Description
Tender chicken slow-cooked in a rich and creamy tomato-based tikka masala sauce with aromatic Indian spices, garlic, and ginger. This easy crockpot version delivers bold flavor with minimal effort and pairs perfectly with rice or naan.
Ingredients
Chicken and Aromatics
- 700 g boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
Sauce
- 400 g crushed tomatoes
- ½ cup coconut milk or heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1½ tbsp garam masala
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp turmeric
- ½ tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Garnish
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: Place the chicken, diced onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger in the slow cooker, ensuring all pieces are evenly distributed.
- Add Sauce Components: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, and tomato paste. Sprinkle the garam masala, ground cumin, paprika, turmeric, chili powder, salt, and black pepper over the mixture.
- Mix Thoroughly: Stir well to combine all ingredients, ensuring the spices and sauce coat the chicken pieces evenly for maximum flavor.
- Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 5 to 6 hours, or on HIGH for 2½ to 3 hours. The chicken should be tender and fully cooked through at this point.
- Add Creaminess: During the final 20 to 30 minutes of cooking, stir in the coconut milk or heavy cream to enrich the sauce and allow it to meld into the curry.
- Finish with Lemon: Add lemon juice and gently stir to brighten the flavors before serving.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the chopped fresh cilantro on top as a garnish. Serve hot over basmati rice, cauliflower rice, or with naan bread for a complete meal.
Notes
- Chicken thighs remain especially tender in the slow cooker, making the dish more flavorful and juicy.
- For a lighter version, substitute light coconut milk or Greek yogurt in place of heavy cream.
- Adjust the chili powder quantity based on your preferred spice level to make the dish milder or spicier.
- Incorporate spinach or peas during the last 20 minutes of cooking for added vegetables and nutrients.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Indian
