• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
Living Well Kitchen
  • Home
  • Recipes
    • Breakfast
    • Appetizer & Snacks
      • Snacks
    • Main Dish
      • Vegetarian
      • Seafood
      • Meat
      • Poultry
      • Pork
    • Specific Recipes
      • Vegetarian
        • Vegan
      • Kid Friendly
      • Gluten Free
      • Dairy Free
      • Nut Free
      • Egg Free
      • Soy Free
    • Sides
      • Vegetables
      • Beans
      • Grains
      • Potatoes
      • Bread
      • Sauce
    • Salad
    • Soup
    • Drinks
    • Dessert
    • Slow Cooker
    • Instant Pot
    • Season
      • Winter
      • Spring
      • Summer
      • Fall
  • About
    • Meet Meme
    • Contact
    • Privacy Policy
  • Videos
  • Easy Meals
  • Quiz
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Easy Meals
  • Main Dish
  • Quiz
  • Videos
  • Health
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Easy Meals
    • Main Dish
    • Quiz
    • Videos
    • Health
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ร—

    Home ยป Recipes ยป Crock Pot

    Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala

    Published: Jan 22, 2020 ยท Updated: Mar 4, 2020 ยท Post may contain affiliate links

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala is a budget friendly meal full of warming spices. This saucy, filling dish is easy to make in the Crock Pot or Instant Pot

    Slow Cooker, lemon halves, naan and a bowl of Chicken Tikka Masala with brown basmati rice
    • About Crockpot Chicken Tikka Masala
    • What is in Chicken Tikka Masala
      • Ingredients
        • Cost of Recipe
    • How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala
      • How to Make Instant Pot Chicken Tikka Masala
    • Recipe Tips
      • Variations
        • Ingredient Options
        • How to Make Allergy Friendly
        • Alternative Prep & Cooking
        • How to Fix a Mistake
      • Make Ahead Ideas
      • Storage Suggestions
    • Frequently Asked Questions
      • Nutrition Benefits of Recipe
      • What to Serve with Chicken Tikka Masala

    Ever made a recipe then think about it at least once a month because it was so good and you can't wait to make it again?

    That's what this recipe is for me (also Lentils with Sausage and Kale)! I've made it so many times and subsequently tried many different versions because I'll forget an ingredient or use too much of something, etc. I like to pretend my mistakes are because I'm testing options for y'all though ๐Ÿ˜‰

    About Crockpot Chicken Tikka Masala

    One of the reasons I keep going back to this chicken tikka masala in the slow cooker is that it is so satisfying. It's high in fiber, protein and veggies. Plus, it's budget friendly. And I just really love the slow cooker!

    Most recipes for chicken tikka masala use two pounds of chicken, but chicken can get expensive. One alternative is to use chicken thighs, which I think are a great choice. But I decided to try another alternative to adding a ton of chicken... chickpeas.

    It's the best of both worlds. You have chicken, and you have plant based protein with some extra fiber.

    Ok so when you look at this recipe you might think "holy moly that's a lot of ingredients!" But there are just a few main ingredients -- chicken, onion, tomato sauce, and chickpeas -- plus lots and lots of spices.

    All the spices make this dish so amazing, and slow cooking it makes this dish even better. Also, you can use a garam masala spice blend to replace a fair amount of the spices.

    I've tried doing it on the stove, and while it was delicious, the slow cooked and Instant Pot versions are infinitely better because all the spices have time to become besties and make your meal delicious!

    bowl of rice with Chicken Tikka Masala on a leaf print napkin, fresh lemon half

    What is in Chicken Tikka Masala

    Chicken Tikka Masala is a creamy, spiced curry sauce made with chicken, tomato sauce, onions, garlic, ginger, and spices. Garam masala is usually a spice blend used in tikka masala sauce, but you can use a mixture of spices typically found in the spice blend like cumin, coriander, cardamom, pepper, cloves, cinnamon and nutmeg.

    Ingredients

    Veggies: Onions, garlic and ginger are the fresh veggies used in the tikka masala sauce. You can use fresh or frozen diced onions. Garlic and ginger can be fresh or substitute with dried/powder form.

    Chicken: Use boneless, skinless chicken breast or chicken thighs. Cut the chicken into bite sized pieces. When using chicken thighs, you do not need to add the oil.

    Chickpeas: Canned, rinsed and drained chickpeas make this dish easy, but you can also use 1.75 cups of cooked chickpeas. Any type of white beans like Cannellini beans, Great Northern beans will work in this recipe.

