This slow cooker chicken tikka masala utilizes lean chicken breasts that are slowly cooked in a flavorful sauce. A lightened up version of the Indian dish.
Why is Indian food so delicious? Oh wait, I know. Because most of our favorite dishes made in Indian American restaurants are full of butter and heavy cream. Dangit!!
Fortunately, I’ve found a way to boost up the flavor with low calorie, high impact ingredients such as fresh ginger, garam masala (an Indian spice blend) and light coconut milk.
While chicken tikka masala is often made with chicken thighs, I find that slow cooking the lean chicken breasts makes them completely juicy and tender.
Plain yogurt is added for added tenderization and tanginess (plus a hefty boost of protein and calcium!)
Is there a dairy-free option? I’m not able to eat yogurt?
Yes. You can just use the coconut milk no need to add anything or substitute yogurt with soy yogurt.
What type of coconut milk should be used?
I like to use Thai style light coconut milk in a can. You can also use full-fat Thai style coconut milk. Just be sure you’re using Thai style coconut milk not the processed coconut milk in the vegan milk section.
To serve, be sure to whip up a quick batch of Cucumber Yogurt Raita, a cool and delicious cucumber yogurt sauce that helps balance the richness of the dish.
Fun Fact: if you used the full amount of cayenne to make the dish a bit spicy, the yogurt sauce in the cucumber raita will help combat the heat, unlike water which only exacerbates the burn.
Can chicken tikka masala be made on the stovetop?
Yes absolutely! The entire dish should cook in about 45-60 minutes.
Is this more of a tomato-based masala or creamy based?
It’s more tomato-based than creamy
Of course, if cilantro isn’t your thing, simply leave it out at the end but I am 100% team cilantro so there is never enough garnish on my dish.
Your fork is waiting.
Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless (skinless chicken breasts - cubed)
- 1 medium onion (diced)
- 15 ounces coconut milk (Thai Style - light)
- 1 cup low fat plain yogurt
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons grated ginger root
- 2 cloves garlic (grated)
- 2 tablespoons garam masala
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne (optional)
- 1/4 cup minced cilantro (optional garnish)
- cucumber raita and brown rice (to serve yogurt sauce)
Instructions
- Place cubed chicken breasts and diced onion in the bottom of a slow cooker.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together coconut milk, yogurt, tomato paste, ginger, garlic, garam masala, cornstarch, salt and cayenne. Pour mixture over the chicken and onion and stir well.
- Cook on Low for 8 hours or High for 4 hours. Serve with brown rice and cucumber raita on the side.
Chef's Notes:
Nutrition:
Find more healthy slow cooker recipes on my Pinterest board!
Melissa
Good morning – I made this recipe and came home to find that the sauce curdled during the 8 hour cooking process. Any words of advice to avoid this from happening again? I used full fat coconut milk (all I had in the pantry) but the other ingredients were unchanged. Thanks for your help & am looking forward to trying the recipe again!
Liz DellaCroce
Did you whisk the coconut milk in the beginning?
Melissa
Yes!
Liz DellaCroce
I hope you love it!
Christa Kedar
Hello! Any thoughts on what I can use instead of the yogurt? I’m dairy free. =)
Liz DellaCroce
Coconut milk!
donna
can fat free yogurt be used?
Liz DellaCroce
Yes for sure!
Roseabell
Hey, quick question! I’m allergic to coconut milk and was wondering if any other type of milk will work! Thank you!
Liz DellaCroce
Hmmm…. I would do plain yogurt if I was you!
Sophie
Is there a way to adapt this to fit an 11 hour cooking time? I work full time!
Liz DellaCroce
I would try thighs instead of breasts OR just add more of the liquid!
Jennifer
Does this dish freeze well? Also, do you think I could use sour cream instead of yogurt? Love your site!
Liz DellaCroce
Yes it does and yes you can!! Thank you so much Jennifer!
Nancy
Made your slowcooker tikka masala tonight and we thoroughly enjoyed it. I did add some additional tomato paste and coconut milk as we like extra sauce. It was nice and spicy and it went perfect over rice.
Liz DellaCroce
I’m so glad you enjoyed it Nancy!
