Description
This slow-cooker chicken tikka masala is a wholesome, dairy-free comfort meal made with tender chicken simmered in a rich tomato and coconut milk sauce infused with aromatic spices. It’s an easy, clean-eating recipe perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 large yellow onion, finely diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and grated (about 1 1/2 tablespoons)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 2 teaspoons ground coriander
- 1/2 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 15 ounces tomato sauce
- 1 cup unsweetened canned coconut milk
- 1 small handful fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
- 2 cups cooked brown rice (for serving)
Instructions
- Lightly grease the inside of the slow cooker with coconut oil or olive oil.
- Add the chicken, diced onion, garlic, ginger, turmeric, cayenne, coriander, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir to coat the chicken evenly with spices.
- Pour in the tomato sauce and coconut milk. Stir until fully combined and chicken is covered.
- Cover and cook on HIGH for 4–5 hours or LOW for 8–9 hours, until chicken is tender and reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve warm over cooked brown rice and garnish with chopped cilantro.
Notes
- For thicker sauce, remove lid during last 30 minutes on HIGH.
- Add extra coconut milk for a creamier consistency.
- Chicken thighs can be substituted for richer flavor.
- Store in refrigerator up to 4 days or freeze up to 3 months.
- Serve with quinoa or cauliflower rice for variation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4–5 hours (HIGH) or 8–9 hours (LOW)
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (with rice)
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