    Oil: Avocado, olive and coconut oil can all be used. Omit the oil if using chicken thighs.

    Tomato sauce & paste: The canned tomato sauce and paste give the sauce its red color. Tomato paste isn't mandatory but gives a richer flavor to the sauce. For the tomato sauce, you can buy 1 (15 ounce) can or 2 (8 ounce) cans. Less tomato sauce can be used in a pinch (for example: if you only have an 8 ounce can tomato sauce, you can use it and add an extra 8 ounces of water to the sauce). Try to buy no salt added to control the saltiness and sodium levels in the sauce.

    Spices: There are a ton of spices in here. A garam masala spice mixture can be used; then you will only need an addition cumin, paprika, turmeric, and cayenne & black pepper.

    Coconut milk: I recommend using full-fat coconut milk or coconut milk from the carton. Reduced-fat will make the sauce a lot thinner.

    Lemon: the lemon juice adds an extra layer of flavor but is optional.

    chicken, onion, garlic, ginger, bay leaf, paprika, tomato sauce, tomato paste, lemon, cayenne pepper, cloves, coconut milk, salt, pepper, coriander, cumin, chickpeas, allspice, nutmeg, turmeric, cinnamon, olive oil, water

    Cost of Recipe

    • oil 1 tablespoon: $0.24
    • onion 1 larger: $0.78
    • chicken breast 1 pound: $4.59
    • garlic 3 cloves: $0.18
    • ginger 1 tablespoon: $0.36
    • tomato sauce 15 ounces: $1.38
    • tomato paste 1 tablespoon: $0.08
    • water ยผ cup: $0
    • cumin 1 tablespoon: $0.39
    • coriander 2 teaspoons: $0.30
    • paprika 2 teaspoons: $0.30
    • turmeric 1 teaspoon: $0.15
    • black pepper 1 teaspoon: $0.18
    • cinnamon ยพ teaspoon: $0.06
    • cayenne pepper ยฝ teaspoon: $0.09
    • salt ยฝ teaspoon: $0.01
    • cardamom ยฝ teaspoon: $0.08
    • cloves โ…› teaspoon: $0.02
    • nutmeg โ…› teaspoon: $0.03
    • bay leaves 2: $0.20
    • coconut milk 1 cup: $0.50
    • lemon juice ยผ cup: $0.50

    TOTAL COST: $10.42 (Based on San Diego Sprouts 2019) or $1.74/serving

    How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala

    Time needed: 4 hours and 35 minutes.

    How to make chicken tikka masala in a slow cooker in only a few steps.

    1. Add chicken, chickpeas, spices, tomato sauce and paste, and water to a slow cooker.

    2. Stir together.

      Cover and cook on Low for 8 hours or High for 4 hours.

    3. Pour in coconut milk.

      Let sit for 10-15 minutes and add lemon juice if desired.

    4. Stir and serve. Enjoy!

    collage on how to make chicken tikka masala by adding ingredients to slow cooker, stirring, cooking then pouring in coconut milk

    How to Make Instant Pot Chicken Tikka Masala

    • Turn the Instant Pot to Sauté, and add the oil, onion, chicken. Cook on 5 minutes.
    • Add the chickpeas, tomato paste, tomato sauce, water and spices.
    • Cover and cook on High pressure for 10 minutes.
    • Do a natural release for 10 minutes, then release remaining pressure.
    • Add coconut milk and lemon juice, and let sit for 10-15 minutes.
    • Serve and enjoy!

    Recipe Tips

    Variations

    Ingredient Options

    Spices: To replace a lot of the spices, you can use a garam masala spice blend. Garam masala spice mix can be used. Use 2 tablespoons garam masala + 1 teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon turmeric, ยฝ teaspoon paprika, ยผ teaspoon cayenne pepper, ยผ teaspoon black pepper and ยฝ teaspoon salt. Omit the remaining spices listed and the amounts in the recipe.

    How to Make Allergy Friendly

    This Chicken Tikka Masala in the slow cooker is already gluten free, dairy free, soy free, and egg free. To make it vegan/vegetarian, add two extra cans of chickpeas in place of the pound of chicken.

    Alternative Prep & Cooking

    As mentioned, this Crockpot Chicken Tikka Masala can also be cooked in the Instant Pot as well as on the stove.

    To cook on the stove, follow the directions but add to a large soup pot. Cook for at least 4 hours on low, stirring occasionally. About 15 minutes before serving, remove from heat and add the coconut milk and lemon juice (if using).

