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Creamy Crockpot Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe with Basmati Rice

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A comforting and easy slow cooker chicken tikka masala with a creamy sauce paired perfectly with fluffy basmati rice. This recipe is simple, flavorful, and perfect for cozy dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tsp garam masala
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp turmeric
  • 1 tsp chili powder (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tsp ground coriander
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 (14 oz) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 cup heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk
  • ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 2 tbsp vegetable or canola oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • A handful fresh cilantro, chopped (optional garnish)
  • 2 cups uncooked basmati rice, rinsed

Instructions

  1. Cut chicken thighs into 1½-inch pieces. Finely chop onion, mince garlic, and grate ginger.
  2. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onions, garlic, and ginger. Cook until softened and fragrant, about 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  3. Stir in garam masala, cumin, paprika, turmeric, chili powder, and coriander to the skillet. Cook for 1–2 minutes until spices are toasted and fragrant.
  4. Pour the sautéed aromatics and spices into the crockpot. Add chicken pieces, crushed tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Stir gently to coat chicken.
  5. Cover and cook on low for 4–6 hours or on high for 2–3 hours until chicken is tender.
  6. About 30 minutes before serving, stir in heavy cream and Greek yogurt. Warm through gently without boiling.
  7. While the tikka masala finishes, rinse basmati rice until water runs clear. Combine rice with 3 cups water and a pinch of salt in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let steam covered for 5 minutes.
  8. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with chopped cilantro before serving.

Notes

Sautéing the onions, garlic, and ginger before adding to the crockpot deepens the flavor but can be skipped for convenience. Add cream and yogurt gently at the end to prevent curdling. Avoid stirring chicken too much during cooking to keep chunks intact. Use cornstarch slurry to thicken sauce if needed. Chicken thighs stay juicier than breasts in slow cooking.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken tikka masala, crockpot recipe, slow cooker, creamy chicken curry, basmati rice, easy dinner, comfort food

Find it online: https://yumnode.com/creamy-crockpot-chicken-tikka-masala-recipe-with-basmati-rice-easy-and-perfect/