Description
Crockpot Creamy Coconut Chicken Tikka Masala is an easy, comforting dish filled with rich Indian flavors, made effortlessly in a slow cooker.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 inches fresh ginger, grated
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 ounce) can full-fat coconut milk
- 6 oz tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons garam masala
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (or to taste, for a spicier kick)
- 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
- ½ cup plain full-fat yogurt (or full-fat coconut cream for dairy-free), stirred well
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken thighs into 1-inch pieces and pat them dry
- Sauté Aromatics (Optional): Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the chopped onion until softened, add garlic and ginger, cooking until fragrant
- Combine in Crockpot: Transfer the sautéed mixture to the slow cooker. If skipping sautéing, add raw onion, garlic, and ginger directly
- Add Chicken & Spices: Add the chicken pieces and sprinkle the spices over. Stir to coat the chicken with spices
- Add Wet Ingredients: Pour in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and coconut milk. Mix well to combine
- Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours
- Finish with Creaminess: Once done, stir in the yogurt or coconut cream gently
- Serve & Garnish: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot, garnished with cilantro
Notes
Don’t skip the sautéing for deeper flavor.
Pat chicken dry for better spice absorption.
Add yogurt at the end to prevent curdling.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 105mg