Description
A cozy and flavorful slow cooker chicken tikka masala that’s easy to prepare with minimal hands-on time, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Chicken Marinade
- 1 cup Plain yogurt, full fat (Helps with tenderness.)
- 2 tablespoons Lemon juice (For brightness.)
- 2 cloves Grated garlic (Or use garlic paste.)
- 1 tablespoon Grated ginger (Or use ground ginger.)
- 2 tablespoons Garam masala (Main flavor base.)
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 tablespoon Oil
Curry Sauce
- 1 medium Onion, diced (Sauteed for enhanced flavor.)
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Ginger, minced
- 2 tablespoons Tomato paste (Adds richness.)
- 28 ounces Crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon Cumin (Ground spice.)
- 1 teaspoon Coriander (Ground spice.)
- 1 teaspoon Paprika (Can use smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.)
- 1 teaspoon Turmeric
- 1 teaspoon Garam masala (Additional for warmth.)
- 1/4 teaspoon Cayenne or chili powder (Optional for heat.)
Finishing Touches
- 1 cup Heavy cream or coconut milk (Add in the last 20-30 minutes.)
- 1 teaspoon Dried fenugreek leaves (Optional, for enhanced flavor.)
Instructions
Marinate Chicken
- In a bowl, mix plain yogurt, lemon juice, grated garlic, grated ginger, garam masala, salt, and oil.
- Add chicken and coat well. Marinate for 20 minutes to overnight.
Prepare Curry Sauce
- Saute diced onion in a pan for about 10 minutes until softened.
- Add minced garlic and ginger, cooking for another 2 minutes.
- Stir in tomato paste and cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Add crushed tomatoes and all the spices (cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, garam masala, cayenne) and bring to a simmer.
Cook in Slow Cooker
- Layer the sautéed onion mixture at the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Pour in the sauce and then add the marinated chicken on top. Gently stir.
- Cook on low for 5 to 6 hours for thighs or 4 to 5 hours for chicken breast.
- Add cream or coconut milk in the last 20-30 minutes.
Serve
- Stir in fenugreek leaves if using, and serve hot.
- Pair with basmati rice, naan, or a cucumber salad.
Notes
For a creamier sauce, blend the sauce before adding cream. Adjust spices to taste, and leftovers improve in flavor.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Comfort Food, Indian
Nutrition
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 8
- Sodium: 800
- Fat: 20
- Saturated Fat: 10
- Carbohydrates: 30
- Fiber: 5
- Protein: 35