    To cook in the Instant Pot or other electric pressure cooker, add the oil, onion, chicken. Cook on Sauté for 5 minutes. Then add the chickpeas, tomato paste, tomato sauce, water and spices. Cover and cook on High pressure for 10 minutes. Do a natural release for 10 minutes, then release remaining pressure. Add coconut milk and lemon juice, and let sit for 10-15 minutes. Serve and enjoy!

    How to Fix a Mistake

    This is a very forgiving recipe. Some of the things I've forgotten in making this is fresh ginger, fresh garlic, tomato paste, and lemon juice. It still turned out great.

    Ginger & garlic: For the ginger and garlic, simply add the powder versions of them. Use โ…œ teaspoon in place of the 3 cloves garlic and ยผ teaspoon ground ginger powder in place of the tablespoon of fresh ginger.

    Tomato sauce & paste: Tomato paste can be skipped if needed. If you have no tomato sauce, use a can of tomato paste plus water to make about 2 cups. Also, one (8 ounce) can tomato sauce will work. Simply add an extra 8 ounces water or broth.

    Spices: The main spices you need are cumin, turmeric, paprika and pepper. If you forget a few of the other spices, you will be ok -- it won't be as flavorful but it'll still taste good.

    white bowl with chicken tikka masala and brown rice topped with cilantro, naan, lemon

    Make Ahead Ideas

    The is easy to make ahead of time and keep in the fridge; then reheat and serve when ready. Or you can measure the spices and chop the onion, garlic and ginger so they are ready to use when you want to start cooking.

    Storage Suggestions

    Keep the sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Keep in the freezer for up to 6 weeks.

    I recommend using glass storage containers as the sauce will likely stain and/or leave a strong smell on plastic containers.

    coconut milk pouring into slow cooker with tikka masala, orange spoon

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Can you make Chicken Tikka Masala in the Instant Pot?

    Yes! You absolutely can, and it's delicious. See the instructions above for how to make in the Instant Pot or electric pressure cooker.

    Is chicken tikka masala gluten free?

    Yes, this recipe is gluten free. It's also dairy free, soy free and egg free.

    Nutrition Benefits of Recipe

    This recipe is a good source of protein and fiber, plus it is full of antioxidants thanks to all the spices, garlic, ginger and canned tomato products.

    What to Serve with Chicken Tikka Masala

    Chicken Tikka Masala is great served over rice or with a piece of naan to you can soak up all of the sauce.

    bowl of Chicken Tikka Masala and rice with cut lemon and pieces of naan

    Final Thoughts

    This is so very good! Now pull out your slow cooker to make this saucy, spicy, scrumptious dish. Your taste buds and budget will thank you!

    MORE SLOW COOKER RECIPES YOU'LL LOVE:

    • Crockpot Pork Tenderloin
    • Slow Cooker French Toast Casserole
    • Buffalo Chicken Chowder
    • Slow Cooker Pot Roast
    • Crockpot Vegetarian Lasagna
    • Slow Cooker Salsa Verde Pork

    Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala from Living Well Kitchen

    Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala

    Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala is a budget friendly meal full of warming spices. This saucy, filling dish is easy to make in the Crock Pot or Instant Pot
    5 from 2 votes
    Print Rate
    Prep Time: 20 minutes
    Cook Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
    Total Time: 4 hours 35 minutes
    Servings: 6
    Author: Meme
    Total Cost: $10.42 || $1.74/serving

    Ingredients

    • 1 tablespoon oil avocado, olive or coconut
    • 1 large onion diced
    • 1 pound chicken boneless, skinless breast or thighs
    • 1 (15 ounce) chickpeas rinsed & drained
    • 1 tablespoon minced garlic about 3-4 cloves
    • 1 tablespoon grated ginger about 1 inch piece
    • 15 ounces tomato sauce no salt added
    • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
    • ยผ cup water or vegetable broth
    • 1 tablespoon cumin
    • 2 teaspoon coriander
    • 2 teaspoon paprika
    • 1 teaspoon turmeric
    • 1 teaspoon black pepper
    • ยพ teaspoon cinnamon
    • ยฝ teaspoon cayenne pepper
    • ยฝ teaspoon salt
    • ยฝ teaspoon cardamom
    • โ…› teaspoon ground cloves
    • โ…› teaspoon nutmeg
    • 2 bay leaves
    • 1 cup coconut milk
    • ยผ cup lemon juice
    • parsley or cilantro for serving
    • naan and/or basmati rice

    Instructions

    • Add the onion, chicken, chickpeas, garlic, ginger, tomato sauce, tomato paste, water, olive oil, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, black pepper, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, salt, cardamom, ground cloves, and nutmeg to a slow cooker.
    • Stir everything together. Add bay leaves and cover. Cook on Low for 8 hours or High for 4 hours.
    • Add in coconut milk and fresh lemon juice. Stir well. Let sit for about 10 minutes.
    • Serve with naan and/or cooked rice. Enjoy!

