Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala
Recipe Introduction: Slow Cooker Chicken Curry Magic
Fancy some proper comfort food? Ever wondered how to get that amazing Chicken Tikka Masala Slow Cooker taste without all the fuss? Well, you're in for a treat! This Slow Cooker Chicken Curry recipe is my go-to when I'm craving something flavourful but can't be bothered spending hours in the kitchen.
It's a game changer, honestly.
Curry Origins and Easy Prep
This Slow Cooker Indian Curry is inspired by the classic British Indian fusion. Think creamy, dreamy curry sauce hugging tender chicken.
It takes about 20 minutes to prep, then the slow cooker does the rest. We are talking about 6- 8 hours on low or 3- 4 hours on high.
This recipe easily serves 6 people!
Health and Happiness in a Bowl
This Easy Chicken Curry Recipe is packed with protein from the chicken. Plus, all those spices like turmeric and garam masala have great health benefits.
This Garam Masala Curry recipe makes the perfect dish for a cozy family dinner. Imagine serving this Chicken Curry with Rice on a chilly evening.
You will become very happy!.
Why This Slow Cooker Chicken Curry Recipe Rocks
What makes this Creamy Chicken Curry Slow Cooker special? It's the ease! You just chuck everything in the slow cooker and forget about it.
The chicken becomes incredibly tender. The flavors meld together beautifully. This Slow Cooker Chicken Curry with Coconut Milk option also gives a rich, dairy-free twist! I’ve tried making it with both coconut milk and heavy cream.
The coconut milk version is just divine!
Ingredients & Equipment for Cracking Slow Cooker Chicken Curry
Right, let's talk ingredients, yeah? We're making a proper Slow Cooker Chicken Curry Recipe , not some half arsed attempt. You'll need decent stuff for a decent dish.
Honestly, I’ve made this Crockpot Chicken Curry Easy so many times, I could do it with my eyes closed... almost.
Main Ingredients: The Heart of the Matter
Chicken: 2 lbs (900g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1 inch pieces. Listen, chicken thighs are the way to go.
They stay nice and juicy in the slow cooker . Don't be tempted to use breast unless you like dry chicken.
Olive Oil: 1 tbsp (15ml). Just a bit for browning, nothing fancy.
Onion: 1 large, chopped. Brown onions give the best flavour, don't skimp on this.
Garlic: 2 cloves, minced. Fresh is best, you know?
Ginger: 1 inch (2.5cm), grated. Grated ginger is where it’s at!
Green Bell Pepper: 1, chopped. Adds a bit of sweetness.
Diced Tomatoes: 1 (14.5 oz / 410g) can, undrained. Tinned tomatoes are fine.
Tomato Soup: 1 (10 oz / 283g) can. Trust me on this one.
Heavy Cream: 1 cup ( 240ml ). This is for that creamy dreamy goodness.
Chicken Broth: 1/2 cup (120ml). Stock is equally good, too.
Tomato Paste: 2 tbsp (30ml). Adds depth of flavour, innit?
Fresh Cilantro: 2 tablespoons chopped, for garnish (optional)
Seasoning Notes: Spice It Up!
Now, here's where the magic happens. We need those spices to get that proper Slow Cooker Indian Curry flavour, alright?
Garam Masala: 2 tbsp (30ml). This is essential. Don't even think about skipping it.
Curry Powder: 1 tbsp (15ml). Gives that authentic curry taste.
Turmeric Powder: 1 tsp (5ml). For colour and a bit of earthy flavour.
Chili Powder: 1/2 tsp (2.5ml) (or to taste). Adjust this to your spice preference. Some of us like it a bit hot.
Salt: 1/2 tsp (2.5ml) (or to taste). Taste as you go, yeah?
Black Pepper: 1/4 tsp (1.25ml), ground. Honestly? A good pinch of salt and pepper can transform any dish.
If you don't have garam masala, mix cumin, coriander, cardamom, black pepper, cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg.
Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple
You don’t need fancy equipment for this Easy Chicken Curry Recipe . We're not running a Michelin star restaurant here.
Slow Cooker: At least a 4-quart capacity. Obvious, right?
Large Skillet: Optional, for browning the chicken.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: Get your measurements right.
Chopping Board and Knife: For chopping and dicing, duh.
And that's it! Simple, right? Now you're all set to create a creamy Chicken Tikka Masala Slow Cooker that will impress even your Nan.
Cooking Method: Slow Cooker Chicken Curry The Lazy Cook's Dream!
Alright, fancy a proper Slow Cooker Chicken Curry without slaving away in the kitchen all day? Me too! This recipe for a Slow Cooker Chicken Curry Recipe is so simple, even I can't mess it up.
And trust me, that's saying something! Let's get into it! This recipe is like a warm hug in a bowl, especially when served with fluffy rice.
I've tried variations of this, including Chicken Tikka Masala Slow Cooker , and this one is a winner.
Prep Steps: Getting Your Ducks in a Row
First things first: mise en place! It's French for "everything in its place". It sounds fancy, but it's just being organized.
Chop your 2 lbs of chicken thighs into 1 inch pieces. Dice 1 large onion, mince 2 cloves of garlic, and grate about 1 inch of ginger.
Chop 1 green bell pepper too. Honestly, prepping is half the battle. Safety reminder? Don't cut yourself! That's a given, right?
step-by-step: Easy Peasy Crockpot Chicken Curry Easy
- (Optional) Brown the chicken in 1 tbsp of olive oil. Why? It adds flavour, innit?
- In your slow cooker, chuck in 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, 1 can (10 oz) tomato soup, 1 cup heavy cream, and ½ cup chicken broth.
- Add 2 tbsp tomato paste, 2 tbsp garam masala , 1 tbsp curry powder, 1 tsp turmeric, ½ tsp chili powder, ½ tsp salt, and ¼ tsp pepper.
- Dump the chicken, onion, garlic, ginger, and pepper in there. Mix it all up!
- Cook on low for 6- 8 hours , or high for 3- 4 hours . Chicken must be very tender!
- Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165° F ( 74° C)
Pro Tips: Level Up Your Curry Game
Want to make this Slow Cooker Indian Curry even better? Browning the chicken is key. Don't skip it! Also, taste the sauce and adjust the chili powder.
I like mine with a bit of a kick! A common mistake is overcooking the chicken. Check it after the minimum cooking time.
Trust me, you don't want rubbery chicken. For a creamier version, try Slow Cooker Chicken Curry with Coconut Milk . I personally enjoy serving my Chicken Curry with Rice.
This Easy Chicken Curry Recipe is such a lifesaver on busy weeknights. Last time I made it, I even snuck in some extra veggies for the kids and they didn't even notice.
A bit of spinach works wonders! The subtle flavour of Garam Masala Curry permeates every single bite, making it so delicious.
Whether you go for Slow Cooker Chicken Thigh Curry or another variation, this is one of those recipes you’ll come back to again and again.
It's bloody delicious! I think you’ll agree. Try it out.
Recipe Notes for the Best Slow Cooker Chicken Curry
Alright, let's dive into some extra bits and bobs to make your Slow Cooker Chicken Curry Recipe absolutely bangin'. Honestly, these little tweaks can make a world of difference, you know? A proper Crockpot Chicken Curry Easy recipe is all about the details.
Fab Serving Suggestions
Plating and Presentation Ideas: Listen, a bit of effort goes a long way. Plating is key! Serve your Chicken Curry with Rice in a nice bowl.
Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro or coriander. A dollop of plain yogurt also adds a touch of class.
Oh my gosh!. You can even scatter some toasted almonds on top for a bit of crunch.
Complementary Sides or Beverages: This Slow Cooker Indian Curry is amazing with some warm naan bread for scooping up all that yummy sauce.
