Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala
Our Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala is a lighter and healthier twist on a traditionally heavy cream-laden dish.
Ingredients
Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala
- 1.5 lbs chicken thighs, boneless, skinless
- 1 onion, diced
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tbs freshly grated ginger (Can substitute ginger powder)
- 2 tbs tomato paste
- 2 tbs garam masala
- 2 tsp coriander
- 2 tsp paprika
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 28-ounce can diced tomatoes (Can substitute 28-ounce can whole, peeled tomatoes)
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup fresh cilantro, diced
Basmati Rice
- 2 cups basmati recipe
- 2 tbs salted butter
- 3 cups water
- 1 tsp salt
Instructions
Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala
- Cube chicken thighs into bite-size pieces. Add to slow cooker (be sure it's larger than 3 quarts). Stir in the diced onion, minced garlic, grated ginger, tomato paste, garam masala, coriander, paprika, and the salt until the chicken pieces are coated with the spices. It will smell absolutely delicious at this point.
- Add the entire can of the diced tomatoes or whole peeled tomatoes, juices and all. Those tomato juices will build the base of the sauce.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 4 hours, or low for 8 hours. When the time is up, stir in the heavy cream. Cook for an additional 20 minutes with the slow cooker uncovered. This is when you'll start to make the rice.
Basmati Rice
- Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Drain the rice well.
- Melt butter in a medium pot over medium heat. Add the rice and cook for 2 minutes while stirring to evenly distribute the butter.
- Stir in the water, add the salt, and bring to a rolling boil on high heat. When boil is reached, reduce the heat to a low simmer and cover, cooking for about 20 minutes until the liquid is absorbed by the rice.
- To serve, remove from heat and let stand, covered, for five minutes. Spoon rice into a flat-bottomed bowl, and layer the chicken tikka masala on top. Sprinkle portion liberally with cilantro to taste.
- Serve with warm naan, and enter an Indian food coma so euphoric, you won't believe you made it yourself.
Notes
Garam masala is a must-have when it comes to Indian cooking. It can often be found in the spice sections of specialty grocery stores, though you can also order it on Amazon in a large quantity. It flavors everything from curry dishes to masalas, and is the key component to pulling off Indian dishes in your own kitchen.
