Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Fancy a curry night without the takeaway guilt? Are you craving Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala ? Honestly, this recipe is a flavour explosion, and the best part? Your crock pots do most of the work!.
Brief Overview
This Tikka Masala Recipe hails from the UK, a delightful adaptation of classic Chicken Indian cuisine. It's dead easy, taking about 20 minutes to prep and 4- 8 hours in the Slow Cooker .
This recipe makes enough for six hungry bellies.
Main Benefits
This version is surprisingly healthy Chicken Tikka Masala Slow Cooker . It is packed with protein and flavour, and it’s way better for you than a takeaway.
It is the perfect dish for a cosy night in. The creamy Chicken Tikka Masala is a proper crowd pleaser, innit?
Ready to dive into a flavour sensation? Let's talk ingredients!
Ingredients & Equipment for Stellar Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala
Alright, let's get down to brass tacks. For the best Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala , you need the right ingredients.
Think of it like building a house: the foundation matters. This Tikka Masala Recipe relies on good quality, fresh spices, and proper cuts of chicken.
Honestly, nothing beats the satisfaction of a truly delicious, homemade curry.
Main Ingredients
Here's a breakdown, measurements included.
- For the Marinade:
- Chicken thighs: 2 lbs (900g), boneless, skinless, cut into 1 inch pieces. Quality indicator: look for plump, pinkish chicken thighs.
- Lemon juice: 1 tbsp (15 ml). Freshly squeezed is best!
- Garam masala: 1 tsp (5 ml).
- Turmeric powder: 1/2 tsp (2.5 ml).
- Ground cumin: 1/2 tsp (2.5 ml).
- Chili powder: 1/4 tsp (1.25 ml) (optional). For a bit of a kick!
- Salt: 1/2 tsp (2.5 ml).
- Black pepper: 1/4 tsp (1.25 ml).
- For the Sauce:
- Olive oil: 1 tbsp (15 ml).
- Yellow onion: 1 large , finely chopped.
- Garlic: 2 cloves , minced.
- Ginger: 1 inch (2.5 cm) piece, grated. Fresh is best!
- Crushed tomatoes: 1 (14.5 oz/411g) can .
- Tomato sauce: 1 (14.5 oz/411g) can .
- Chicken broth: 1 cup (240 ml).
- Tomato paste: 1 tbsp (15 ml).
- Brown sugar: 1 tbsp (15 ml).
- Garam masala: 1 tsp (5 ml).
- Turmeric powder: 1/2 tsp (2.5 ml).
- Ground cumin: 1/2 tsp (2.5 ml).
- Chili powder: 1/4 tsp (1.25 ml) (optional).
- Salt: 1/2 tsp (2.5 ml).
- Black pepper: 1/4 tsp (1.25 ml).
- To Finish:
- Heavy cream: 1/2 cup (120 ml) or coconut milk for a dairy-free Healthy Chicken Tikka Masala Slow Cooker.
- Fresh cilantro: 2 tbsp (30 ml), chopped, for garnish.
Seasoning Notes: The Spice is Right!
The spice blend is key to this Chicken Indian dish. Garam masala, turmeric, and cumin are the core. A little chili powder adds a subtle warmth.
Want more heat? Add a pinch of cayenne or finely chopped green chilies. Feel free to make it your own.
Brown sugar adds a touch of sweetness, balancing the acidity of the tomatoes. If you don't have brown sugar, honey or maple syrup works wonders too.
These simple steps will help create a truly Creamy Chicken Tikka Masala .
Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple
You don't need fancy gadgets for this Easy Slow Cooker Chicken .
- Slow cooker (6-quart or larger). Crock Pots are your best friend here!
- Large skillet (optional). For searing the chicken. Adds flavour, but not essential.
- Chopping board and sharp knife. Safety first!
- Measuring cups and spoons.
- Grater or microplane. For the ginger.
Honestly, that's all there is to it. Get your bits together and let's cook this Slow Cooker Indian Recipes
Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala: Curry Night Made Easy!
Fancy a bangin' curry without the takeaway price tag? This Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala is spot on ! Think creamy, spiced heaven.
No need to ring up your local Indian; this recipe brings all the flavour with minimal effort. Tender chicken, rich tomato sauce, and aromatic spices.
Sorted!
Prep Like a Pro: Your Mise en Place
Right, let's get organized! First, chop 2 lbs (900g) of boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Give them a good marinade. You need 1 tbsp (15 ml) lemon juice, 1 tsp (5 ml) garam masala, 1/2 tsp (2.
5 ml) turmeric, 1/2 tsp (2.5 ml) cumin, chilli powder (optional), 1/2 tsp (2.5 ml) salt, and 1/4 tsp (1.
25 ml) pepper. Mix it all up!
Next, finely chop one large onion and mince two cloves of garlic. Grate about an inch of ginger, too. Open your tins of crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce.
Get your chicken broth ready, plus the tomato paste and brown sugar. Get all your spices together. This marinade chicken prep saves time later.
Safety first : Wash your hands after handling raw chicken. You know?
step-by-step: From Zero to Hero
- Marinate the chicken: Combine everything in a bowl. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes. Overnight is even better! Honestly, the longer, the better the flavour.
- (Optional) Sear the chicken: Heat 1 tbsp (15 ml) of olive oil in a pan. Brown the chicken quickly on all sides. Don't cook it through! This adds a proper depth of flavour.
