Description
This Crock Pot Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe is a comforting, flavorful slow-cooked dish featuring tender chicken thighs simmered in a rich, spiced tomato and creamy sauce. Perfect for busy days, it offers authentic Indian-inspired flavors with simple preparation and wholesome ingredients, ideal for family dinners or meal prep.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Marinade
- 1.5 to 2 lbs boneless chicken thighs
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon tikka masala spice mix (divided)
- 1 teaspoon salt (divided)
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic (divided)
- 1 tablespoon minced ginger (divided)
Sauce and Cooking
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or ghee
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic (remaining)
- 1 tablespoon minced ginger (remaining)
- 1 tablespoon tikka masala spice mix (remaining)
- 1 cup tomato puree
- 1 cup water or chicken broth
- 1/2 to 3/4 cup heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: Mix the Greek yogurt with half of the tikka masala spice blend, half of the salt, and half of the minced garlic and ginger. Toss the chicken thighs in this marinade and let them sit for at least 30 minutes, or overnight if possible, to tenderize and absorb the flavors.
- Sauté Onions and Spices: Heat the vegetable oil or ghee in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onions and sauté until translucent. Stir in the remaining garlic, ginger, and tikka masala spice mix, cooking for about one minute until fragrant to release their essential oils.
- Combine Ingredients in Crock Pot: Transfer the marinated chicken, sautéed onion and spices, tomato puree, and water or chicken broth into the crock pot. Stir gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken is tender and the flavors have melded beautifully.
- Finish With Cream: About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the heavy cream or coconut milk. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. This adds richness and softens the spices.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro over the dish for a bright herbal finish. Serve hot with basmati rice, naan, or your preferred sides.
Notes
- Use chicken thighs for juicier, tender results; chicken breasts can dry out when slow-cooked.
- Don’t skip sautéing onions and spices to intensify flavor.
- Marinating the chicken improves tenderness and adds depth.
- Add cream at the end to prevent curdling and keep a silky texture.
- If the sauce is too thick while cooking, add a splash of broth or water to adjust consistency.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes (including marinating)
- Cook Time: 6 to 8 hours (low) or 3 to 4 hours (high)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: Chicken Tikka Masala, Crock Pot, Slow Cooker, Indian Recipe, Comfort Food, Gluten Free