Weeknight Wonder: Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala

Let’s be honest, there are nights when the craving for a rich, fragrant, and deeply comforting curry hits hard. You want that incredible, restaurant-quality flavor, but the thought of a complicated recipe with a dozen steps is just too much. This recipe is the answer to that prayer. This is my secret weapon for the easiest, most delicious Chicken Tikka Masala you will ever make, and the magic happens right in your slow cooker. It’s a dish that delivers a five-star flavor experience with practically zero effort.

This isn’t just a simple stew; it’s a journey of flavor that starts with a brilliant, simple hack: we create the marinade right in the bottom of the slow cooker. Tender chicken is tossed in a vibrant mixture of Greek yogurt and a perfect blend of warm, aromatic spices like garam masala, cumin, and turmeric. It then simmers gently for hours in a simple tomato sauce, becoming unbelievably tender. The final touch? A luxurious swirl of heavy cream that transforms the sauce into a velvety, creamy dream. It’s the kind of meal that makes you feel like a kitchen hero on a Tuesday night.

Save

Why This Will Be Your New Go-To Curry Recipe

This recipe is a true testament to the magic of the slow cooker, creating a deeply flavorful meal that’s as easy as it is delicious. Here’s why you’ll love it:

• Incredibly Tender and Juicy Chicken: The yogurt marinade and the low-and-slow cooking process work together to make the chicken unbelievably tender and infused with flavor.
• A Foolproof, Rich, and Creamy Sauce: The simple combination of a yogurt marinade, tomato sauce, and a final swirl of heavy cream creates a luscious, perfectly balanced, and foolproof sauce.
• The Ultimate “Dump and Go” Meal: With just 15 minutes of prep and no pre-searing required, this is the perfect hands-off dinner for a busy day.
• Kid-Friendly Flavor: This curry is packed with warm, aromatic spices but is mild enough for the whole family to enjoy. It’s a fantastic introduction to Indian-inspired flavors!
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Like all great curries, the flavors get even deeper and more delicious the next day, making this a fantastic recipe for a week of easy, comforting lunches.

Recipe Snapshot

Your Shopping List for This Cozy Curry

This impressive dinner comes together with a beautiful array of wholesome and powerful pantry staples.

→ For the Chicken Tikka Masala

• ⅓ cup plain Greek yogurt → The tangy, tenderizing base of our marinade.
• Spices: 2 tsp garam masala, 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp ginger powder, and ½ tsp turmeric for a warm, classic, aromatic flavor profile.
• 2 teaspoons salt → To season the dish perfectly.
• 4 cloves garlic → Freshly minced is a must for the best flavor.
• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts → Cut into 1-inch cubes.
• 1 onion → Finely diced, for a sweet, savory foundation.
• 1 (14-ounce) can tomato sauce → The simple, rich base of our curry sauce.
• ½ cup heavy cream → The secret to the final, luscious, creamy finish.

→ For Garnish

• Freshly chopped cilantro → For a final, bright, herbaceous pop of flavor.

Let’s Get Cooking! Your Slow Cooker Guide

Ready for the easiest, most flavorful curry of your life? Let’s get that crockpot ready!

Part 1: The “Mix-in-the-Pot” Marinade

1. Create the Marinade Base: For the easiest cleanup, we’ll make the marinade right in the slow cooker! In the bottom of your slow cooker crock, mix together the Greek yogurt, salt, garam masala, cumin, ginger powder, and turmeric. Stir in the minced garlic.
2. Coat the Chicken: Add the diced chicken and the finely diced onion to the slow cooker. Stir everything together until the chicken and onion are completely and evenly coated in the yogurt-spice mixture. Spread it out in an even layer.

Part 2: The Slow Cook and Creamy Finish

3. Add Sauce and Cook: Pour the tomato sauce evenly over the top of the chicken mixture. Do not stir! Place the lid on the slow cooker.
4. Set It and Forget It: Cook on HIGH for 3 to 3.5 hours, or on LOW for 5-6 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
5. The Creamy Finale: Once the cooking time is up, give the contents of the slow cooker a good stir to combine the sauce and chicken. Pour in the heavy cream and stir again until the sauce is a uniform, creamy, beautiful orange color.
6. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the hot chicken tikka masala immediately over a bed of fluffy basmati rice or with warm naan bread for dipping. Garnish with fresh cilantro, if desired.

