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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.

Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala

Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala

4.40 stars average
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 Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 10 minutes
Serves4
CourseMain Dish
Calories250

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
 

  1. Place cubed chicken breasts and diced onion in the bottom of a slow cooker.
  2. 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.
  3. Cook on Low for 8 hours or High for 4 hours. Serve with brown rice and cucumber raita on the side.

Nutrition

Calories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 16.8gProtein: 25.9gFat: 9.2gSaturated Fat: 5.6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3.6gCholesterol: 62mgSodium: 880mgFiber: 3.5gSugar: 7.8g

Liz’s Notes

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

Have you tried this?

Let us know how it was!

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. Kelly Senyei | Just a Taste Avatar
    Kelly Senyei | Just a Taste

    This is my all-time favorite Indian takeout dish! Can’t wait to try your recipe!

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      You and me both Kelly!! I crave it all the time!!

  2. Susan Avatar
    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.

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      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. :)

  3. OrnaBakes Avatar
    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!

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      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!!

  4. Gaby Avatar
    Gaby

    Comfort food in the slow cooker plus you made it lighter! What more could a girl ask for?

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      Not much my friend!! Hope you had a great trip!!! Such a world traveler. :)

  5. Liz Avatar
    Liz

    Thank you, Liz. Nice recipe.

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      Thanks Liz – have a great weekend!!

  6. Nikki @Seeded at the Table Avatar
    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!

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      YES!! The spice is so amazing and really makes food stand out. It’s like 5 spices in one. :)

  7. Phoebe Lapine Avatar
    Phoebe Lapine

    Love this recipe! Nothing better than a simple, delicious slow-cooker recipe!

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      I couldn’t agree more, especially this time of year!

  8. Lauren @ Climbing Grier Mountain Avatar
    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.

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      LOL!!!!!! It will always remind me of that pizza we ate in Austin at the Dole event!! xo

  9. Sophia @ NY Foodgasm Avatar
    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!

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      Oh my gosh I have that on my “to make” this!!! Good reminder!!!!

  10. claire @ the realistic nutritionist Avatar
    claire @ the realistic nutritionist

    EFFF yes.