Crockpot Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe

If you’ve ever wanted to bring the incredibly rich, comforting flavors of Indian cuisine into your home without standing over the stove for hours, this Crockpot Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe is exactly the game changer you need. Tender chicken pieces slowly cook to perfection in a fragrant melange of spices, creamy tomato sauce, and a touch of tangy yogurt, allowing the flavors to deepen and meld beautifully. Whether you’re a seasoned Indian food lover or just venturing into this vibrant world of taste, this recipe delivers warmth and boldness with every bite, making your mealtime feel like a special occasion.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this dish lies in how straightforward the ingredients are, yet each one plays a vital role in creating the layers of flavor and luscious texture that make this dish unforgettable. From the earthy warmth of cumin and cinnamon to the fresh bite of ginger and jalapeno, these simple staples come together to make magic happen in your crockpot.

• 1 pound chicken breasts (about 3, cut into bite-size pieces): The star protein, tender and perfect for soaking up all those incredible spices.
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin: Adds a smoky, aromatic earthiness crucial for authentic flavor.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Brings subtle warmth and depth that balances the heat.
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper: Delivers a vibrant kick—adjust to control the spice level.
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: Freshly ground for sharpness and complexity.
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances and rounds out all the flavors beautifully.
• 1 & 1/2 tablespoons butter (cut into chunks): Adds richness and helps tenderize the chicken.
• 1 (8-oz) can tomato sauce: Creates the silky, tangy base of your masala sauce.
• 1 cup heavy cream: Makes the sauce luxuriously creamy and smooth.
• 1/2 tablespoon butter: For sautéing garlic and jalapeno to deepen their flavors.
• 1 clove garlic (minced): A fragrant punch of flavor that wakes up the sauce.
• 1 jalapeno pepper (seeded and finely chopped): Adds fresh heat and brightness.
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin: Used again in the sautéed spice mix for extra warmth.
• 2 teaspoons paprika: Provides lovely color and a mild smoky flavor.
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Balances the spices in the sautéed mixture.
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Brings a zesty lift to cut through the richness.
• 1 tablespoon fresh minced ginger: Offers a bright, peppery, and slightly sweet note.
• 1/2 to 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (as desired): Creamy and tangy, perfect for adjusting the heat and richness.
• 1/4 cup fresh chopped cilantro: Adds a fresh, herbaceous finish that’s utterly irresistible.

How to Make Crockpot Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Chicken

Start by cutting chicken breasts into bite-size pieces; this lets every morsel absorb the spices and cook evenly. Toss the pieces right into your slow cooker—getting to this stage is already a win in simplicity.

Step 2: Mix Your First Spice Blend

Combine 2 teaspoons cumin, cinnamon, cayenne, black pepper, and kosher salt in a small bowl. This medley is the heart of your flavor, setting the tone for that trademark masala taste that lingers lovingly on the palate.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken in Spices and Butter

Sprinkle the spice mix over the chicken, then use your hands to massage it in thoroughly. Dot with butter chunks to lock in moisture and amplify richness as it all slowly melds during cooking.

Step 4: Slow Cook with Love

Set your crockpot to high for 2 to 3 hours or low for about 5 hours. This slow and steady heat produces the most tender chicken, soaking up every ounce of flavor in the cozy environment you’ve created.

Step 5: Add Tomato Sauce and Cream

Once the chicken’s cooked through, remove the lid and stir in tomato sauce and heavy cream. This is where your sauce becomes indulgently creamy, thickening as it bubbles in the warmth.

Step 6: Sauté Aromatics and Spices

Melt 1/2 tablespoon butter in a small pan, then add minced garlic and jalapeno. Sauté for about one minute until fragrant—the aromatic base that wakes up the whole dish.

Step 7: Add Additional Spices to the Pan

Stir in the second round of cumin, paprika, and salt, letting them toast slightly to unlock deeper flavor layers in the pan.

Step 8: Incorporate Lemon Juice

Add the lemon juice, stirring it through before you take the pan off the heat. This brightens the spice mix beautifully to balance the richness.

Step 9: Combine the Aromatic Mixture with the Slow Cooker

Pour the sautéed mixture into the crockpot along with the freshly minced ginger. Put the lid back on and cook on high for another 20 to 30 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and bubble deliciously around the chicken.

Step 10: Finish and Adjust Creaminess

Taste your creation and stir in Greek yogurt a little at a time to adjust creaminess and heat. The yogurt also adds that perfect mild tanginess which makes every bite extraordinary.

Step 11: Add Fresh Cilantro

Finish by stirring in chopped cilantro for a fresh herbal note that takes your dish from amazing to unforgettable in an instant.

Step 12: Serve and Enjoy!

Now your Crockpot Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe is ready to be enjoyed with your favorite rice or naan for the perfect meal.

How to Serve Crockpot Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe

Garnishes

Sprinkling chopped fresh cilantro over the finished dish adds a bright, peppery aroma and a pop of color that makes it visually inviting and vibrant. You might also add a dollop of yogurt or a wedge of lemon for guests to customize their spice level and creaminess.

Side Dishes

Classic basmati rice or warm, fluffy naan bread are the obvious go-to options for soaking up every last bit of the rich sauce. For a lighter option, a simple cucumber raita or fresh salad can bring cooling balance to the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the chicken over a bed of cauliflower rice or even stuffed inside warm flatbreads for handheld, flavorful bites. Another crowd pleaser is layering the masala over roasted vegetables for a wholesome, hearty plate that’s as pretty as it is delicious.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This dish keeps wonderfully in the fridge for up to four days. Store it in an airtight container to preserve the creamy texture and bold flavors, making it perfect for quick lunches or dinners following the initial cooking day.

Freezing

Crockpot Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe also freezes well. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers, leaving space for expansion, and freeze for up to three months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results to retain that luscious texture.

Reheating

To reheat, warm gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to keep the sauce creamy and prevent it from separating. If the sauce thickens too much after refrigeration, add a splash of water or cream while reheating to bring it back to the perfect consistency.

FAQs

Can I use other cuts of chicken?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless thighs work brilliantly and even add extra juiciness. Just adjust cooking time slightly as thighs may take a bit longer to become tender.

Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe has a moderate heat level thanks to cayenne and jalapeno, but you can easily dial it down by reducing or omitting these ingredients to suit your taste and family preferences.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

If you want a lighter version, you can use coconut milk or full-fat Greek yogurt instead. Coconut milk adds a delightfully different flavor twist that pairs nicely with the spices.

Do I need to marinate the chicken first?

Not at all! This Crockpot Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe skips a separate marinating step because the slow cooking process infuses the chicken with all those spices perfectly over time.

Can I prepare this recipe in an Instant Pot?

Yes, you can adapt it for an Instant Pot using the sauté and slow cooking or pressure cooking functions, but be sure to adjust the timing accordingly for tender results.

Final Thoughts

This Crockpot Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe is a shining example of how effortlessly you can create layers of deep, rich Indian flavor without complex preparation or tons of hands-on time. It’s the kind of meal that invites you to slow down, savor every bite, and maybe even make it a new go-to whenever you crave something cozy, vibrant, and utterly satisfying. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll wonder how you lived without it.

Print