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

One of my favorite slow-cooked meals that fills the whole house with comforting warmth is this Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe. It’s rich, creamy, and packed with perfect Indian-inspired spices that meld beautifully after hours on low heat. Trust me, your kitchen will smell like a dream!

Two white bowls are shown on a white marbled surface with a light green cloth in the background. Each bowl contains a dish with two clear layers: on one side, there is fluffy, white rice with visible grains, and on the other side, there are chunks of orange curry sauce-coated pieces, garnished with small green cilantro leaves scattered on top. The bowls sit on a wooden board, and fresh cilantro leaves are placed in front. The image has a warm, natural light look, 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 slow cooker version of chicken tikka masala is a game changer for weeknight dinners or anytime you want that deep, authentic flavor without fuss. I’ve been making it for friends and family and everyone always asks for seconds—it’s that good!

Effortless Flavor Development: Cooking the chicken slowly allows the spices and yogurt to deeply infuse every bite, creating layers of flavor with minimal hands-on time.
Creamy and Comforting: The blend of Greek yogurt and heavy cream gives the sauce a silky richness that’s comforting and delicious.
Customizable Spice Level: I love how you can dial up the heat with cayenne or keep it mild—perfect for everyone at the table.
Great for Busy Days: Set it and forget it in the slow cooker, then come back to a dish that tastes like it took all day to make.

The image shows a black cooker filled with a thick orange curry that has chunks of meat covered in it. The curry is smooth and creamy in texture, dotted with bright green cilantro leaves spread across the surface. A wooden spatula is resting inside the cooker, partly coated with the curry. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient here plays a crucial role in capturing that classic tikka masala taste, while also making sure the sauce is perfectly thick and creamy. Using chicken thighs keeps the meat tender during slow cooking, and the spice blend is truly the heart of this dish.

Flat lay of fresh raw chicken thighs cut into cubes, a small bright yellow onion whole and unpeeled, a small pile of fresh peeled ginger root, several whole garlic bulbs with papery skins intact, a small heap of ground spices including cumin, turmeric, coriander, and cinnamon arranged neatly, a simple white ceramic bowl filled with smooth red tomato puree, a small white bowl holding thick creamy Greek yogurt, another white bowl containing heavy cream, a tiny white bowl with fine tapioca starch powder, a small white bowl with dried fenugreek leaves, a few fresh cilantro sprigs with vibrant green leaves, and a small white bowl of bright red cayenne powder, all ingredients fresh and natural, perfectly arranged in balanced symmetry, 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: They stay juicy and tender, unlike breast meat which can dry out in long cooking.
Yellow onion (grated): Adding it grated helps it disappear into the sauce, creating natural sweetness and body without chunks.
Ginger (peeled & finely grated): Fresh ginger adds that warm zing that brightens the whole dish.
Garlic (minced): A classic foundational flavor that blends beautifully with the spices.
Spice blend: Including cumin, Kashmiri chili powder, coriander, and more to give that unmistakable masala warmth and depth.
Tomato puree: Provides the tangy base and color for the sauce.
Greek yogurt (low fat, plain): It tenderizes the chicken and adds a subtle creaminess and slight tang.
Heavy cream: Gives the sauce its rich, velvety mouthfeel.
Tapioca starch: This thickens the sauce gently without cloudiness or graininess.
Dried fenugreek: An Indian spice that adds that signature aromatic note typical in tikka masala.
Cayenne pepper (optional): To tailor the heat level exactly the way you like it.
Cilantro: Freshness and color for garnish, brightening every bite.

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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

One thing I love about this Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe is how easy it is to tweak to your liking. I often play around with the spices or swap out yogurt for a dairy-free version. You can really make it fit your taste or dietary needs without losing the soul of the dish.

Variation: I sometimes add diced bell peppers or a handful of spinach near the end of cooking for some extra veggies and color—it’s a simple way to sneak in nutrients without changing the flavor too much.
Dairy-free option: Substitute coconut cream for the heavy cream and use a non-dairy yogurt to keep it creamy and allergy-friendly.
Heat adjustment: If you love spice like I do, I bump up the Kashmiri chili powder to 2 tablespoons and add cayenne near the end for a nice kick.

