Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala

How do you feel about a crock pot meal that's super easy but FULL of flavor? That's what my slow cooker chicken tikka masala is all about.

But first, let's celebrate that it's been a year since The Gourmet RD started!

Seriously, like, one year ago I wrote my very first blog and shared with you one of my very favorite recipes - Butternut Squash Mac & Cheese.  

I remember writing this blog and thinking that I was about to let the whole world know that I'm a total dork who talks nonstop about (and to) her food.  

It was so difficult to press "publish" that first time, but let me tell you.  It was the best decision.  Ever.  

So much has happened in one year - namely 50-something amazing {I mean, uh-mazzzzing} recipes have happened - but I've also done so much in other parts of lyfe.  

Took a new {fabulous} job and moved into our new home!  Like, these are big things.  OH, and I almost forgot to tell you that The Gourmet RD has {almost} officially turned into a real business.  

Like, one where I do recipe development and food photography for REAL PEOPLE.  Someone pinch me bcuz this can't be real.  

More to come on that, friends.

But anyway, we've basically been on a food journey together for the past 365 {ish} days and I hope you haven't made too much fun of my ridiculousness and are still here, reading my ridiculous blogs, and most importantly, cooking delichus food!

Okay, okay.  I promise I'm moving on to what's really important.  And it's that this food - this here food - is insanely good.  

Why, you ask?  Because it's December now and apparently that means it's winter, and this is uber-comforting when you're feeling sad about that.  

There's all this sauce that is perfect to sop up with freshly-baked naan.  

Which makes my belly feel warm and satisfied and happy.  

And *bonus* the house smells so good because of the yummy spices - like you're at an Indian restaurant, but you're in the comfort of your own home.  

It's necessary to sit next to a fire all wrapped up in a blanket while eating this. #netflixandchill

Like I said, I'm dorky, and yes, I just hashtagged for no reason whatsoever.

How to make slow cooker chicken tikka masala (with pumpkin!)

But there is just one other thing.  I don't know if I'm actually allowed to call this tikka masala because, well, putting pumpkin in this dish is far from traditional.  

I just don't know what's gotten into me. One day a random food thought popped into my head - while driving - and I just had to make it a reality.  

Like hey, how would tikka masala taste if I tossed in a dollop of pumpkin puree?

And how about I swap coconut milk for yogurt, because... why not?  {And maybe that's all I had at home.}  It's random.  

But IT'S GOOD.  The pumpkin gives it this velvety texture, and the coconut milk makes it super creamy with a hint of one of my favorite flavors, ever.  

And both lend themselves well with the Indian spices, that have to be toasted, btw, to give them extra umpf and nuttiness.  

Oh, and did I mention that this dish is made in the slow cooker?  And it tastes even better the next day?  No jokes.  #leftovers

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