Amy
I know this wouldn’t technically be chicken tikka masala, but do you think I could use half cauliflower like you do in your slow cooker indian butter chicken recipe? I plan on doubling the recipe but only have a lb of chicken and am on kind of a strict budget! Would you recommend a different veg/filler like potatoes? This recipe looks amazing!! Thanks so much for your time and energy :) I love your site!
Liz DellaCroce
Yes absolutely!! Great idea!! I think I might make that this week too! :)
K Smith
Really good! Inspired by mini Naan on sale at Costco :) I searched for slow cooker Indian recipes and was so happy to find this healthy, simple one! Used thighs (since that’s what I had) and soy yogurt (due to son’s dairy sensitivity), and it turned out very good. Served with cucumber raita and rice as suggested, will make again!
Liz DellaCroce
Oh so smart! So glad you found it!!
Kbee36
I just made this tonight and it was so yummy. I added baby spinach to it 20 min before it was done for some added nutrition. Even my 3 year old ate it! Thank you for such an EASY recipe.
Liz DellaCroce
So glad you enjoyed it!!!
Nicola
My family loves this recipe! We served it to a large crowd at my daughter’s baptism and it was a hit. So many people asked to shared the recipe with them. Thanks again!
Liz DellaCroce
I’m so glad to hear it thank you so much for letting me know!
Emma
Is this tikka masala quite creamy? We love tikka masala but prefer it to be more tomatoey than creamy! Cant wait to try it though!
Liz DellaCroce
No it’s more tomatoey than creamy! :)
Angie
I tried this recipe. I’m Indian so I adjusted the recipe to try mimic the non crock pot one.I added 1 tsp Cumin powder and 1 tsp paprika for an extra kick!Oh and also a little extra garlic and ginger. Chicken was moist and came out amazing! Very close to the real stuff!
Liz DellaCroce
Oh I’m so glad you liked it and honored it was even remotely close to authentic!! Thank you so much!
Michelle
Thanks for this great recipe! I made it today. The heat level is absolutely perfect. :)
adam
Can I cook for two hours in the slow cooker on high and then finish it off in the oven for 30-45 mins? I was a bit late getting it into the slow cooker lol
Cheers.
Liz DellaCroce
I would actually finish it on the stove top! Let me know how it turns out!
Debby
Remember that slow cookers do not cook at the same speed – some of the overcooking/undercooking, burnt comments can be related to using a slow cooker that is too large for the amount of ingredients or has a different cooking heat than another., is a different material, has a different venting system etc.
Liz DellaCroce
Great point Debby!!
Kristen
Is it possible to use frozen chicken breast in this recipe?
Liz DellaCroce
Absolutely!
Mahendra
Liz, I tried your recipe last night as I recently bought a slow cooker and wanted to try this out. As a Desi (someone from India), I have to say it was awesome! I have sent the link to your recipe to both my daughter and her mom (now I am sharing recipes with the women in my life!)
I made a couple of small changes. Firstly, I used 2-3 Tbl spoons of ginger-garlic paste (we use these in a lot of Indian recipes and so had that around) instead of the fresh grated stuff and secondly, I added a few strands of Saforn after reading some of the comments just to make sure it was red/orange in color. Oh, and I doubled your suggested cayanne with 1 Tbl spoon of chilli powder. :-)
Lastly, I used store bought garam masala. But next time I will try our home made garam masala (which consists of cloves, cardamom and cinnamon).
Liz DellaCroce
Oh my goodness I am so truly honored that you enjoyed my Americanized version of a classic!! Love your tips and substitutions. I have used ginger/garlic paste before but can’t always find it. Sounds delicious!! Thank you so much!
Ashley
I’m so excited to try this tomorrow! I make tikka often for the fam but started working for a family in the evenings and don’t have time to cook and am relying on crock pot meals! I’m happy to be able to do one of our favorite dishes without it being time consuming!
Liz DellaCroce
I so hope you enjoy it!!!
Pravallika
Can I replace the milk products with anything? I am on a diet that doesn’t allow me to eat any dairy.
Liz DellaCroce
Coconut milk!
Danielle Holten
Do you think all the ingredients could be put into a freezer bag and frozen to be made at a later time? I’d love to make this and have on hand for those busy weeks.
