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Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe with Perfect Basmati Rice

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A fuss-free slow cooker recipe for rich, creamy chicken tikka masala paired with fluffy basmati rice. Perfect for busy days and cozy dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 3 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
  • 2 tsp garam masala
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp turmeric powder
  • 1/2 tsp chili powder
  • 1/4 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil or ghee
  • Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
  • 1 1/2 cups basmati rice, rinsed until water runs clear
  • 3 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 tbsp butter or oil
  • Salt to taste

Instructions

  1. Marinate the chicken: In a large bowl, combine chicken pieces with Greek yogurt, 1 tsp garam masala, 1/2 tsp turmeric, and a pinch of salt. Mix well and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight.
  2. Sauté aromatics: Heat oil or ghee in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in garlic and ginger; cook another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  3. Add spices: Stir in remaining garam masala, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, cinnamon, and turmeric. Cook for 1 minute to toast the spices.
  4. Combine in slow cooker: Transfer sautéed mixture to slow cooker. Add tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, and marinated chicken with any leftover marinade. Stir gently to combine.
  5. Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until chicken is tender and sauce thickened.
  6. Finish with cream: About 15 minutes before serving, stir in heavy cream or coconut milk. Adjust salt and pepper to taste. Warm through without boiling.
  7. Prepare basmati rice: Rinse rice until water runs clear. In a medium pot, bring water or broth, butter, and salt to a boil. Add rice, cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 15 minutes. Turn off heat and let sit covered for 10 minutes. Fluff with a fork.
  8. Serve: Spoon chicken tikka masala over basmati rice, garnish with fresh cilantro, and enjoy.

Notes

Marinate chicken for at least 30 minutes to tenderize and infuse flavor. Add yogurt and cream near the end to prevent curdling. If sauce is too thin, remove lid during last 30 minutes or add cornstarch slurry and cook on high for 15 minutes. Start rice about 20 minutes before chicken finishes cooking. Adjust spice levels to taste.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker chicken tikka masala, creamy chicken tikka masala, basmati rice, Indian slow cooker recipe, easy chicken tikka masala

Find it online: https://snappyspoon.com/creamy-slow-cooker-chicken-tikka-masala-recipe-with-perfect-basmati-rice/