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Modified: Mar 21, 2022 | Categories: Instant Pot & Crock Pot

Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala

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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.

Overhead shot of slow cooker chicken tikka masala.

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.

Overhead close-up shot of finished chicken tikka masala.

How to make slow cooker chicken tikka masala

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.

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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Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala

Print Recipe

A delicious dinner option made with pumpkin puree, loads of Indian spices, ginger, garlic and coconut, slow cooked and served over Jasmine rice.

  • Author: Julie Andrews
  • Prep Time: 10 mins
  • Cook Time: 20 mins
  • Total Time: 30 mins
  • Yield: 6 Servings 1x
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Slow Cooker
  • Cuisine: Indian

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken:

  • 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs and breasts, diced
  • 15-ounce can full fat canned coconut milk
  • Zest and juice from ½ lemon
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • ½ teaspoon each coarse salt and ground black pepper

Sauce:

  • ½ tablespoon butter or olive oil
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2-inch piece fresh ginger, minced
  • 2 tablespoons garam masala
  • 2 teaspoons paprika
  • Pinch crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Coarse salt and ground black pepper
  • 3 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 15-ounce can diced tomatoes
  • ½ cup roughly chopped cilantro, chopped + more for garnish
  • Cooked Jasmine or basmati rice, for serving

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, combine chicken, coconut milk, lemon juice, cumin, coriander, salt and pepper. Chicken can be used immediately or marinated in refrigerator overnight.
  2. Warm butter or oil in a large skillet. Add the onion and cook until soft, about 4-5 minutes. Add the garlic and ginger and saute 30-60 seconds. Transfer to the bowl of a slow cooker. Stir in the garam masala, paprika, red pepper flakes, salt and black pepper. Stir in chicken with the marinade, then stir in the tomato paste and diced tomatoes. Cook on low 6-8 hours or high 3-4 hours.
  3. Stir in the cilantro. Taste and adjust seasonings, if necessary. Serve over rice with remaining cilantro as a garnish.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: ⅙ of recipe
  • Calories: 277
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 174 mg
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 27 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 24 g
  • Cholesterol: 77 mg

Keywords: easy, slow cooker, authentic, healthy, simple, chicken breast, chicken thighs, fall, seasonal

Did you make this recipe?

Did you make this recipe? Share a photo and tag us on Instagram and Facebook @thegourmetRD. We can't wait to see your creation!

Overhead shot of slow cooker chicken tikka masala.
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Mediterranean Breakfast Skillet »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Alicia says

    March 30, 2016 at 9:22 pm

    Loved how easy this recipe was, the pumpkin was a welcome addition, and it really resembled what you might get in a restaurant! The only addition I made was adding chicken stock to my preferred consistency. Thanks for breaking down a seemingly complex dish!

    Reply
    • Julie Andrews says

      March 31, 2016 at 6:53 pm

      So glad you enjoyed it!! Come again 🙂

      Reply
  2. elizabeth latham says

    March 23, 2022 at 6:16 am

    I don't see the pumpkin in the recipe. Did it get updated?

    Reply
    • Julie Andrews says

      March 23, 2022 at 11:20 am

      Yes, I updated it without the pumpkin puree but you can always add it. I usually do 1 cup!

      Reply

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hi, i’m julie!

chef, registered dietitian & mom
passionate about simple, healthy cooking

*formerly the gourmet RD*

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