Plan on making this next week !
Liz DellaCroce
Hmm…I hate to say it but I don’t think that would be the best idea. I would actually COOK the chicken and then freeze it as a cooked meal. :)
JT
Instead of using chicken can I use beef? We just had chicken curry today so I am trying to serve something different tomorrow but this recipe really looks good! Can I also use Greek yogurt instead of plain yogurt?
Liz DellaCroce
Yes I bet you could!! Greek yogurt can be used but I would thin it out a little with maybe a couple tablespoons of water.
Amber
First time making an Indian dish at home that turned out. So easy. Delicious and my hubby whom I could never convince to even try Indian cuisine had seconds. Thanks!
Liz DellaCroce
So thrilled to hear it!
Joe
I’m making this for my wife, I think she’ll like it. Is the sauce suppose to be light? I made the mixture to the T and it’s not really red like in the picture? I put it in the fridge and I’m going to put it in the crockpot before work. Does it get darker as it cooks maybe?
Liz DellaCroce
I’ve noticed that the color of the sauce varies depending on brands of spices. Don’t worry about the color as long as the flavor is there!
Jackie
Hi! I’m thinking about making this recipe tonight. Do you think it will work well if I keep the chicken breasts whole? Your chicken wasn’t dry even though you cubed it?
Thanks!
Liz DellaCroce
It would be fine if you kept it whole! Either way it never dries out because water (or any liquid) doesn’t evaporate in a slow cooker. :)
liz | carpé season
Tikka masala is a favorite in our house, so pinning this recipe for sure! Team Cilantro forever.
Kp
Was really looking forward to this dish but when I got home and looked in the slow cooker it was half burnt and the other half curdled, followed the recipe, disappointed :(
Liz DellaCroce
Oh dear!! I’m so sorry to hear that KP!! We make this dish regularly and that has never happened. Did you happen to make any substitutions or changes to the recipe at all? I would love to help you figure out a way to make this work!! Thank you for letting me know either way and again, I’m so sorry it didn’t work out for you.
Emily
Could I use minced ginger in a jar?
Liz DellaCroce
Absolutely!
Kirsty
I’m so happy I found this I have been following a diet that is similar to the paleo and I’m DYING for a curry! The only thing is that I can’t have cornstarch, would I be able to replace this with coconut flour or almond flour? Or could I leave it out?
Liz DellaCroce
You could use arrowroot instead! I *believe* it’s paleo?! You could also leave out. :)
Becky
MMMMMM! Incredible!!! I was sooo happy to find this recipe!!!! I’ve got this love affair going on with Indian food, and have a local buffet that I’ve frequented way too often!!! This recipe is definitely going to help me break that habit. This is every bit as good as that restaurant’s!
Question, though: Looking at the nutritional information, it says serving size is 2 cups, but that there are 4 servings. I know I used a little less than a full pound of chicken… but I only got a total of 4 cups. Is two cups really the serving size?
Thank you so much! A friend told me just 2 weeks ago maybe about your blog – to date I’ve tried this and the Turkish Red Lentil Soup – keep these incredible recipes coming!!!!
Liz DellaCroce
I’m so glad your friend told you about my site!! And I’m thrilled you’ve enjoyed the recipes so far!! :) And oh my goodness I’m so sorry – that should definitely be one cup!! I just updated the recipe. Please forgive my type-o!!
becky
No problem!!! Thank you for the quick response, I wasn’t expecting to hear back this fast! :)
Joanna H.
I was so excited to try this! It came out fantastic but it def is NOT Chicken Tikka Masala. I’m fine with it because it was actually very good but it was not what I thought I was making lol.
Liz DellaCroce
Oh no – I’m sorry it wasn’t what you expected! It’s definitely a lot lighter than the traditional version made with heavy cream. The goal was to create a healthy version of the Indian classic that can enjoy regularly without the guilt. :)
Amra
Hi, I just bought a slow cooker, I thought that youghurt wasn’t suitable for slow cooker and that it will seperate….same with the coconut milk….?