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

Step 1: Prep and Toss the Chicken with Flavors

Start by trimming your chicken thighs and cutting them into bite-sized cubes—about 1¼ inches works perfectly here. I grate the yellow onion finely to get a smooth texture in the sauce later. Then add the grated ginger and minced garlic right on top. Sprinkle the homemade spice blend over everything, and toss gently but thoroughly to coat every piece of chicken. This simple step sets the stage for that rich flavor infusion.

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

Pour in the tomato puree and plain Greek yogurt, folding gently into the chicken and spices. This combo helps tenderize the meat as it cooks and builds the base of your sauce. Cover your slow cooker, set it to low, and let it work its magic for about 4 to 5 hours. Patience here means tender chicken and beautifully melded spices.

Step 3: Stir in Cream, Tapioca, and Fenugreek

When the chicken is cooked through and tender, whisk the heavy cream with tapioca starch in a measuring cup—this ensures smooth incorporation and no lumps. Pour this into the slow cooker along with dried fenugreek leaves. Stir gently so the sauce thickens and becomes luxuriously creamy. Taste and add cayenne pepper or salt as needed. This finishing touch brings everything together perfectly.

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned a few things that really make this Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe shine and save you a bit of stress. These tips helped me avoid some common pitfalls and get consistent, delicious results every time.

Marinate in the spices first: Tossing the chicken in the spice blend right away means the flavors penetrate deeply rather than sitting on top.
Grate onions finely: This avoids chunky bits and gives the sauce a silky texture, which is classic for tikka masala and so much more pleasant in slow-cooked dishes.
Whisk cream and tapioca separately: Mixing these in advance prevents clumping and helps the sauce thicken smoothly without turning grainy.
Don’t rush the slow cooker time: I used to check early, but leaving it full 4 to 5 hours really tenderizes the meat and fully infuses flavors—worth the wait!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe

chicken tikka masala - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

My go-to garnish is fresh cilantro. I chop it roughly and scatter it just before serving to add a fresh, herbaceous note that contrasts beautifully with the rich sauce. Sometimes, I also sprinkle a little extra fenugreek powder on top for aroma. A wedge of lemon on the side brightens each bite if you want a zesty finish.

Side Dishes

I usually serve this with fluffy basmati rice cooked with a bay leaf for fragrance. It’s perfect for soaking up every bit of the creamy sauce. Naan bread or garlic roti on the side works wonders too for dipping. For a lighter option, a crisp cucumber raita or simple mixed green salad keeps the meal balanced.

Creative Ways to Present

For special dinners, I’ve served the chicken tikka masala in little copper bowls with a sprinkle of toasted nuts like cashews on top—adds a lovely crunch and looks stunning. Layering it over saffron rice creates a festive vibe, and pairing with homemade papadums really takes the meal up a notch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This dish holds up well even the next day—the flavors deepen and the sauce thickens slightly, which is cozy comfort food at its best. Just give it a gentle stir before reheating.

Freezing

If I make a big batch, I freeze portions in freezer-safe containers or bags. When thawed slowly overnight in the fridge, the sauce and chicken retain their texture surprisingly well. Just avoid freezing with rice—freeze that separately for the best fresh taste.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat to prevent the cream from curdling. Stir occasionally, and if it’s too thick, splash in a little water or broth to loosen the sauce back up.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs in this recipe?

You can substitute chicken breast, but keep in mind it cooks faster and can become dry if overcooked in the slow cooker. If using breasts, check for doneness around 3 to 4 hours on low heat and consider reducing cook time slightly.

What if I don’t have dried fenugreek?

Fenugreek adds a unique aroma, but if you can’t find it, the recipe will still be delicious without it. You can try a pinch of mustard powder or skip it altogether, just know that the flavor will be slightly different.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as your tomato puree and spices don’t contain additives with gluten. Tapioca starch is a great gluten-free thickener option that we use here.

How spicy is this Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe?

It’s moderately spicy by default, but you control the heat by adjusting the Kashmiri chili powder and cayenne levels. You can make it mild or fiery based on your taste preference.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe is truly one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug after a long day. It’s reliably delicious, easy to pull together, and perfect for sharing with loved ones. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—it’s become a staple in my home and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser you can count on. Give it a try, and don’t forget to savor the aromas as it cooks—there’s nothing quite like it!