Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala
User Reviews
4.5
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Prep Time
15 mins
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Cook Time
3 hrs 15 mins
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Total Time
3 hrs 30 mins
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Servings
6
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Calories
41588 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Indian, International
Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala
Description
Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala combines a homemade spice mix including garam masala, cumin, turmeric, smoked paprika, and optional cayenne to coat chicken thighs. After searing the chicken to develop color and flavor, it is slow cooked with sautéed onions, garlic, ginger, and tomato sauce. The long, gentle cooking produces tender chicken with a deep, complex flavor. Adding cream at the end offers a smooth, rich texture to the sauce.
The recipe pairs well with plain cooked rice, offering a mild base that complements the spiced chicken. Fresh cilantro adds brightness as a garnish. The slow cooker method allows the layers of spices and aromatics to meld thoroughly without constant attention.
The flavor quality relies heavily on fresh, high-quality garam masala; if using older or less potent spice blends, increasing the amount can help deepen the dish's taste. Browning the chicken before slow cooking builds additional flavor in the final dish.
Ingredients
- 1.5 Tbsp garam masala $0.45
- 1/2 tsp cumin $0.05
- 1/2 tsp Turmeric $0.05
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika $0.05
- 1/2 tsp salt $0.02
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper $0.02, optional
- black pepper $0.02, freshly cracked
- 2 lbs. chicken thigh $5.78, boneless, skinless
- 1 Tbsp neutral cooking oil $0.04, generic cooking oil
- 1 yellow onion $0.32, diced
- 3 cloves garlic $0.24, minced
- 1 Tbsp ginger $0.11, grated fresh
- 1 oz. can tomato sauce $0.50
- 1/3 cup heavy cream $0.32
For Serving
- 4 cups rice $0.70, cooked
- 1/4 bunch cilantro $0.17, fresh
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine the garam masala, cumin, turmeric, smoked paprika, salt, cayenne, and some freshly cracked pepper (about 10 cranks of a pepper mill). Sprinkle the spice mix over both sides of the chicken thighs, coating them liberally.
- Heat the cooking oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken and cook for about 3 minutes on each side, or until well browned (the chicken does not need to be cooked through). Transfer the seared chicken to the slow cooker.
- Add the diced onion to the skillet and continue to cook until the onions are soft and slightly browned on the edges. Remove the skillet from the heat. Add the onions to the slow cooker, then add 1/4 cup of water to the skillet and stir to dissolve the browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Pour the water into the slow cooker.
- Add the minced garlic, grated ginger, and tomato sauce to the slow cooker with the chicken and onion. Briefly stir, then place the lid on top, and turn the slow cooker on. Cook on high for 3 hours or low for 6 hours.
- After 3 hours on high or 6 hours on low, the chicken should be fall-apart tender. Turn the slow cooker off, then add the heavy cream. Stir gently to combine the cream with the tomato sauce. Taste the sauce and add salt if needed.
- To serve, spoon the chicken and tomato sauce over cooked rice and top with fresh cilantro.
Notes
- Use fresh, high-quality garam masala for the most authentic flavor; increase spices if using older blends.
- Sear chicken before adding to the slow cooker to develop richer taste and color.
- Serve the finished tikka masala over rice and garnish with fresh cilantro for best presentation and balance.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 41588 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1Serving | |
| Calories | 415.88kcal | 21% |
| Carbohydrates | 37.03g | 12% |
| Protein | 34.17g | 68% |
| Fat | 13.95g | 21% |
| Sodium | 978.77mg | 41% |
| Fiber | 2.12g | 8% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.5
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