Liz DellaCroce
Since it cooks slowly, it works out well! I use yogurt and coconut milk all the time in my slow cooker!
kim
This turned out great! I noticed NO difference with the low fat ingredients. I combined your recipe with another recipe I found because I had these extra ingredients lying around:
•1 tablespoon cumin
•1/2 tablespoon paprika
•3/4 teaspoon cinnamon
•3/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
•2 bay leaves
It WAS delicious but I noticed that it didn’t have that slight sweetness to it like I’ve had at the restaurants so I added a bit of sugar to taste. It was PERFECT. Thank you!
Liz DellaCroce
I’m so glad you enjoyed it!!! Love what you did to it!
jen
Made this tonight for my husband and sister-in-law. Used the high setting for 4 hours with chicken thighs. The chicken just melted in your mouth. I thought proportions of spices were right on. Color wasn’t as bright but who cares, taste was awesome. Husband licked his plate clean. One of my new favorite recipes. Thank you.
Liz DellaCroce
I’m so glad you enjoyed it and it came out well!!!
Jerry
Found this recipe randomly on google. Decided to give it a shot. Turned out awesome. And I’ve grown up eating Indian food my whole life!
Liz DellaCroce
Wow I’m so thrilled to hear that Jerry!! So glad you enjoyed it!!
Cliff
Nice recipe!
To give it a boost of authentic tikka masala flavor, try mixing in a bit of dried fenugreek leaves immediately before serving, and you can even sprinkle some on to instead of cilantro or parsley as a garnish… Adds virtually no calories with this addition but nice flavor!
Liz DellaCroce
That is a brilliant idea Cliff!!!
Talbot
Should the chicken be cooked when it goes into the slow cooker? Thanks! Looking forward to trying this recipe; looks delicious.
Liz DellaCroce
Nope – raw! I hope you enjoy!!
Talbot
Thanks!
Collin
Just finished this. I think you have way too much garam masala. Followed to a T and it was not orange/red like the picture (turned brown) and it tasted solely of that spice. Maybe do half or less of it. Also, in a 3.5 quart slow cooker the chicken was over cooked in 7 hours.
Liz DellaCroce
Hi Collin – I’m sorry to hear the dish didn’t turn out as you had hoped! I do know that garam masala spice blends tend to differ quite a bit based on the brand you use as well as how old the spices are that were used to make the spice blend. Regardless, that doesn’t take away your experience so I truly apologize. I hope you try another recipe!! Thank you again for your feedback and Happy New Year!
Mahendra
Liz, you are right about different garam masalas available at your local Indian grocery stores. I am thinking of adding a couple of strands of safron to give it the red color. I will let you know how it turns out. Thanks for the recipe.
Liz DellaCroce
So glad you enjoyed it!!
Ken
Hi! Gonna try this soon. Is it possible to double up on the ingredients to the slow cooker so that I can serve 8?
Liz DellaCroce
Yes absolutely!! Enjoy!
Lisa
I’m very excited to try this recipe. However, I’m not a morning person (at all) so the thought of pulling this altogether before work sounds a little daunting. Do you think it’s okay to do all the prep the night before, store it in the fridge, and then throw it into my slow cooker first thing in the morning?
Liz DellaCroce
Absolutely!! Or cook on high for 4 hours!
Heather
I don’t know what I did wrong, the only change I made was to use Greek yogurt because I had it on hand but I cooked it exactly 4 hours on high and it looks curdled. Just totally disgusting looking, I’m so disappointed and wasted $10 of organic chicken and have no dinner tonight. :(
Liz DellaCroce
Oh no Heather!! I’ve never used Greek yogurt for this style of cooking so I can’t tell you if that was the problem. I use regular plain yogurt. I am truly sorry this did not work out for you – it is a HUGE favorite in our family. Please let me know if you try it again with the plain yogurt that I used!!
Sara
I made this last night and used Greek yogurt… I was a little suspicious when I came home and looked at it, but once I stirred well everything was fine. Husband and I both ate it and are no worse for the wear. :)
I thought it was very good, even with my fake garam masala I mixed up with a bunch of spices, but I did miss the butter. Hopefully after making it a few more times I’ll get used to the healthy way. Thanks Liz!
Liz DellaCroce
Oh I’m so glad you liked it!! I’ve never made it with Greek yogurt but I’m glad it worked out!! Very impressed you made your own garam masala blend, too!
