, intensifying their flavor and aroma dramatically. Even a quick 30-second stir of the dry spices into the warm onion mix before adding the tomatoes makes a significant difference in the final taste of your Indian food.

Step 3: Low-and-Slow for Tenderness

The lean chicken breasts or thighs will be perfectly cooked around the 3.5 to 4-hour mark on LOW. The gentle heat is key to keeping the chicken moist while the sauce is developing flavor. If you find your slow cooker runs hot, you may want to check the chicken at the 3-hour mark. The moist environment ensures the slow cooker chicken is fall-apart tender without drying out.

Step 4: The Immersion Blender Finish (The Secret Weapon)

The final sauce can be made instantly restaurant-smooth by using an immersion blender. Before adding the heavy cream, briefly blend the sauce right in the pot. This eliminates any remaining chunks of onion, garlic, or tomato, creating a beautifully rich and velvety texture. This makes your Crockpot Butter Chicken truly ULTIMATE.

Step 5: Balancing Sweetness and Acidity

The sugar and salt are critical for balancing the natural acidity of the tomatoes. After adding the cream, taste the sauce. If the tomato flavor is too sharp, add a tiny pinch more sugar. If it tastes flat, add a tiny pinch more salt. For a final pop of brightness, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice stirred in at the end is the perfect secret ingredient.

Variations, Serving, and Storage FAQs

This core Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala recipe is highly adaptable, making it a valuable foundation for meal prep ideas and catering to various diets.

Delicious Variations to Try:

• Lower-Fat Creaminess: For a healthy dinner option, replace the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or evaporated milk. The flavor will change slightly but will retain the beautiful creaminess.
• Vegetarian Tikka Masala: Substitute the chicken with 1 pound of cubed firm tofu or paneer cheese (add paneer during the last hour to prevent it from dissolving) and 1 can of drained chickpeas. This makes a wonderful vegetarian curry recipe.
• Extra Veggies: For a complete meal, add 1 cup of cubed sweet potatoes or carrots at the start of cooking, and 1 cup of frozen peas or spinach during the last 30 minutes.
• Freezer Meal Prep: Mix all ingredients except the cream, chicken, and fresh cilantro in a large batch. Freeze the sauce base in smaller containers. When ready to cook, thaw the sauce, add fresh chicken, cook, and stir in the cream at the end. This simplifies your meal prep ideas immensely.

Serving Suggestions:

This flavorful Indian food dish is best served with traditional, simple sides:

1. Basmati Rice: Steamed rice is essential for soaking up the rich sauce.
2. Naan Bread: Warm naan is mandatory for scooping up the creamy sauce. Garlic naan takes it to the next level!
3. Raita: Serve a side of simple raita (Greek yogurt mixed with cucumber and a pinch of salt) for a cool, refreshing contrast.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion: Your New Weeknight Superstar

The Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala recipe is the definitive answer to the question: “How can I make incredible Indian food on a weeknight?” It is the ULTIMATE blend of convenience and authentic flavor, elevating the simple crockpot recipes category.

By using the slow cooker, you are guaranteeing a tender slow cooker chicken and a velvety sauce every time. Say goodbye to expensive takeout and hello to a new family favorite.

Pin this curry recipe today and make your next weeknight dinner extraordinary!