There’s nothing like a rich and creamy homemade chicken tikka masala to satisfy those cozy, comforting dinner cravings. This is the best slow cooker chicken tikka masala recipe—it’s incredibly easy to make, packed with warm spices, and pairs perfectly with naan or rice. It was a huge hit in my house—my husband loved it so much he went back for seconds (and thirds!).
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala
- Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and a slow cooker do most of the work for you.
- Incredibly Flavorful – The combination of yogurt-marinated chicken and warm Indian spices creates deep, rich flavors.
- Creamy & Comforting – The final touch of heavy cream makes the tikka masala smooth and luscious, perfect for dipping with naan bread.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chicken & Marinade:
- 2 chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 3/4 cup yogurt (not Greek)
- 2 tsp lemon juice
For the Slow Cooker Sauce:
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1.5 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 onions, sliced
- 1 small bell pepper, cubed
- 1 can tomato puree
- 1/2 cup water
Spices:
- 1/2 tsp turmeric
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1 1/2 tsp coriander
- 1 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1/4 tsp oregano
- 1/2 cinnamon stick (or 1/4 tsp cinnamon powder)
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 bay leaf
Finishing Touch:
- 1 cup heavy cream
How to Make the Best Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala
1. Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl, combine chicken pieces, yogurt, minced garlic, ginger, and spices (turmeric, chili powder, coriander, cumin, black pepper, garam masala, oregano, cinnamon, and salt), and lemon juice. Mix well and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight for even more flavor!).
2. Soften Onions & Bell Pepper
Heat a pan to medium-high, add oil, and cook onions and bell pepper and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the Chicken
Add your cooked vegetables, tomato puree, and the marinated chicken into the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 4 hours until the chicken is tender.
4. Stir in the Cream
Reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream. Mix until the tikka masala becomes smooth and creamy.
5. Serve & Enjoy!
Serve warm with naan or rice. Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired.
FAQs: Storage, Reheating, & Substitutions
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Yes! Let it cool completely, then store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. You can also microwave it in 30-second bursts, stirring in between.
Yes! Swap the yogurt for coconut milk and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream for a dairy-free version.
Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts cut into 1-inch pieces
- 3/4 cup yogurt not Greek
- 2 tsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1.5 tbsp fresh ginger minced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 onions sliced
- 1 small bell pepper cubed
- 1 can tomato puree
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 tsp turmeric
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1 1/2 tsp coriander
- 1 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1/4 tsp oregano
- 1/2 cinnamon stick or 1/4 tsp cinnamon powder
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 cup heavy cream
Instructions
Marinate the Chicken
- In a bowl, combine chicken pieces, yogurt, minced garlic, ginger, and spices (turmeric, chili powder, coriander, cumin, black pepper, garam masala, oregano, cinnamon, and salt), and lemon juice. Mix well and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight for even more flavor!).
Soften Onions & Bell Pepper
- Heat a pan to medium-high, add oil, and cook onions and bell pepper until translucent, about 5 minutes.
Add the Chicken
- Add your cooked vegetables, tomato puree, and the marinated chicken into the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 4 hours until the chicken is tender.
Stir in the Cream
- Reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream. Mix until the tikka masala becomes smooth and creamy.
Serve & Enjoy!
- Serve warm with naan or rice. Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired.
Notes
- For a spicier version, add an extra 1/2 tsp of chili powder or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- You can substitute chicken breasts for chicken thighs for a juicier texture.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, let the curry simmer uncovered for an additional 10 minutes after adding the cream.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.
- Serve with basmati rice or homemade naan for the best experience!
This is the best slow cooker chicken tikka masala recipe you’ll find and it’s the ultimate cozy and flavorful dish. With its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and perfect blend of spices, it’s an easy, restaurant-quality meal made at home. If you love slow cooker meals, check out my other slow cooker recipes for more delicious dinner ideas!
Let me know in the comments if you try it—I’d love to hear what you think!