Crockpot Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6-8 hours
Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes

This Crockpot Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe offers a convenient way to enjoy a classic Indian dish with minimal effort. The slow-cooking method allows the spices to meld beautifully, resulting in tender chicken simmered in a rich, creamy tomato sauce.

Perfect for busy weeknights, this Crockpot recipe requires just a few simple ingredients and can be served with rice or naan for a complete meal.

Easy Crockpot Chicken Tikka Masala

This Chicken Tikka Masala features marinated chicken cooked in a flavorful sauce made from tomatoes, cream, and a blend of spices. The recipe takes about 6-8 hours in the crockpot and serves 4-6 people.

Ingredients

2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 cup plain yogurt
2 tablespoons garam masala
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 tablespoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon turmeric
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
1 teaspoon salt
1 medium onion, finely chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon ginger, minced
1 can (15 ounces) crushed tomatoes
1 cup heavy cream or coconut milk
Fresh cilantro for garnish
Cooked rice or naan for serving

Instructions

Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine yogurt, garam masala, cumin, coriander, turmeric, cayenne, and salt. Add the chicken pieces and mix until well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight for best results.
Prepare the Crockpot: In the crockpot, add the chopped onion, garlic, and ginger. Layer the marinated chicken on top, followed by the crushed tomatoes.

Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
Finish the Sauce: About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the heavy cream or coconut milk. Allow it to heat through and thicken slightly.
Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve over cooked rice or with naan.