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Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala

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A rich and creamy slow cooker chicken tikka masala recipe that is easy to prepare, packed with flavor, and perfect for cozy dinners. The slow cooker method allows the chicken to become tender while the spices meld beautifully.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt, full-fat
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 cup canned tomato puree or crushed tomatoes (no added sugar)
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk
  • 2 teaspoons garam masala
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
  • 2 tablespoons butter or ghee
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Instructions

  1. Marinate the chicken: In a large bowl, combine chicken pieces with Greek yogurt, 1 teaspoon garam masala, 1/2 teaspoon turmeric, 1/2 teaspoon chili powder, and a pinch of salt. Mix thoroughly, cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight.
  2. Sauté aromatics: Heat vegetable oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for an additional 2 minutes until fragrant.
  3. Add spices: Sprinkle in cumin, smoked paprika, remaining garam masala, and a pinch of salt. Stir constantly for 1-2 minutes to toast the spices and release their aroma.
  4. Incorporate tomato puree: Pour in the tomato puree, stirring to combine. Let simmer gently for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and deepens in color.
  5. Transfer to slow cooker: Pour the sautéed sauce into the slow cooker. Add marinated chicken along with all the marinade. Stir gently to coat the chicken evenly.
  6. Cook: Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours or on high for 3 hours until chicken is tender and sauce is creamy and thickened.
  7. Finish the sauce: About 15 minutes before serving, stir in the heavy cream or coconut milk. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, and simmer uncovered if the sauce needs thickening.
  8. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro over the top. Serve hot with basmati rice or warm naan bread.

Notes

Marinate chicken overnight for best flavor and tenderness. Toast spices in the skillet to unlock full flavor. Avoid overcooking chicken to keep it juicy. Stir in cream late to keep sauce silky. If sauce is too thin, thicken with cornstarch slurry and cook on high for 10-15 minutes. For dairy-free, substitute cream and yogurt with coconut alternatives. Use chicken breasts with caution as they can dry out faster.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken tikka masala, slow cooker recipe, creamy chicken curry, easy dinner, Indian cuisine, slow cooker chicken, comfort food

Find it online: https://daintydine.com/creamy-slow-cooker-chicken-tikka-masala-recipe-easy-homemade-dinner/