Looking for a delicious and easy meal to impress your family and friends? Look no further than this Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala recipe! Packed with bold flavors and tender chicken, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- Bursting with rich and aromatic spices that will tantalize your taste buds.
- Requires minimal prep time, making it a convenient option for meal planning.
- The creamy coconut milk adds a luscious texture to the dish, making it irresistible.
Ingredient Notes:
- Olive oil: Adds richness and helps sauté the aromatics.
- Onion, jalapeño, garlic: Create a flavorful base for the dish.
- Crushed tomatoes: Provides a tangy and robust tomato flavor.
- Garam masala, paprika, cayenne pepper, turmeric, curry powder: Aromatic spices that give the dish its signature taste.
- Chicken breasts: The main protein in the dish, which becomes tender and flavorful after slow cooking.
- Coconut milk: Adds creaminess and balances out the spices.
- Optional garnish: Greek yogurt and fresh cilantro for a refreshing finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet and sauté onion, jalapeño, and garlic until fragrant.
- Add crushed tomatoes, ginger, lemon juice, and spices, stirring well.
- Place chicken breasts in the slow cooker, pour the tomato mixture over them, and cook on low for 4-6 hours.
- Stir in coconut milk, adjust seasoning, and let it cook for an additional 30 minutes.
- Serve hot, garnished with Greek yogurt and cilantro.
Helpful Tips:
- For a spicier kick, increase the amount of cayenne pepper.
- Use boneless chicken thighs for a juicier and more flavorful result.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for longer shelf life.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- Marinate the chicken in yogurt and spices overnight for even more flavor.
- Toast the spices before adding them to the dish for a more intense aroma.
- Finish the dish with a drizzle of lemon juice for a fresh touch.
Serving Suggestions:
Pair this Chicken Tikka Masala with fluffy basmati rice, naan bread, and a side of cucumber raita for a complete and satisfying meal.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a splash of coconut milk to revive the creamy texture.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts? Yes, boneless chicken thighs will work well in this recipe.
- Is it necessary to marinate the chicken beforehand? While not necessary, marinating the chicken will enhance the flavor.
- Can I make this recipe on the stovetop instead of a slow cooker? Yes, you can cook it on low heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally.
Conclusion:
Now that you have all the tips and tricks to make this Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala, it’s time to get cooking! Enjoy the comforting flavors of this classic Indian dish and don’t forget to share your feedback with us. Happy cooking!
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Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 4-6 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 mins – 6 hours 15 mins
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Indian
- Diet: Halal
Description
This Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala recipe is packed with flavor from aromatic spices like garam masala, paprika, and turmeric. Tender chicken simmers in a rich tomato and coconut milk sauce, creating a deliciously creamy dish that pairs perfectly with rice or naan.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1/2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 white or yellow onion, chopped
- 1 jalapeño, seeds removed and finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes or tomato puree
- 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger
- 1/2 lemon, juiced
- 1 tablespoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon curry powder
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup light coconut milk
Optional Garnish:
- Plain Greek yogurt
- Chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a pan and sauté onion, jalapeño, and garlic until fragrant.
- Add Spices: Stir in crushed tomatoes, ginger, lemon juice, garam masala, paprika, cayenne pepper, turmeric, curry powder, salt, and pepper.
- Cook Chicken: Place chicken breasts in the slow cooker and pour the tomato mixture over them. Cook on low for several hours until chicken is tender.
- Finish: Stir in coconut milk, adjust seasoning, and serve garnished with Greek yogurt and cilantro.
Notes
- You can adjust the spice level by increasing or decreasing the amount of cayenne pepper used.
- For a creamier sauce, you can add a dollop of plain yogurt to the slow cooker towards the end of cooking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg