Name: Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 5 h
Total time: 5 h 20 min
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 3 lbs chicken thighs, trimmed of excess fat, cut into 1 1/4-inch cubes; 1 small yellow onion, grated (scant 1/2 cup); 1 tbsp peeled and finely grated ginger; 1 tbsp minced garlic; 2 cups canned tomato puree; 1/2 cup low fat plain Greek yogurt; 2/3 cup heavy cream; 4 tsp tapioca starch; 1 tbsp dried fenugreek; Cayenne pepper, to taste (optional); Cilantro, for serving; 1 tbsp ground cumin; 1 tbsp mild kashmiri chili powder; 2 tsp ground coriander; 1 tsp turmeric; 1 tsp sugar; 1 tsp salt; 3/4 tsp ground black pepper; 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/4 tsp ground cardamom; 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg; 1/4 tsp ground cloves

There’s something irresistibly cozy about a rich, creamy curry simmering gently all day. This Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe makes that dream come true — tender chicken soaking up warm spices, perfect for a comforting dinner without fuss.

Two white bowls sit on a white marbled surface, each filled with two layers: on one side, fluffy white rice with a soft texture, and on the other, a creamy orange curry with small chunks of meat coated in sauce. Bright green cilantro leaves are scattered on top of the curry and rice, adding a fresh color contrast. A gold fork rests beside the front bowl on a wooden board, and fresh cilantro leaves are placed next to the board. A soft, light blue cloth is draped casually in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This recipe quickly became a staple in my house — it’s such an easy way to get those deep, layered flavors of Indian cuisine without standing over a hot stove. Plus, it’s flexible enough to suit your taste buds, and makes your home smell like a little curry paradise.

Simplicity Meets Flavor: Toss everything in the slow cooker and forget it until dinnertime — no complicated steps or constant stirring required.
Perfectly Tender Chicken: Cooking on low heat all day means the chicken thighs come out juicy and melt-in-your-mouth soft every single time.
Customizable Spice Level: You control how mild or spicy it gets, making it great for both newbies to Indian cooking and curry aficionados.
Great for Meal Prep: It reheats beautifully and even tastes better the next day once the flavors have developed further.

A black slow cooker is filled with thick orange curry sauce that has a creamy texture and visible spices. Inside the sauce are several pieces of tender meat covered in the sauce, placed throughout the cooker. Fresh green cilantro leaves are scattered on top, adding a bright contrast to the orange sauce. A wooden spoon with smooth texture is resting on the edge of the cooker, partially submerged in the curry. The background surface is white with a marbled pattern. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient here plays its part in building the iconic taste of chicken tikka masala. When combined slowly, all those spices, creamy elements, and fresh aromatics meld into a luscious sauce that’s the soul of this dish.

Flat lay of raw chicken thighs cut into cubes arranged neatly, a small mound of finely grated yellow onion, a small pile of peeled and grated fresh ginger, a small heap of minced garlic cloves, a neat stack of mixed ground spices in a small white ceramic bowl showcasing assorted warm reds and browns, a small white bowl filled with smooth bright red tomato puree, a small white bowl with creamy plain Greek yogurt, a small white bowl holding fresh heavy cream, a small white bowl containing fine white tapioca starch powder, a small white bowl filled with dried fenugreek leaves, a few fresh green cilantro sprigs artfully placed nearby, and a small white bowl with vibrant red cayenne powder, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Chicken thighs: Their higher fat content keeps the meat juicy and tender during slow cooking — perfect for soaking up all those spices.
Yellow onion (grated): Grating creates a smooth texture that blends well into the sauce without chunky bits.
Fresh ginger: Adds a fragrant, slightly spicy warmth that's essential to authentic flavor.
Garlic: Boosts depth and savoriness, a classic partner to ginger in Indian cooking.
Spice blend: The heart of this recipe, combining cumin, coriander, turmeric, and warming spices like cinnamon and cloves for complexity.
Tomato puree: Provides tangy sweetness and body, making the sauce rich without heaviness.
Greek yogurt: Adds creaminess and a subtle tang, helping tenderize the chicken during cooking.
Heavy cream: Makes the sauce luxuriously smooth and balances the spices with richness.
Tapioca starch: A gentle thickener that gives the sauce a perfect coating texture without cloudiness.
Dried fenugreek: Offers a distinct aromatic note that really takes the flavor to the next level.
Cayenne pepper (optional): Offers you control over heat—feel free to skip it or go bold depending on your mood.
Fresh cilantro: Brightens and freshens the finished dish when sprinkled on just before serving.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love tweaking this recipe depending on what I have on hand or who I’m cooking for. You’ll find it easy to make it your own, whether that means dialing up the heat or swapping in different dairy.