    Notes

    *This is pretty spicy, so use less or omit cayenne pepper.
    *I used full-fat canned coconut milk and full-fat coconut milk from a carton for testing purposes.
    *Use โ…œ teaspoon in place of the 3 cloves garlic and ยผ teaspoon ground ginger powder in place of the tablespoon of fresh ginger.
    *Garam masala spice mix can be used. Use 2 tablespoons garam masala + 1 teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon turmeric, ยฝ teaspoon paprika, ยผ teaspoon cayenne pepper, ยผ teaspoon black pepper and ยฝ teaspoon salt.

    To make in the Instant Pot:

    • Turn the Instant Pot to Sauté, and add the oil, onion, chicken. Cook on 5 minutes.
    • Add the chickpeas, tomato paste, tomato sauce, water and spices.
    • Cover and cook on High pressure for 10 minutes.
    • Do a natural release for 10 minutes, then release remaining pressure.
    • Add coconut milk and lemon juice, and let sit for 10-15 minutes.
    • Serve and enjoy!

    What to Use in This Recipe

    slow cooker
    Slow Cooker
    red spoon
    Spoon
    glass containers
    Glass Storage Containers
    Did you try this recipe?Be sure to leave a comment & recipe rating below. Bonus points for tagging @memeinge & #livingwellkitchen on Instagram! THANK YOU! xo

    [showhide type="post" more_text="Click here for Chicken Tikka Masala Nutrition Facts" less_text="Clear Nutrition Facts"]
    *

    Nutrition Facts
    Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala
    Serving Size
     
    1 cup
    Amount per Serving
    Calories
    302
    % Daily Value*
    Fat
     
    18
    g
    28
    %
    Saturated Fat
     
    9
    g
    56
    %
    Polyunsaturated Fat
     
    1
    g
    Monounsaturated Fat
     
    1
    g
    Cholesterol
     
    27
    mg
    9
    %
    Sodium
     
    258
    mg
    11
    %
    Potassium
     
    621
    mg
    18
    %
    Carbohydrates
     
    26
    g
    9
    %
    Fiber
     
    6
    g
    25
    %
    Sugar
     
    8
    g
    9
    %
    Protein
     
    13
    g
    26
    %
    Trans Fat
     
    1
    g
    Vitamin A
     
    480
    IU
    10
    %
    Vitamin C
     
    18
    mg
    22
    %
    Calcium
     
    54
    mg
    5
    %
    Iron
     
    4
    mg
    22
    %
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
    *
    [/showhide]

    Based off this recipe from Budget Bytes.


    Meme

    This post was originally published January 22, 2017. Text, recipe, and photos have been updated.

    Doesn't this recipe look good?! You should probably share it:

    More Crock Pot

    • Slow Cooker Boiled Peanuts
    • Slow Cooker Salsa Verde Pork
    • Good Luck Soup
    • Buffalo Chicken Chowder
    663 shares
    • Yummly
    • Share
    • Tweet

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Laura says

      January 23, 2017 at 3:57 pm

      This sounds AMAZING! I have never tried Indian food but really need to!

      Reply
    2. jen says

      January 23, 2017 at 5:57 pm

      Looks super delicious and convenient! I'm going to try it!

      Reply
    3. Grace G says

      January 21, 2018 at 12:25 pm

      Hi Meme! In this recipe, do you put the chicken into the crock pot whole and then shred it after cooking? Or are you slicing it up before cooking?

      Reply
      • Meme says

        January 22, 2018 at 12:21 pm

        I put the chicken thighs in whole, but you could slice it before if you wanted. I just served each bowl with a few chicken pieces and used my fork when eating to slice it.

        Reply
    4. Brenda B says

      January 21, 2019 at 2:26 pm

      5 stars
      Another winner of a recipe. I also do the chicken whole because after slow-cooking it falls apart anyway! it's super delicious, all the flavors just dance on your tongue, and when I get home from work the house smells AMAZING!!!

