Description
Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala is a comforting and flavorful Indian-inspired dish featuring tender chicken thighs simmered in a rich tomato and cream sauce infused with aromatic spices. This easy slow cooker recipe delivers authentic taste with minimal effort, perfect for a hearty dinner.
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: Whisk together all the spices listed under the 'Spice Blend' section in a small mixing bowl until well combined. Set aside.
- Combine main ingredients: Place the chicken thighs, grated onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger into a 6 or 7 quart slow cooker. Sprinkle the prepared spice blend over the chicken and toss everything to coat evenly.
- Add tomato and yogurt: Pour in the canned tomato puree and low fat plain Greek yogurt. Toss gently with the chicken to combine all ingredients well.
- Slow cook the chicken: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 5 hours until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and tender.
- Prepare cream mixture: In a liquid measuring cup, whisk together the heavy cream and tapioca starch until smooth. Pour this mixture into the slow cooker with the cooked chicken, add the dried fenugreek, and gently stir to incorporate.
- Season to taste: If desired, season with cayenne pepper for additional heat and add more salt if needed. Stir and taste to adjust seasoning.
- Serve: Serve the Chicken Tikka Masala hot, garnished with fresh cilantro. It pairs perfectly with basmati rice or your preferred side.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, increase the amount of Kashmiri chili powder or cayenne pepper according to your preference.
- Dried fenugreek adds a unique flavor; if unavailable, a small amount of fenugreek leaves (kasuri methi) can be used as a substitute.
- Tapioca starch helps thicken the sauce without altering flavor — corn starch may be used but may slightly change texture.
- You can substitute chicken thighs with boneless chicken breasts, but thighs provide more tender and flavorful results.
- Slow cooking on low ensures tender, juicy chicken and deep flavor development; do not rush by cooking on high.
- Serving with basmati rice or naan bread completes this authentic Indian meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 125 mg
