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Slow-Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala

This slow-cooker chicken tikka masala transforms the traditional stovetop dish into an effortless, deeply flavorful meal. Juicy chicken pieces simmer in a rich, spice-laden tomato sauce until tender, resulting in a creamy, vibrant dish with a velvety texture and a fragrant aroma. Perfect served over rice or with naan, it's a cozy, hands-off comfort food that develops complex flavors overnight.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 6 minutes
Total Time 6 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Indian
Calories: 420
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup tomato purée bright and smooth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream for richness and velvety texture
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 inch fresh ginger grated
  • 1 tsp cumin toasted briefly
  • 1 tsp turmeric
  • 1 tsp garam masala aromatic blend
  • 1/2 tsp chili powder adjust to taste
  • 2 tbsp oil for toasting spices
  • to taste salt and pepper for seasoning
  • a handful fresh cilantro chopped, for garnish
  • 1 lemon lemon for juice at the end

Equipment

  • Slow cooker
  • Mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Spoon

Method
 

  1. In a small dry skillet, toast cumin briefly until fragrant, then grind into a powder. Set aside.
  2. In your mixing bowl, whisk together tomato purée, heavy cream, minced garlic, grated ginger, toasted cumin, turmeric, garam masala, chili powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper until smooth and well combined.
  3. Place the chicken pieces into the slow cooker and pour the spice-laden sauce over them, ensuring each piece is coated evenly.
  4. Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6 hours, or until the chicken is tender and the sauce has thickened slightly, filling your kitchen with warm, fragrant aromas.
  5. Once cooking is complete, open the lid and stir the dish gently. The sauce should be rich and glossy, with tender chicken easily shredding with a spoon.
  6. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the dish and sprinkle generously with chopped cilantro for a burst of brightness and herbal freshness.
  7. Serve the creamy tikka masala hot over fluffy rice or with warm naan to soak up all that flavorful sauce.

Notes

For extra richness, swirl in a little more cream just before serving. Adjust spice levels by adding more chili powder if you like heat. Make ahead by preparing the sauce the night before for even deeper flavor development.