      Reply
      • Meme says

        January 27, 2019 at 11:59 am

        Hooray!! That makes me so happy! Such a good idea to use a whole chicken -- even more budget friendly ๐Ÿ™‚

        Reply
    5. Amber Edds says

      February 10, 2021 at 8:48 am

      Shoot. You probably wonโ€™t even see this in time, but I was distracted by my toddler while prepping this and accidentally put the coconut milk and lemon juice in at the beginning. Is it completely ruined?

      Reply
      • Meme says

        February 10, 2021 at 4:55 pm

        Hi Amber! I think you should be ok!! Let me know how it turns out.

        Reply
        • Amber Edds says

          February 12, 2021 at 8:27 am

          I ended up just tossing it after doing some research about coconut milk in slow cookers. I was afraid to take the gamble and not prepare another dinner (luckily I had stuff for easy spaghetti). BUT I gathered together ingredients again and just tossed it into the crockpot this morning (this time without the coconut milk and lemon juice). I am SO excited!!!

          Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Primary Sidebar

    Welcome!

    Meme (a brunette female) is holding umbrella and spinning around in front of the Eiffel Tower wearing a denim jacket, skirt, and blue shoesHi, I'm Meme, a thirty-something registered dietitian nutritionist from Alabama living in San Diego. Here to help you enjoy food, feel better in your body at any size, and live free of diets & shame.
    Read More

    Let's Connect

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube

    Most Popular

    pork tenderloin with gravy, mashed potatoes, and green beans on white plate with yellow and white striped napkin

    Crock Pot Pork Tenderloin

    jar of chocolate sauce with a spoon in it. empty small glass ice cream cups with a bowl of cherries on a wicker table

    Easy Chocolate Sauce

    Protein Pancakes from Living Well Kitchen

    protein pancakes

    white plate with a slice of zucchini lasagna

    Zucchini Lasagna

    spatula holding a microwave cookie

    Microwave Oatmeal Cookie

    stack of almond butter banana cookies with one cookie facing the front on wooden cutting board with a glass of milk, banana, oats, vanilla extract, and almond butter container

    Almond Butter Banana Cookies

    Gluten free Crab Cakes from Living Well Kitchen @memeinge

    Gluten free Crab Cakes

    chicken salad and a ritz cracker in a glass bowl on white table with green napkin

    No Mayo Chicken Salad

    Intuitive Eating

    brunette female holding a heart shaped pizza in a Parisian cafe

    Why Emotional Eating Isn't Bad

    hand holding an apple in front of apple trees

    Should I Eat Conventional or Organic Produce?

    havanese dog standing on arm of cream chair with a quilt in chair

    Intuitive Eating and Weight Loss

    brunette female sitting in a blanket in Versaille garden smiling and holding a container of container of food she is about to be eating

    What is Intuitive Eating

    Easy Meals

    pork tenderloin with gravy, mashed potatoes, and green beans on white plate with yellow and white striped napkin

    Crock Pot Pork Tenderloin

    breakfast burger on yellow napkin, avocado, tea, salsa, egg carton, veggie burger wrapper

    California Breakfast Burger

    two white bowls of chili, one with avocado and a spoon, the other with tortilla chips popping out. sitting on a green napkin with hot sauce and a pot of chili

    Lentil Chili

    white plate of cucumber chicken salad bites

    Cucumber Chicken Salad Bites

    Soup

    two bowl of beef soup on blue and white napkins with silver spoons and garlic bread

    Instant Pot Vegetable Beef Soup

    steak potato soup in a bowl with green onions and grated cheese with a silver spoon next to potatoes, pot of soup and block of cheese

    Steak and Potato Soup

    blue and white napkins under two bowls of pumpkin soup topped with bacon next to a small bowl of bacon

    Pumpkin Soup with Bacon

    bowl of ginger beef soup on a gold and white napkin with garlic, limes, and ginger

    Ginger Beef Soup

    As Seen On:

    As Seen On

    In Season

    stemless wine glass with strawberry gin fizzes next to fresh strawberries, bottle of gin, and an orange

    Valentine's Day Gin Fizz

    black spatula pushing Brussels sprouts around on a baking sheet with pecans, honey, and sriracha sauce

    Honey Sriracha Brussels Sprouts

    four twice baked potatoes on a plate

    Twice-Baked Potatoes

    blue pot with sausage hash, cup of tea, bowl of berries, white plate with hash

    Mushroom Sausage Hash

    Footer

    Living Well Kitchen is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

    • Recipes
    • About

    Copyright © 2023

    We use cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish.Accept Reject Read More
    Privacy & Cookies Policy

    Privacy Overview

    This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
    Necessary
    Always Enabled
    Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
    Non-necessary
    Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
    SAVE & ACCEPT
    663 shares