Easy Crockpot Chicken Tikka Masala
A rich and creamy slow cooker dish with tender chicken simmered in a blend of warm spices, perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 360 minutes
- Total Time: 480 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Indian
- Diet: Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken breast, cubed
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
- 2 teaspoons garam masala
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt to taste
- 2 onions, finely chopped
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, mix together the yogurt, garlic, ginger, garam masala, cumin, coriander, turmeric, chili powder, and salt. Once combined, add the cubed chicken, ensuring it is well-coated in the marinade. Cover the bowl and let it marinate for at least 1 hour; overnight is ideal for deeper flavor.
- Assemble in the Slow Cooker: After marinating, transfer the chicken mixture into the slow cooker. Add the chopped onions and crushed tomatoes, and stir everything together to ensure even distribution.
- Cook the Chicken: Set your slow cooker on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be tender and fully cooked through.
- Add the Cream: About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the heavy cream. This will enrich the sauce and add a lovely creaminess to the dish.
- Garnish and Serve: Once cooking is complete, garnish your Chicken Tikka Masala with fresh cilantro. Serve it hot with rice or naan for a complete meal.
Notes
For a dairy-free option, substitute plain yogurt with coconut yogurt, and heavy cream with coconut cream.