Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala
If you’ve ever craved the rich, warm flavors of chicken tikka masala but felt too intimidated to make it at home, you’re in for a treat. This slow cooker version is as easy as it gets.
You just toss everything into the crockpot, walk away, and come back to a house that smells like your favorite desi restaurant. The chicken turns out incredibly tender, and the sauce is silky, flavorful, and perfect for spooning over a bed of fluffy basmati rice.
You’ll Love This Recipe
Hands-off cooking: With just a few minutes of prep time, your slow cooker does all the heavy lifting. It’s the perfect dump-and-go recipe for busy days.
Big flavor with minimal effort: The blend of spices creates an authentic, deep flavor profile that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.
Great for leftovers: This dish stores beautifully, and the flavors only deepen overnight. It’s ideal for meal prep or a quick reheat for dinner the next day.
Ingredients
- 1.5 to 2 pounds chicken breast, trimmed and cut into thirds
- 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon garam masala
- 1 tablespoon curry powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic (or about 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped)
- 2 tablespoons butter, sliced
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep the sauce
Spray your crockpot with nonstick cooking spray. Add the coconut milk, tomato sauce, tomato paste, garam masala, curry powder, cumin, turmeric, salt, and garlic. Stir everything together until it’s smooth and well combined.
2. Add the chicken
Sprinkle black pepper over the chicken breast pieces and place them into the sauce. Gently press the pieces down so they’re submerged in the sauce.
3. Add butter and cook
Place the butter slices on top of the mixture. Cover the crockpot and cook on high for 3 to 4 hours or on low for 6 to 7 hours.
4. Final touches
Once the chicken is cooked through, you can serve the pieces whole or shred them right in the sauce. The chicken will be so tender it basically falls apart.
5. Serve and enjoy
Serve over basmati rice with chopped cilantro on top and a spoonful of plain Greek yogurt if you’d like. Naan bread on the side is always a good idea too.
Tips and Notes
Want it spicy? Add a pinch of red chili flakes or a chopped fresh chili pepper into the slow cooker for some heat.
Creamier sauce? Stir in a little extra coconut milk or even a splash of heavy cream at the end of cooking if you want a richer texture.
Storing leftovers: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It reheats well and tastes even better the next day.
Serving ideas: This dish goes great with rice, naan, or even a crisp cucumber salad to balance out the spices.
Final Thoughts
This slow cooker chicken tikka masala is proof that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. It brings all the deep, bold flavors of a classic desi favorite into your kitchen with very little effort.
It’s perfect for a cozy dinner or prepping meals for the week and it’s a recipe you’ll find yourself making again and again.
