Crockpot Creamy Coconut Chicken Tikka Masala
Crockpot Creamy Coconut Chicken Tikka Masala is comfort food made effortless.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into chunks
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1½ tbsp garam masala
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Sauce
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh grated ginger
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
- 1 (13.5 oz) can full-fat coconut milk
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1–2 tsp chili powder or Kashmiri chili (to taste)
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp lemon or lime juice
- Finish
- Fresh cilantro
- Cooked basmati rice or naan, for serving
Instructions
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, and spices.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet and quickly brown chicken (optional but recommended).
- Add chicken to crockpot along with all sauce ingredients. Stir well.
- Cook on LOW 4–5 hours or HIGH 2–3 hours, until chicken is tender.
- Stir, adjust seasoning, and finish with citrus juice.
- Garnish with cilantro and serve.
Notes
- Browning the chicken adds depth but can be skipped.
- Stir in a splash of cream or yogurt at the end for extra richness.
Crockpot Creamy Coconut Chicken Tikka Masala is comfort food made effortless. Tender chicken slow-cooks in a richly spiced tomato and coconut sauce, absorbing layers of warm, aromatic flavor as it simmers. Garam masala, ginger, garlic, and chili create that signature tikka masala depth, while coconut milk adds a velvety richness that keeps the dish smooth and comforting.
The slow cooker does all the work, transforming simple pantry ingredients into a sauce that’s bold, cozy, and perfectly balanced between savory, lightly sweet, and gently spicy. By the time it’s ready, the chicken is fall-apart tender and coated in a luxuriously creamy curry. Serve it over fluffy basmati rice or with warm naan to soak up every drop. It’s an ideal hands-off dinner for busy days, meal prep, or anytime you’re craving restaurant-style flavor with minimal effort.
