SetItandForgetIt Perfection The Easiest Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala

Easy Slow Cooker Tikka Masala

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Preparation time:20 Mins

Cooking time:04 Hrs

Servings:6 servings

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1 inch chunks
• 1 cup Plain full fat yogurt
• 1 tablespoon Fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon Ginger paste
• 1 tablespoon Garlic paste
• 1 teaspoon Turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon Garam Masala
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 1 tablespoon Olive oil or Ghee
• 1 large Yellow onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon Ginger, finely grated
• 2 teaspoons Garam Masala
• 1 teaspoon Ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon Ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon Cayenne pepper
• 1 (14.5 oz) can Crushed tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon Sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon Salt
• 1 cup Chicken broth
• 1/2 cup Heavy cream
• 1/4 cup Water (optional)
• 2 tablespoons Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

• In a large bowl, combine all marinade ingredients (yogurt, lemon juice, ginger, garlic, turmeric, garam masala, salt). Toss the chicken chunks until fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
• Heat the olive oil or ghee in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent (about 5-7 minutes).
• Add minced garlic and grated ginger to the skillet. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the garam masala, cumin, coriander, and cayenne pepper. Cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly, to bloom the spices.
• Pour in the crushed tomatoes, sugar, and salt. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring well. Scrape this entire sauce mixture from the skillet into the slow cooker insert. Add the chicken broth and stir briefly.
• Add the marinated chicken pieces directly into the sauce in the slow cooker. Do not stir heavily; ensure the chicken is submerged.
• Cover the slow cooker. Cook on LOW for 6 to 8 hours or on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken is fork tender.
• About 20 minutes before serving, remove the lid. Stir in the heavy cream until the sauce is uniformly creamy and orange. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water until desired consistency is reached.
• Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Garnish generously with fresh cilantro and serve hot with rice or naan.

Nutrition Facts

Calories	1984 kcal
Protein	18.8 g
Fat	40.6 g
Carbs	67.9 g
Fiber	23.9 g
Sodium	1611 mg

Recipe Info

Category	Main Course
Cuisine	Indian/British

Why Your Weeknight Deserves This Creamy Curry Transformation

There are few culinary experiences as comforting or as universally beloved as a deeply flavourful Chicken Tikka Masala. Traditionally, achieving that perfect balance of smoky, marinated chicken and rich, velvety sauce required hours of careful tending often reserved only for special occasions.

But what if I told you that rich, restaurant quality depth is now entirely achievable on a busy Tuesday night? Welcome to the glorious world of Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala .

This recipe transforms humble chicken breasts or thighs into tender, succulent morsels, bathed in a vibrant orange sauce that tastes like it simmered all day. We are harnessing the power of low, slow heat to marry the complex spices into a harmonious, deeply satisfying meal that requires minimal hands-on effort.

Unlocking Deep Flavour: The Magic of Slow Cooking Indian Spices

The secret to authentic curry flavour isn't rushed heat; it’s time. The slow cooker is perfectly designed to mimic the long, gentle cooking process that Indian chefs have used for centuries to develop layered taste.

This method allows the yogurt marinade to tenderize the protein while the aromatics (like ginger and garlic) gently infuse the liquids, resulting in a vastly superior experience compared to a quick stovetop simmer.

The Ultimate Weekday Meal Prep Secret Weapon

For those balancing work, family, or just the desire for a quiet evening, the Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala is the ultimate solution. You spend about 20 minutes in the morning prepping mixing the marinade, sautéing a quick flavour base and then you let the appliance take over.

When you walk back through the door, the intoxicating aroma of garam masala and simmering tomatoes greets you, signalling that dinner is virtually ready. This truly embodies Easy Slow Cooker Chicken cooking.

Demystifying Restaurant Quality Tikka Masala at Home

Many people hesitate to make this dish because they fear the extensive spice list. However, the beauty of this Tikka Masala Recipe is that the slow cooking process forgives minor missteps.

The initial step, blooming the spices in hot fat, wakes up their essential oils, setting a phenomenal foundation that the slow cooker then nurtures for hours. The result is a sauce that tastes deeply developed, not just mixed together.

What Makes This Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala Different?

This specific preparation leans heavily on building initial flavour layers before the long simmer, ensuring we don't end up with a bland result often associated with dumping everything into the crockpot. We use full fat yogurt for marination and finish with rich heavy cream, creating a luxurious mouthfeel.

While some recipes might suggest using a Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala Jar Sauce , this homemade version offers superior texture and far brighter flavour because you control the freshness of every ingredient.

Assembling the Essential Pantry Components for Authentic Taste

A truly great curry relies on the quality of its building blocks. For our Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala , we focus on two distinct groupings: the component that touches the chicken and the component that forms the sauce itself.

