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Chicken Tikka Masala · Slow Cooker

Slow-Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala

Everything goes into the slow cooker in the morning; a splash of cream at the end turns it into a rich, mildly spiced curry. No marinating and no broiler.

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Prep
15 min
Cook
4 hr 15 min
Total
4 hr 30 min
Serves
6
Level
Easy

Ingredients

Curry

  • 2 ½ lb boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into 2-inch pieces
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 can crushed tomatoes, 28 oz
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tbsp garam masala
  • 2 tsp ground cumin
  • 2 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp ground coriander
  • 1 tsp ground turmeric
  • ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
  • 1 ½ tsp kosher salt

Finish

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1 tsp garam masala
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
  • cooked basmati rice or naan

Cook to 165°F inside (check with a thermometer).

Steps

  1. In a 6-quart slow cooker, stir together the onion, garlic, ginger, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, all the curry spices and the salt.
  2. Add the chicken and stir until every piece is coated in sauce.
  3. Cover and cook on LOW for 4 to 5 hours (or HIGH for 2 1/2 to 3 hours), until the chicken is tender and the largest piece reads 165°F (74°C).
  4. In a small bowl, whisk the cream and cornstarch until no lumps remain.
  5. Stir the cream mixture into the curry. Cover and cook on HIGH until the sauce thickens.
  6. Stir in the 1 teaspoon garam masala and the lemon juice. Taste and add salt if needed.
  7. Serve over rice or with warm naan, sprinkled with cilantro.

Tip: For deeper flavor, cook the onion in a little butter for 8 minutes and stir in the spices for 30 seconds before adding to the cooker.

Tip: Chicken breasts dry out over long cooking. If you use them, cook on LOW only 3 to 3 1/2 hours.

Storage: Refrigerate up to 4 days or freeze up to 3 months.

Make ahead: Chop the onion and mix the spices the night before; in the morning just stir and switch on.

Estimated nutrition per serving: 450 calories · protein 42 g · carbohydrates 20 g · fiber 5 g · sugars 9 g · fat 23 g (saturated 11 g) · sodium 880 mg. Estimate from USDA FoodData Central; not medical or dietary advice. Based on 17 of 17 ingredients.