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- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs - 1 cup plain Greek yogurt - 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes - 1 tablespoon garam masala - 1 tablespoon ground cumin - 1 tablespoon ground coriander - 1 teaspoon turmeric powder - 1 teaspoon chili powder - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup coconut milk - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - Fresh cilantro for garnish - Cooked basmati rice or naan bread for serving I love using chicken thighs for this dish. They are tender and juicy. The Greek yogurt adds a nice creaminess and helps the spices stick. The crushed tomatoes give a rich base for the sauce. For spices, garam masala is key. It’s a blend that adds warmth and depth. Ground cumin and coriander bring out the best flavors in the chicken. Turmeric and chili powder add color and a bit of heat. Coconut milk makes the sauce extra smooth. The chopped onion gives a sweet touch when cooked. Fresh cilantro on top brightens the dish. Serving it with basmati rice or warm naan is a must for a full meal experience. This is the full recipe for slow cooker chicken tikka masala that you can follow for a delightful meal. - Combine yogurt and spices in a bowl. - Marinate the chicken pieces. First, grab a large bowl. You need to mix the yogurt with the spices. Add one cup of plain Greek yogurt. Then, put in one tablespoon each of garam masala, ground cumin, and ground coriander. Next, add one teaspoon of turmeric powder and one teaspoon of chili powder. Don’t forget to add minced garlic and ginger. Use one tablespoon of each. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix it all well until smooth. Now, cut two pounds of boneless, skinless chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. Add the chicken to the yogurt mix. Stir until the chicken is fully coated. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, let it sit in the fridge overnight for more flavor. - Layer chopped onion and crushed tomatoes. - Add marinated chicken on top. For the slow cooker, start by adding a finely chopped onion. Use one medium onion for the best taste. Next, pour in one can of crushed tomatoes (14 oz). Stir them together to make a base layer. Now, take your marinated chicken and layer it on top of the onion and tomato mix. Spread it out evenly. This helps all the flavors mix during cooking. - Pour coconut milk over chicken. - Set slow cooker to low or high. Next, grab one cup of coconut milk. Carefully pour it over the chicken. Do not stir it. This keeps the layers intact. Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Set your slow cooker to cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken will become tender and flavorful. After the cooking time, give it a gentle stir. Taste it and adjust the salt and pepper if needed. Serve your chicken tikka masala hot, garnished with fresh cilantro. Pair it with fluffy basmati rice or warm naan for a complete meal. For the full recipe, check the detailed instructions above. Marination makes your chicken full of flavor. I suggest marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes. For the best taste, let it sit overnight in the fridge. This helps the spices soak in deeply. You can also marinate at room temperature. Just keep it under one hour to stay safe. Layering your ingredients is key. Start with onions and crushed tomatoes for a strong base. Then add the marinated chicken on top. This keeps the chicken moist. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Check that the chicken is tender before serving. Serve chicken tikka masala with warm naan or fluffy basmati rice. This makes a great meal. For a nice touch, garnish with fresh cilantro. Use a bright bowl for the tikka masala. This will make your dish pop on the table. For a complete meal, add a side salad or yogurt dip. Enjoy your flavorful creation! {{image_4}} You can switch up the chicken in this dish. If you want a leaner option, use chicken breasts instead of thighs. For a plant-based meal, try tofu. Just cube the tofu and marinate it like the chicken. This will give it great flavor. If you need a dairy-free option, substitute the plain Greek yogurt with non-dairy yogurt. Almond or coconut yogurt work well. They add creaminess without the dairy. Do you like it spicy? You can add more chili powder or even fresh chilies. This will kick up the heat and make it more exciting. You can also add other spices like smoked paprika for a different taste. Want to add more nutrition? Toss in some chopped vegetables. Peas, bell peppers, or spinach blend well. They cook nicely in the slow cooker and boost the dish’s color and health benefits. Think outside the box with this sauce! You can make tikka masala pasta. Just cook your favorite pasta and mix it with the sauce. It’s a fun twist on a classic. Another idea is to create a tikka masala pizza. Spread the sauce on pizza dough and top with cheese. Bake until crispy for a tasty fusion dish. You can also use the sauce for grilling other meats. Brush it on chicken, beef, or pork before grilling. This adds a wonderful flavor that everyone will love. For the full recipe, check out the details above. To keep leftover chicken tikka masala fresh, store it in the fridge. Use airtight containers to prevent spills and moisture. Glass jars or plastic containers work well for storage. Make sure the dish cools down before sealing the lid. Leftovers can last up to four days in the refrigerator. For longer storage, you can freeze the chicken tikka masala. First, let it cool completely. Then, place it in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Try to remove as much air as possible before sealing. The dish stays fresh for about three months in the freezer. When you are ready to enjoy your chicken tikka masala again, reheating is simple. You can use a microwave or stovetop. If using a microwave, heat it in short bursts, stirring in between. For stovetop, warm it over low heat while stirring gently. This helps to keep the texture and flavor intact. Always check that it’s heated through before serving. How long does it take to make chicken tikka masala in a slow cooker? It takes about 6 to 7 hours on low or 3 to 4 hours on high. The long cook time helps make the chicken soft and lets the spices blend well. I love how easy it is to set and forget while I go about my day. Can I prepare chicken tikka masala ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare chicken tikka masala ahead. You can marinate the chicken the night before. Just store it in the fridge. Then, when you are ready, layer it in the slow cooker. It saves time and boosts flavor! Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe? You can use frozen chicken, but I do not recommend it. The chicken may not cook evenly. Thaw it first for best results. It ensures all pieces cook well and soak up those yummy spices. What can I substitute for coconut milk? If you need a substitute for coconut milk, try using heavy cream or almond milk. Both can work well. Heavy cream will make it richer, while almond milk keeps it lighter. Just adjust the seasoning to match your taste. Is a slow cooker necessary for this dish? A slow cooker is not necessary, but it helps a lot. It makes the chicken tender and lets flavors mix slowly. You could use a stovetop method, but it may need more attention to avoid burning. Can I cook this recipe on the stove instead? Yes, you can cook this recipe on the stove. Start by sautéing the onions and spices in a pot. Then add the chicken and tomatoes. Let it simmer for about 30 to 40 minutes until the chicken is tender. This way is quicker but still delicious. For the full recipe, check the detailed steps outlined above. You now have all the steps to make delicious slow cooker chicken tikka masala. This dish uses simple ingredients, spices, and smart cooking tips. Marinating the chicken boosts flavor, and layering your ingredients ensures even cooking. Remember, you can customize this recipe with different proteins or heat levels. Store any leftovers properly, so they stay fresh. Enjoy your meal with rice or naan. With these tips, your chicken tikka masala will impress everyone. Cook with confidence and keep exploring new variations!

Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala

Discover the ultimate recipe for Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala that will leave your taste buds craving for more! This easy dish combines tender chicken with rich spices, creamy coconut milk, and a hint of tang from Greek yogurt. Perfect for a cozy dinner, it's served alongside fluffy basmati rice or warm naan. Click through to explore the full recipe and bring this delicious meal to your table tonight!
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Ingredients
  

2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

1 cup plain Greek yogurt

1 tablespoon garam masala

1 tablespoon ground cumin

1 tablespoon ground coriander

1 teaspoon turmeric powder

1 teaspoon chili powder

1 tablespoon minced garlic

1 tablespoon minced ginger

1 medium onion, finely chopped

1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes

1 cup coconut milk

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Cooked basmati rice or naan bread, for serving

Instructions
 

In a large mixing bowl, combine the plain Greek yogurt, garam masala, ground cumin, ground coriander, turmeric powder, chili powder, minced garlic, and minced ginger. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper, and mix everything thoroughly until well incorporated.

    Add the chicken pieces to the yogurt mixture, ensuring they are all well coated. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature, or for enhanced flavor, refrigerate for up to overnight.

      Prepare your slow cooker by adding the finely chopped onion and pour in the crushed tomatoes. Stir these together to create a base layer.

        Carefully layer the marinated chicken mixture on top of the onion and tomato mix, spreading the chicken evenly across the surface.

          Gently pour the coconut milk over the chicken without stirring, as this layering helps the flavors meld beautifully during cooking.

            Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low for 6-7 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.

              Once the cooking time is up, gently stir the chicken tikka masala to combine, then taste and adjust the seasoning with extra salt and pepper if desired.

                Serve the chicken tikka masala hot, garnished with freshly chopped cilantro. Accompany it with fluffy basmati rice or warm naan bread for a delightful meal.

                  Prep Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 7 hours | Servings: 6-8

                    - Presentation Tips: Ladle the chicken tikka masala into a vibrant serving bowl, generously garnishing with freshly chopped cilantro. Present it alongside a colorful small bowl of basmati rice or a piece of warm naan to create an inviting and appetizing table setting.