Variation: One time, I swapped out the heavy cream for coconut milk to give an extra tropical vibe — it was surprisingly delicious and dairy-free!
Heat Level Customization: If you prefer a milder curry, start with 1 tablespoon of Kashmiri chili powder and no cayenne; for more spice, double the chili powder and add cayenne gradually until it fits your fire tolerance.
Protein Swaps: You can use boneless skinless chicken breasts, but watch the cooking time because they cook faster and can dry out if left too long.
Make it Vegetarian: Try using tofu or cauliflower florets — just reduce cooking time so they don’t get mushy.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Layer Your Flavors

I start by trimming the chicken thighs and cutting them into bite-size cubes — about 1 ¼ inch pieces work perfectly to balance quick cooking with tenderness. Then, I grate the onion finely; this helps the onion melt into the sauce instead of standing out as chunks. Toss the chicken, grated onion, garlic, and freshly grated ginger right into the slow cooker. Sprinkle on the spice blend you whisked together beforehand, and give everything a gentle toss to coat the chicken well. The sight of those vibrant spices on the chicken still gives me a thrill every time.

Step 2: Add Tomato Puree and Yogurt, Then Slow Cook

Pour in the canned tomato puree and Greek yogurt next. I usually stir them gently into the chicken-spice mixture, but don’t over-stir or you might start breaking down the chicken pieces. Cover your slow cooker and set it to low. The magic happens during this 4 to 5 hour cook time: the chicken tenderizes beautifully, and the curry thickens into a lush, flavorful sauce. Resist the urge to open the lid too often, as it lets out the warmth and slows the cooking.

Step 3: Stir in Cream, Tapioca Starch, and Fenugreek

Once the chicken's cooked through, it’s time to create the silky finish. In a separate little measuring cup, whisk together the heavy cream and tapioca starch — this combo thickens the sauce perfectly without clumps. Pour it into the slow cooker along with the dried fenugreek leaves, then stir gently. This step transforms your curry into that signature tikka masala texture and flavor. I usually let it cook for another 15-20 minutes on low after this to let everything blend beautifully.

Step 4: Season to Taste and Serve

Before serving, I taste the curry and adjust salt and cayenne pepper as needed — it’s the little bit of cayenne that brings that perfect warming note without overpowering the dish. Serve it over fluffy basmati rice and sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro on top for a fresh, bright finish that contrasts the creamy sauce wonderfully.

Top Tip

I’ve made this Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe dozens of times now, and a few small tweaks have really improved the outcome. These tips help you avoid common pitfalls and get it tasting just right.

Use Chicken Thighs for Moisture: Trust me, chicken breasts dry out too easily in the slow cooker. Thighs stay juicy and flavorful throughout the long cooking time.
Grate Onion Instead of Chopping: This creates a silky texture in the sauce, so no unpleasant chunky surprises.
Whisk Cream with Tapioca Starch: This avoids lumps and helps thicken the sauce gently — don’t just pour cream in by itself!
Don’t Skip Fenugreek: It’s a little-known secret that gives tikka masala its unique earthy aroma. I always keep dried fenugreek in my spice drawer for this recipe alone.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe

Chicken Tikka Masala - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I never serve chicken tikka masala without generous fresh cilantro leaves sprinkled on top — that pop of green and fresh flavor is essential. Sometimes I add a little drizzle of cream or a squeeze of lime to brighten it all up just before serving.

Side Dishes

Fluffy basmati rice is my go-to side, soaking up every last bit of the sauce. For extra texture, I’ll serve it with warm naan bread or some roasted vegetables like cauliflower or green beans seasoned simply with salt and lemon.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, I like to dish it out in small bowls over rice, topped with a sprig of cilantro and a lime wedge. You can also serve the curry over roasted sweet potatoes for a fun twist, or even stuff naan with the chicken tikka masala for a handheld meal that always impresses.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After dinner, I cool the leftover chicken tikka masala to room temperature and then store it in airtight containers in the fridge. It keeps beautifully for 3 to 4 days and the flavors actually deepen overnight — bonus!

Freezing

I’ve successfully frozen this curry several times by portioning it into freezer-safe containers. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating — it retains its creamy texture perfectly, making it great for quick meals later on.

Reheating

My favorite way to reheat leftover chicken tikka masala is gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If it looks too thick, a splash of water or cream can restore that beautiful sauce consistency. Microwaving works too, just heat in short bursts to avoid drying out the chicken.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken breast for Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe?

You can, but chicken breasts cook faster and can easily dry out in the slow cooker, especially on low for 4-5 hours. If you choose breast, watch the cooking time closely and consider reducing it to 3-4 hours or switching to high heat.

How spicy is this Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe?

The heat level is adjustable depending on how much Kashmiri chili powder and cayenne pepper you use. The recipe’s standard setting is mildly spicy with a warm kick, but feel free to add more cayenne gradually if you prefer hotter curry.

Can I prepare the spice blend ahead of time?

Absolutely! The spice blend can be mixed days or even weeks in advance and stored in an airtight container. This not only saves prep time but also lets the spices marry, intensifying the flavors.

What can I serve with Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe?

Basmati rice is the classic pairing, absorbing the sauce wonderfully. Naan bread, roasted vegetables, or a fresh cucumber raita are also fantastic sides that complement the rich curry.

Final Thoughts

Making this Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe always feels like a little cookbook victory. It’s honest, soulful food that fills your home with amazing aromas and your plate with delicious comfort. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do — it’s one of those dishes you’ll want to keep coming back to and sharing with friends.