Kerry
Made this last night. I couldn’t reach the cornstarch in my cabinet so I used a little tapioca. The dish was delicious! My boyfriend kept eating it and later dipped naan in the sauce and snacked on that! I made the cucumber raita but didn’t have time to drain yogurt. I put it in the freezer for about 15 min and it thickenened up a bit. Added it to top of tikka masala-yum!
Thanks for posting.
Liz DellaCroce
That sounds incredible – so glad you enjoyed Kerry!!
Nusrat Azim
Your without oil, healthy version of Chicken Tikka masala looks really really lustrous :) Never thought of adding corn starch though; I’m intrigued to give it a try ASAP :)
Lovely, warm pictures.
Liz DellaCroce
The corn starch helps it thicken up a bit!! Let me know what you think!
Nutmeg Nanny
I can’t get enough slow cooker recipes! This looks so full of flavor :) I am loving it!
Liz DellaCroce
Me neither sista!! It has been my saving grace this pregnancy especially!
Wendy
I have recently made the regular version for DH and he had already requested I make it again. Now I will have to try this because I love the healthier option and the fact that it’s a slow-cooker recipe. Win-win all around!
Liz DellaCroce
It is such a classic dish – my husband orders it every time!! He loved this version so I hope your hubby doesn’t mind the lighter version!!
Brittany
Made your recipe tonight and it was delicious! I accidentally used regular coconut milk so I am looking forward to making it again next time with low fat. Thank you for sharing.
Liz DellaCroce
Oh I’m sure it was even better!! So glad you liked it!
Chung-Ah | Damn Delicious
I’m dying for Indian food now, and it’s midnight!
Liz DellaCroce
haha you sound like me!!! :) xo
Kirsten
Liz,
I need to figure out how to make my own tomato paste–I normally put a quart of crushed tomatoes into my slow cooker tikka masala, but this lightened version sounds pretty good to me! And my kids fight over the leftovers, so it’s a winning recipe in my book.
Thanks!
Liz DellaCroce
Ooo I like your crushed tomatoes idea too!! I love tomatoes!!
Brian
I used crushed tomatoes instead of the paste. Two 28oz with 4 lbs of chicken.
Kristen
I totally need to use my slow cooker more… it’s such a time saver! This looks like a fantastic recipe to try!
Liz DellaCroce
I don’t use it enough but every time I do, my entire afternoon is filled with happy “dinner is already done” thoughts. :) xo
Alyssa (Everyday Maven)
This is my kind of dinner – and made in the slow cooker? Love it!
Liz DellaCroce
Perfect for busy mamas like us!!
Kelly Senyei | Just a Taste
This is my all-time favorite Indian takeout dish! Can’t wait to try your recipe!
Liz DellaCroce
You and me both Kelly!! I crave it all the time!!
Susan
Why is it that all of a sudden people are posting delicious-sounding crock pot recipes, when I have just decided I hate cooking in a crock pot? The problem is, when things are cooking for hours while I am at home (I am retired), the smell of the cooking becomes downright unpleasant. I had that experience just yesterday. I love Indian food, so I will make this on the stove top so the cooking aromas don’t become overwhelming.
Liz DellaCroce
Oh I completely understand that Susan, especially being pregnant with a very strong sense of smell!!! But, my exhaustion levels and my busy toddler make the slow cooker too easy to resist at least once or twice a week. :)
OrnaBakes
I was just looking at a can of Light Coconut Milk from TJ’s in my pantry and wondering what to do with it. And I’m ashamed to say I’ve only used my beautiful slow cooker ONCE. And this happens to be my hubby’s absolute fav Indian food dish (well, actually, the only one he’ll eat!). Will definitely make it soon!
Liz DellaCroce
Oh good I’m so glad!!! I always keep a can of coconut milk on hand because it’s so versatile. I hope you like this!!
Gaby
Comfort food in the slow cooker plus you made it lighter! What more could a girl ask for?
Liz DellaCroce
Not much my friend!! Hope you had a great trip!!! Such a world traveler. :)
Liz
Thank you, Liz. Nice recipe.
Liz DellaCroce
Thanks Liz – have a great weekend!!
