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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. Heather Avatar
    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. :(

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      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!!

    2. Sara Avatar
      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!

      1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
        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!

  2. Kerry Avatar
    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.

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      That sounds incredible – so glad you enjoyed Kerry!!

  3. Nusrat Azim Avatar
    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.

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      The corn starch helps it thicken up a bit!! Let me know what you think!

  4. Nutmeg Nanny Avatar
    Nutmeg Nanny

    I can’t get enough slow cooker recipes! This looks so full of flavor :) I am loving it!

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      Me neither sista!! It has been my saving grace this pregnancy especially!

  5. Wendy Avatar
    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!

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      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!!

  6. Brittany Avatar
    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.

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      Oh I’m sure it was even better!! So glad you liked it!

  7. Chung-Ah | Damn Delicious Avatar
    Chung-Ah | Damn Delicious

    I’m dying for Indian food now, and it’s midnight!

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      haha you sound like me!!! :) xo

  8. Kirsten Avatar
    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!

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      Ooo I like your crushed tomatoes idea too!! I love tomatoes!!

      1. Brian Avatar
        Brian

        I used crushed tomatoes instead of the paste. Two 28oz with 4 lbs of chicken.

  9. Kristen Avatar
    Kristen

    I totally need to use my slow cooker more… it’s such a time saver! This looks like a fantastic recipe to try!

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      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

  10. Alyssa (Everyday Maven) Avatar
    Alyssa (Everyday Maven)

    This is my kind of dinner – and made in the slow cooker? Love it!

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      Perfect for busy mamas like us!!