Save

Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala

This easy Crockpot Chicken Tikka Masala features tender chicken simmered in a creamy, spiced tomato sauce that’s full of flavor. A perfect ‘dump-and-go’ slow cooker recipe that delivers a delicious, comforting, and family-friendly meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 3 hours hrs

Total Time 3 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Servings: 6

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Indian-Inspired

Calories: 278

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1/3 cup plain greek yogurt
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 2 teaspoons garam masala
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon ginger ground
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 pounds chicken breasts, cut into 1 inch cubes
• 1 onion, finely diced
• 1 (14 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• as needed chopped cilantro for garnish

Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Mixing Bowl (optional)

Method

 

1. In the bottom of the slow cooker, mix together the greek yogurt, salt, garam masala, cumin, ginger, and turmeric. Stir in the minced garlic.
2. Add the diced chicken and onion and stir to coat everything in the yogurt-spice mixture. Spread it out evenly.
3. Pour the tomato sauce over the top of the chicken. Do not stir.
4. Cover and cook on high for 3-3.5 hours, or on low for 5-6 hours, until the chicken is cooked through.
5. Stir the contents of the slow cooker to combine the sauce. Stir in the heavy cream until the sauce is uniform and creamy.
6. Serve hot over rice or with naan, garnished with fresh cilantro if desired.

Notes

Substitutions: You can make this recipe dairy-free by swapping Greek yogurt for coconut yogurt and heavy cream for full-fat coconut cream.

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days or in the freezer for up to 6 months.

Easy Prep: For minimal cleanup, mix the marinade directly in the slow cooker crock before adding the chicken.

WiseRecipes’ Top Tips for Perfect Tikka Masala

These simple secrets will ensure your slow cooker curry is a flawless, flavorful triumph.

1. Mix in the Crockpot for Easy Cleanup. The genius of this recipe is making the marinade right in the slow cooker insert. It saves you from washing an extra bowl and gets all the flavor right where it needs to be.
2. Use Chicken Thighs for Even More Flavor. While chicken breasts work well in this recipe thanks to the tenderizing yogurt marinade, you can substitute them with boneless, skinless chicken thighs for an even richer, more moist, and flavorful result.
3. Don’t Lift the Lid! Trust the slow cooker to do its magic. Every time you lift the lid, you release crucial heat and steam, which can extend the cooking time and affect the final texture of the chicken.
4. Add the Cream at the End. To ensure a perfectly creamy, smooth sauce that doesn’t curdle or separate, always stir in the heavy cream during the last few minutes of cooking, after the main cooking cycle is complete.
5. Dairy-Free is Easy! As the recipe notes suggest, this is incredibly easy to make dairy-free. Simply swap the Greek yogurt for a plain, unsweetened coconut yogurt and use full-fat canned coconut milk or coconut cream instead of the heavy cream.

Keep It Cozy! Storing and Reheating

This curry is a meal prepper’s dream, as the flavors get even deeper and more delicious overnight.

• Refrigerator: Once cooled, store the chicken tikka masala in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: This dish freezes beautifully! Let it cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags. It will keep for up to 6 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Reheating: Gently reheat the curry in a saucepan over medium-low heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally. You can also microwave individual portions.

FAQs: Your Chicken Tikka Masala Questions, Answered!

Is this recipe authentic?

This is a simplified, “American-style” slow cooker version designed for ease and accessibility. Traditional Indian Chicken Tikka Masala is a more complex dish that involves grilling the marinated chicken (the “tikka”) separately before adding it to the creamy tomato sauce (the “masala”). This recipe captures all those beloved flavors in a much easier, one-pot format!

Is this recipe very spicy?

No, this recipe is very mild and flavorful, making it perfect for the whole family. The warmth comes from aromatic spices like garam masala and cumin, not from hot chili peppers. If you’d like to add a kick, you can stir in a pinch of cayenne pepper with the other spices.

What is garam masala?

Garam masala is a classic, aromatic blend of ground spices used in Indian cooking. The exact blend can vary, but it typically includes cinnamon, mace, peppercorns, coriander seeds, cumin seeds, and cardamom pods. It provides a wonderful, warm, and complex flavor.

What should I serve with this?

Chicken Tikka Masala is classically served with fluffy basmati rice to soak up all the delicious, creamy sauce. Warm naan bread for dipping is also an absolute must-have in my opinion!

Final Thoughts: Your Easiest Trip to India

There is nothing more satisfying than creating a meal that tastes exotic and complex, but was secretly the easiest thing you made all week. This Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala is the perfect example of a dish that is packed with exciting flavor but is completely approachable for any home cook. It’s a meal that will warm you, comfort you, and delight you, all from one magical pot. I hope you love it! Happy Cooking!