Nikki @Seeded at the Table
Ok, you and Sheila are convincing me to start cooking with garam masala! Friends had us over a couple of weeks ago for my first experience of home cooked Indian food. I loved loved loved it!! Now I need to make this in my own home!
Liz DellaCroce
YES!! The spice is so amazing and really makes food stand out. It’s like 5 spices in one. :)
Phoebe Lapine
Love this recipe! Nothing better than a simple, delicious slow-cooker recipe!
Liz DellaCroce
I couldn’t agree more, especially this time of year!
Lauren @ Climbing Grier Mountain
I would rub garam masala all over my body if it was appropriate. I love that stuff. You know I will be making this.
Liz DellaCroce
LOL!!!!!! It will always remind me of that pizza we ate in Austin at the Dole event!! xo
Sophia @ NY Foodgasm
I love Chicken Tikka Masala AND I love my slowcooker! Love this! It reminds me of Half Baked Harvest’s Butter Chicken, which was AMAZING! This sounds just as good, YUM!
Liz DellaCroce
Oh my gosh I have that on my “to make” this!!! Good reminder!!!!
claire @ the realistic nutritionist
EFFF yes.
Carla @ Carla's Confections
This seriously looks amazing! I think it needs to pop up in our rotation soon!
Liz DellaCroce
Yes it does Carla!!! It’s so easy you won’t regret it!
Samantha @FerraroKitchen
I was JUST asking about how to use leftover coconut milk! This will be happening tonight!
Liz DellaCroce
Awesome!! I hope you love it as much as we did!!
Alaina @ Fabtastic Eats
I LOVE slow cooker recipes! I don’t think Ive ever had this dish, but Im going to have to change that soon! Sounds wonderful!!
Liz DellaCroce
My little man devoured this Alaina!! I hope you guys like it!
Eat Good 4 Life
I love Indian food, and could you believe I have never made Tikka Massala before? I am planning on making a vegetarian version however the chicken one looks really good too :-) I have jars and jars of Indian spices at home. I just love them all. Great recipe!!
Liz DellaCroce
It’s funny – I realized I had 3 (!!) jars of garam masala in my pantry the other day. Clearly I’m not doing enough Indian cooking!!! It’s really great in a veggie curry with chickpeas too. Ok you’re making me hungry!! :)
Stephanie @ Girl Versus Dough
OK, this settles it. I’ve been wanting to make slow cooker chicken tikka masala at home for FOREVER, but every recipe I’ve come upon looks just way too complicated/overwhelming. This one is just perfect. And with that cool raita on the side? I’m drooling already.
Liz DellaCroce
It’s so incredibly easy – trust me!! If I’m making it, it’s easy. ;-)
Aggie
I’ve been all about the slow cooker lately – wonder why? ;)
I have got to start making Indian dishes more at home, I bet this smells amazing!! Looks wonderful!
Liz DellaCroce
LOL you and me both!!!! It’s a life saver!! I hope you try this – Rich and Asher devoured it! Don’t forget to buy some naan bread. ;)
Brenda @ a farmgirl's dabbles
Mmmmm…I love tikka masala, but have never made it from scratch. I need to try this!!
Liz DellaCroce
I love ordering it in restaurants but it’s always so heavy and I feel guilty for weeks – lol. I love this version because we can eat it all the time and get all of those crazy good flavors without the heaviness. I hope you try it Brenda!
Jennifer @ Peanut Butter and Peppers
Yum! Wow your Chicken Tikka Masala looks amazing! I love how healthy you made it!!
Liz DellaCroce
Thank you so much!! The spices and ginger really make this dish – no need for heavy cream!
Amanda
I have never heard of garam masala, and now I am intrigued! It sounds amazing!
Liz DellaCroce
Oh Amanda it is such a magical spice mixture!! If you’ve ever had Indian food, you’ll instantly recognize the intoxicating smell!!
Rachel @ Baked by Rachel
I LOVE slow cooker recipes, maybe as much as I love apples… maybe ;) Love your healthified version of this recipe!
Liz DellaCroce
hahah Is there anything better than slow cooker and apples during the fall? I don’t think so! I need to make slow cooker apple butter soon!
Cheryl
Slow cooker muligatawny anyone? I feel like there should be a raised eyebrow there.