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Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala

Liz DellaCroce Avatar

LIZ DELLA CROCE

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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.

Chicken Tikka Masala with pita bread

Why is Indian food so delicious? They say it is because of the lack of overlapping flavors. It has a mix of spices that is loved all over the globe.

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!)

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can this be made dairy free?

If you’re not able to eat yogurt that’s not a problem. 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.

Can this be made on the stovetop instead?

Yes absolutely! The entire dish should cook in about 45-60 minutes.

Is this dish more of a tomato-based masala or creamy based dish?

It’s more tomato-based than creamy
Cucumber Raita Recipe Indian


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.

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.

Have you tried my
Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala?

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Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala

Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala

4.40 stars average
Liz Della Croce
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. 
PREP: 10 minutes
COOK: 8 hours
TOTAL: 8 hours 10 minutes
Pin
Servings4

Equipment

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
  • ¼ cup tomato paste
  • 2 tablespoons grated ginger root
  • 2 cloves garlic (grated)
  • 2 tablespoons garam masala
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne (optional)
  • ¼ 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.

Last Step:

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Liz’s Notes

To lower sodium content, simply cut the salt amount in half.

Nutrition

Calories: 250kcal | Carbohydrates: 16.8g | Protein: 25.9g | Fat: 9.2g | Saturated Fat: 5.6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3.6g | Cholesterol: 62mg | Sodium: 880mg | Fiber: 3.5g | Sugar: 7.8g

Find more healthy slow cooker recipes on my Pinterest board!


4.40 from 82 votes (67 ratings without comment)

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147 responses to “Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala”

  1. Carla @ Carla's Confections Avatar
    Carla @ Carla’s Confections

    This seriously looks amazing! I think it needs to pop up in our rotation soon!

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      Yes it does Carla!!! It’s so easy you won’t regret it!

  2. Samantha @FerraroKitchen Avatar
    Samantha @FerraroKitchen

    I was JUST asking about how to use leftover coconut milk! This will be happening tonight!

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      Awesome!! I hope you love it as much as we did!!

  3. Alaina @ Fabtastic Eats Avatar
    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!!

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      My little man devoured this Alaina!! I hope you guys like it!

  4. Eat Good 4 Life Avatar
    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!!

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      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!! :)

  5. Stephanie @ Girl Versus Dough Avatar
    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.

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      It’s so incredibly easy – trust me!! If I’m making it, it’s easy. ;-)

  6. Aggie Avatar
    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!

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      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. ;)

  7. Brenda @ a farmgirl's dabbles Avatar
    Brenda @ a farmgirl’s dabbles

    Mmmmm…I love tikka masala, but have never made it from scratch. I need to try this!!

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      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!

  8. Jennifer @ Peanut Butter and Peppers Avatar
    Jennifer @ Peanut Butter and Peppers

    Yum! Wow your Chicken Tikka Masala looks amazing! I love how healthy you made it!!

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      Thank you so much!! The spices and ginger really make this dish – no need for heavy cream!

  9. Amanda Avatar
    Amanda

    I have never heard of garam masala, and now I am intrigued! It sounds amazing!

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      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!!

  10. Rachel @ Baked by Rachel Avatar
    Rachel @ Baked by Rachel

    I LOVE slow cooker recipes, maybe as much as I love apples… maybe ;) Love your healthified version of this recipe!

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      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!

      1. Cheryl Avatar
        Cheryl

        Slow cooker muligatawny anyone? I feel like there should be a raised eyebrow there.