The Chicken Cut: Selecting the Best Protein for Slow Cooking

I recommend using 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken, cut into uniform 1 inch chunks. Chicken thighs are inherently more forgiving in a slow cooker due to their higher fat content, meaning they remain incredibly moist even after 8 hours on LOW.

However, chicken breasts work beautifully too, provided you don't overcook them past the point of tenderness. The yogurt in the marinade performs critical work here, acting as a natural tenderizer before the long heat soak begins.

Curating Your Spice Bouquet: Key Aromatics and Powders

The aromatic core starts with fresh ginger and garlic paste. These must be sautéed lightly to remove their raw bite. Then come the dried spices: Garam Masala is the star, providing warmth and complexity.

This is supported by ground cumin and coriander for earthiness, and a judicious pinch of cayenne for background heat. Remember, the technique of briefly cooking these powders in fat called blooming is non-negotiable for maximum flavour impact.

Dairy Depth: Creamy Elements That Define the Masala Sauce

The texture of this curry is defined by dairy. The marinade starts with a cup of full fat plain yogurt, which tenderizes the meat. For the final richness, we incorporate heavy cream (or double cream).

For those seeking a Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala Healthy alternative without sacrificing too much richness, using full fat canned Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala Coconut Milk is a fantastic substitute, yielding a slightly sweeter, subtly tropical finish.

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The Effortless Method: Step-by-Step Assembly for the Crockpot

This recipe is built on a quick sauté foundation before everything moves to the Slow Cooker Tikka Masala Crockpot . Don't skip the initial stovetop work it’s the flavour shortcut!

Pre-Cooking Prep: Marinating and Layering the Base Ingredients

First, the chicken must marinate. Combine your chicken chunks with yogurt, lemon juice, pastes, turmeric, one teaspoon of Garam Masala, and salt. Let this sit while you prepare the sauce base. In a large skillet, gently sauté one chopped yellow onion until soft.

Introduce the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking until fragrant before adding the remaining dry spices (cumin, coriander, cayenne, and the rest of the Garam Masala). Cook this spice onion mixture for just 30 seconds.

Immediately scrape this flavour packed base, along with the can of crushed tomatoes, sugar, salt, and chicken broth, into the base of your slow cooker insert. Gently place the marinated chicken pieces on top of the sauce mixture try not to mix everything aggressively at this stage.

Setting the Timer: Ideal Low and High Cook Settings

Cover the slow cooker. For the most tender outcome, set the cooker to LOW for 6 to 8 hours . If time is short, HIGH will work effectively in 3 to 4 hours . The chicken is done when it shreds easily with a fork.

The Secret to Silky Sauce: Tempering and Finishing Techniques

The final transformation happens near the end. With about 20 minutes left on the timer, remove the lid. Stir in the heavy cream until the sauce transforms into its signature creamy, vibrant hue.

If the sauce seems too thick sometimes the steam venting causes excessive reduction stir in a splash of water until you achieve the perfect, pourable consistency. Taste and adjust salt levels now, as flavours concentrate during the cook time.

Mastering Leftovers and Freezing Your Curried Delight

One of the best advantages of making a large batch of Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala is the incredible flavour development overnight. Leftovers are even better the next day. Store cooled portions in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to four days.

This dish also freezes exceptionally well. Portion servings into freezer safe bags or containers, leaving a small headspace for expansion, and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Beyond Rice: Inspiring Serving Suggestions for Your Creation

While fluffy Basmati rice and warm garlic naan bread are the traditional companions for soaking up every last trace of that rich sauce, consider expanding your horizons. A side of quickly sautéed spinach wilted with a touch of lemon zest adds necessary greens.

You could also serve this over brown rice or even quinoa for an added protein boost.

Troubleshooting Common Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala Issues

If your sauce appears too thin after the cooking cycle, simply remove the lid for the last 30 minutes of cooking time on HIGH to allow more moisture to evaporate.

If the sauce tastes flat, it usually needs a final pinch of salt or a small squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten the existing spice profile.

Variations: Spice Level Adjustments and Substitutions

Customization is key to personalizing your Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe . For a milder curry, reduce the cayenne pepper to a mere pinch or omit it entirely.

If you want a smokier depth reminiscent of restaurant cooking, incorporate half a teaspoon of smoked paprika when blooming the spices in the skillet. If you are pressed for time and lack fresh aromatics, though not ideal, a teaspoon of good quality ginger powder and garlic powder can be substituted, though the resulting flavour will be less vibrant.

Nutritional Snapshot: Calorie Counts and Macronutrient Breakdown

While Indian cuisine often gets a reputation for being heavy, this slow cooked method allows for reasonable portion control. Generally, a generous serving (excluding accompaniments) clocks in around 400 to 450 calories, primarily driven by the protein and the final addition of heavy cream.

It offers a fantastic protein punch, perfect for a satisfying evening meal.