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best slow cooker tikka masala recipe easy in bowl with rice

Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala

Taylor Svetlichny
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!).
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 10 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course, Slow Cooker
Cuisine Indian
Servings 4

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!
Keyword chicken curry, chicken curry recipe, curry, curry recipe, indian recipe, slow cooker meals, slow cooker recipe, slow cooker recipes, tikka masala