A side of cooling raita (yogurt with cucumber and mint) is also spot on. For drinks, try a crisp lager or even a glass of chilled rosé.
It’s all about balance!.
Smart Storage Tips
Refrigeration Guidelines: Leftover Creamy Chicken Curry Slow Cooker ? No worries. Once it's cooled down properly, whack it into an airtight container and pop it in the fridge.
It'll be good for up to 3 days.
Freezing Options (if applicable): Good news! This freezes beautifully. Store in freezer safe containers for up to 3 months. Just make sure it's completely cooled before freezing.
Reheating Instructions: To reheat, thaw it overnight in the fridge (if frozen). Then, gently heat it in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
Or, microwave it in short bursts until heated through. Be careful not to overheat!
Variations on the Theme
Dietary Adaptations: For a dairy-free Slow Cooker Chicken Curry with Coconut Milk , swap out the heavy cream with coconut milk. It’s just as creamy and totally lush!
Seasonal Ingredient Swaps: In the summer, try adding some fresh, chopped tomatoes and zucchini. In the winter, butternut squash would be cracking.
That is, if you want to get a proper Chicken Tikka Masala Slow Cooker using season ingredients.
Nutrition Basics
Simplified Nutrition Information: Each serving is roughly 450-550 calories. You get a good chunk of protein (35-45g), plus healthy fats (25-35g) and some carbs (15-25g).
Key Health Benefits: This Easy Chicken Curry Recipe gives you protein for muscle building and energy. The spices like Garam Masala Curry are packed with antioxidants.
Turmeric is a rockstar for its anti inflammatory properties. So, it's not just tasty, it's good for ya!
So there you have it. A few extra tips to elevate your Slow Cooker Chicken Thigh Curry . Go on, give it a go and let me know what you think.
You've got this!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this Slow Cooker Chicken Curry spicier? I like a bit of a kick!
Absolutely! If you're after a bit of a fire in your belly, gradually increase the amount of chili powder. You could also add a finely chopped fresh chili or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the slow cooker. Remember, you can always add more spice, but you can't take it away, so go easy at first, yeah?
My Slow Cooker Chicken Curry sauce is a bit thin. How can I thicken it up?
No worries, it happens! Towards the end of cooking, remove the lid for the last hour to let some of the liquid evaporate. Alternatively, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water to form a slurry, then stir it into the curry 30 minutes before serving. It'll thicken up beautifully sorted!
Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs for this Slow Cooker Chicken Curry recipe?
You can indeed, but be mindful! Chicken breasts tend to dry out a bit more easily in the slow cooker compared to chicken thighs, which have more fat. If you use breasts, check for doneness a bit earlier than the recipe suggests, around the 3-hour mark on high, and perhaps add a touch more chicken broth to keep things moist, keep calm and curry on.
What’s the best way to store leftover Slow Cooker Chicken Curry? And how long will it last?
Leftover Slow Cooker Chicken Curry will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Make sure to cool it down properly before refrigerating. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months just thaw it thoroughly in the fridge before reheating. It’s like a little present to your future self!
I'm vegetarian. What can I substitute for the chicken in this Slow Cooker Chicken Curry recipe?
No problem at all! For a vegetarian version, chickpeas are a fantastic option they hold their shape well and soak up all the lovely flavours. Alternatively, you could use chunks of cauliflower, paneer cheese, or even sweet potatoes.
Just add them to the slow cooker at the same time you would have added the chicken, and Bob's your uncle, you've got a cracking veggie curry.
Is this Slow Cooker Chicken Curry healthy? What are the nutritional considerations?
It can be part of a balanced diet! Like any good British meal, portion control is key and is moderate with heavy cream. Feel free to swap for light coconut milk to reduce calories and fat. Serve with brown rice and plenty of veggies for a truly wholesome meal.
Nutritional values will vary with ingredient subs, so get your calculators out for the macros, if you're bothered!
Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 450-550 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 25-35g |
| Fiber | 3-5g |