- Sauté the aromatics: In the same pan, cook the onion until soft. Add garlic and ginger. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Build the sauce: Stir in the tomatoes, tomato sauce, broth, tomato paste, brown sugar, and all the spices. Simmer it gently.
- Slow Cook : Transfer everything to your Crock Pots . Cook on Low for 6- 8 hours or on High for 4- 6 hours . The chicken should be super tender.
- Finish: Stir in 1/2 cup (120 ml) of cream (or coconut milk). Garnish with cilantro. Serve with rice or naan.
Pro Tips for Cracking Slow Cooker Chicken Indian
Want to take your Slow Cooker Tikka Masala next level? Sear the chicken. Seriously, don't skip it if you have time.
It makes a huge difference. Also, taste the sauce before serving. Adjust the seasoning to your liking. If it's not spicy enough, add more chili powder.
A common mistake is forgetting to check the chicken is cooked through. The internal temperature should be 165° F ( 74° C) .
If you want to make this ahead, cool it completely and store it in the fridge for up to three days.
This Tikka Masala Recipe is a proper winner.
Recipe Notes for Your Best Ever Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala
Alright, so you're about to dive into making this Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala . Before you do, let's chat about some stuff that'll make your life easier.
This ain't just a recipe; it's an adventure! And like all good adventures, a few handy notes can make all the difference.
This Tikka Masala Recipe will be easier than you thought it was.
Fab Ways to Serve Your Crock Pot Creation
So, you've got this amazing Creamy Chicken Tikka Masala . How do you make it look as good as it tastes?
- Plating Perfection: Get yourself some nice bowls. Pile that Chicken Indian deliciousness high. Garnish with a generous sprinkle of fresh cilantro. A swirl of cream or coconut milk? Chef's kiss!
- Sidekicks: Fluffy basmati rice is a classic, obvs. But don't forget warm naan bread for scooping up every last bit of that yummy sauce. Raita is a cooling counterpoint to the spices, and mango chutney adds a sweet and tangy twist.
Storing Your Slow Cooker Masterpiece
Leftovers? You're in for a treat the next day!
- Fridge Rules: Pop any leftovers into an airtight container. They'll happily hang out in the fridge for up to 3-4 days . Honestly, the flavors just get better.
- Freezer is Your Friend: This Slow Cooker Chicken Thigh Tikka Masala freezes brilliantly. Portion it out into freezer safe containers. It's good for up to 3 months . Defrost overnight in the fridge.
- Reheating 101: Gently reheat on the hob or in the microwave. Add a splash of water or broth if it seems a bit dry. Bob's your uncle!
Easy Adaptations for your Tikka Masala
Fancy switching things up a bit? No worries! Here's how you can tweak this Healthy Chicken Tikka Masala Slow Cooker .
- Spice it Up : Want a bit of heat? Add extra chilli powder. A chopped fresh chilli does the trick too.
- Veggie Vibes: Swap the chicken for chickpeas or cauliflower for a delish vegetarian Chicken Indian alternative.
Nutrition Nuggets
Okay, let's talk numbers. This is all based on estimates, mind you.
- Each serving racks up around 450 calories .
- You're looking at about 40g of protein , which is great for keeping you full and satisfied.
- There's around 25g of fat . Remember, fat isn't the enemy!
- Around 15g carbs , and some good fibre to boot.
Listen, making Slow Cooker Indian Recipes doesn't need to be scary. This Easy Slow Cooker Chicken recipe is dead simple.
So grab your crock pots , get your ingredients ready and have fun. You've got this! Plus, this Marinade Chicken is simply delicious.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala spicier? My family loves a bit of a kick!
Absolutely! If you're a fan of a bit of heat, simply increase the amount of chili powder in the recipe. A pinch of cayenne pepper will also do the trick. For a real fire breathing experience, finely chop some fresh green chilies and add them in with the onions and garlic.
Just remember to start small and taste as you go you can always add more, but you can't take it away!
I'm trying to cut down on dairy. Can I still make this Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala?
You bet your bottom dollar you can! Simply swap out the heavy cream for coconut milk at the end. It will give you that same creamy texture and a lovely subtle flavour. Nobody will even know the difference, promise! It's a brilliant alternative for those who are lactose intolerant or following a dairy-free diet.
Is it really necessary to sear the chicken before putting it in the slow cooker? It seems like an extra step.
While searing the chicken isn't strictly necessary for this Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala, it does add a lovely depth of flavour and caramelisation to the meat. Think of it like browning the edges of a roast it just elevates the taste. If you're short on time, feel free to skip it.
The dish will still be delicious! Just be sure to adjust cooking times if you do.
How long can I store leftover Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala?
Leftovers will keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to cool it down completely before refrigerating. When reheating, ensure it's piping hot all the way through. It's also freezer friendly, so portion it out and freeze for a quick and easy meal later in the month.
Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken thighs for this Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala?
Yes, you can use chicken breast if that's what you prefer! However, be aware that chicken breast tends to dry out more easily than thighs, especially in a slow cooker. Keep a close eye on it and reduce the cooking time slightly to prevent it from becoming tough.
You might also consider adding a little extra broth or tomato sauce to keep it moist.
The sauce seems a little thin. How can I thicken my Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala sauce?
If your sauce is looking a bit runny, there are a couple of easy fixes! First, you can remove the lid during the last hour of cooking and let some of the liquid evaporate. Alternatively, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to form a slurry, then stir it into the sauce during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Give it a good stir and it'll thicken up nicely!
Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 450 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 25g |
| Fiber | 3g |
