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Slow Cooker Tikka Masala

Turn to the slow cooker for an easy hands-off version of chicken tikka masala. This recipe gives tender, flavorful pieces of chicken in a creamy curry tomato sauce.
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Cook Time:2 hours
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Indian
Keyword: chicken, gluten free, rice and grains, slow cooker
Servings: 6 people
Author: Fun for Life Mama

Equipment

  • Slow cooker

Ingredients

  • 1 yellow onion, chopped
  • 3 tbsp avocado oil (or vegetable oil)
  • 1 fresh serrano chile, stemmed, seeded, and minced
  • 1 15 oz can tomato sauce
  • 2 tsp garam masala
  • 2 tsp ground turmeric
  • 2 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
  • 5 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
  • 1 tbsp kosher salt
  • 2 tsp pure maple syrup (or granulated sugar)
  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 cup plain whole-milk yogurt
  • ½ cup heavy whipping cream
  • ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped

Instructions

  • In a small glass bowl, microwave chopped onion, serrano chile, spices, salt, garlic, ginger, and maple syrup, stirring occasionally, about 5 minutes. Transfer to slow cooker.
  • Stir in tomato sauce and pieces of chicken into slow cooker. Cover and cook until chicken is tender, 2 hours on low.
  • Once done cooking, whisk ½ cup cooking sauce and yogurt together in a small bowl (to temper), then stir back into slow cooker and let sit for 5 minutes, or until heated through. Stir in cilantro and season with salt and pepper, if needed. Serve on top of cooked jasmine rice! Enjoy!

Notes

You can find Garam Masala at your local grocery store in the spice section. I like the brand McCormick Gourmet Collection and pick it up at my local Safeway.