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Crockpot Creamy Coconut Chicken Tikka Masala. The perfect bowl of warming comfort food that’s incredibly delicious. Indian-inspired tikka masala made with plenty of spice and creamy coconut milk. It’s perfectly spicy, creamy, and filled with warming Indian-inspired flavors. Making the dish in the crockpot leaves you with an even more flavorful sauce and tender chicken. Serve this creamy masala chicken over bowls of basmati rice with spicy sesame chili butter. You’ll have the perfect dinner that can be enjoyed any night of the week. And the leftovers are even more delicious the next day.
It’s almost Thanksgiving! I’m so excited for the next few days ahead. Lots of holiday prep will be underway. I always have so much fun getting to see what everyone is preparing for their holiday meal!
I feel so fortunate to be able to be a part of your homes and your families on such a special day. It’s so cool to me!! Very excited to see what recipes you all will be making this Thanksgiving!
But until then, we still have to eat dinner!
I always find this week so odd. A lot of us are prepping for Thursday, but regardless of whether we’re cooking Thanksgiving dinner or attending, we also need to eat dinner every night before then.
Most of the time, my family is in town so I love to share easy dinner ideas like this yummy slow cooker chicken tikka masala recipe. It’s one of those amazing dinners that tastes and looks amazing without effort.
The crockpot really has been my go-to for the last few months!
Must-Have Ingredients for slow cooker chicken tikka masala
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or chicken thighs
- 1 yellow onion
- 1 shallot
- 2 garlic cloves
- fresh ginger
- garam masala
- ground turmeric
- kosher salt
- full-fat plain Greek Yogurt
- tomato paste
- full-fat unsweetened coconut milk or plain greek yogurt
- cilantro
- salted butter
- sesame seeds
- chili flakes
- paprika
Here are the details
Some crockpot recipes are easier than others. This is one of those glorious crockpot dinners that really is just a few simple steps!
First, you’ll add the chicken to the bowl of your crockpot, then in goes pretty much all of the seasonings. The onion, shallot, garlic, ginger, garam masala, turmeric, and salt. I then add yogurt and instead of marinating the chicken for hours, I just let it sit on the spiced yogurt for 10 or so minutes.
I found that since this chicken cooks all day, the quick marinating time is all you need.
From here, add a can of tomato paste and a bit of water. Then cover and slow cook.
Just before you’re ready to serve, mix in a can of creamy full-fat coconut milk. Let the sauce cook until just slightly thickened and steaming warm.
Stir in lots of cilantro.
Per usual, I love to give my crockpot recipes something fresh to add color and flavor. Plus, I wanted to switch up the classic tikka masala recipe.
I did a quick sesame chili butter as garnish and it really is the secret to this dish. It makes it just a touch more special than other recipes. Trust me, the butter is key. Do not skip.
As this cooks, the aroma in the kitchen is truly incredible. It’s just like your favorite Indian spot in town, but maybe just a touch better. I always find anything made at home to be even more delicious.
I like to serve my tikka masala over steamed rice with some fresh naan for scooping up the creamy, coconutty sauce. Absolutely DELICIOUS.
Looking for other Indian-inspired dinners? Here are my favorites:
30 Minute Spicy Indian Butter Chicken
30 Minute Butter Chicken Meatballs
Super Simple Coconut Chicken Tikka Masala
Gingery Coconut Sweet Potato and Rice Stew with Chili Oil
Lastly, if you make this Crockpot Creamy Coconut Chicken Tikka Masala be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!
What can replace coconut milk in this curry dish?
If you’re not sensitive to dairy, you can use heavy cream. Other coconut substitutes include other plant milks like soy/almond/ almond/cashew milk. You could even use Greek Yogurt if you’re in a pinch.
Is it OK to put coconut milk in the slow cooker?
Yes, you can put coconut milk in the slow cooker, but be sure to only add it at the end of the recipe. Just before you’re ready to serve, mix in the can of creamy coconut milk or substitute of your choice.
What exactly is tikka masala?
Tikka masala is a classic Indian dish. The word “tikka” means piece or chunk. And the masala is the sauce that the tikkas derive their delicious flavor. This flavorful dish has its origin in Indian cuisine and is said to have first been made popular in Britain by Indian Chefs living and working in Britain.
Crockpot Creamy Coconut Chicken Tikka Masala
Servings: 6
Calories Per Serving: 316 kcal
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Watch the How-To Reel
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cubed
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 1 shallot, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger
- 2 tablespoons garam masala
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground turmeric
- kosher salt
- 1/4 cup full-fat plain Greek yogurt
- 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
- 1 can (14 ounces) full-fat unsweetened coconut milk
- 1/3 cup cilantro, chopped
- 6 tablespoons salted butter
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
- 1-2 teaspoons chili flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
Crockpot Pot
- 1. In the bowl of your crockpot, combine the chicken, yogurt, onion, shallot, garlic, ginger, garam masala, turmeric, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, and a pinch of chili flakes. Let sit 10 minutes. Add the tomato paste and 1/3 cup water. Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.2. Crank the heat to high. Stir in the coconut milk and cook, uncovered, 10 minutes until warmed. Stir in the cilantro. 3. Meanwhile, melt together the butter, sesame seeds, chili flakes, and paprika. Cook until the butter is browning. Remove from the heat. 4. Serve the chicken and sauce over bowls of rice with fresh naan. Enjoy!
Instant Pot
- 1. In the bowl of your instant pot, combine the chicken, yogurt, onion, shallot, garlic, ginger, garam masala, turmeric, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, and a pinch of chili flakes. Let sit 10 minutes. Add the tomato paste and 1/3 cup water. Seal the lid and cook on high pressure for 8-10 minutes.2. Once done cooking, release the steam. Set the Instant pot to sauté. Stir in the coconut milk and cook, uncovered, 5- 10 minutes, until warmed. Stir in the cilantro. 3. Meanwhile, melt together the butter, sesame seeds, chili flakes, and paprika. Cook until the butter is browning. Remove from the heat. 4. Serve the chicken and sauce over bowls of rice with fresh naan. Enjoy!
Notes
Stove-Top: use my super simple tikka masala recipe.
This post was originally published on November 21, 2022
Made this for dinner tonight in the crockpot. Wonderful flavor and easy to make. We’ll have this again.
Thanks so much Jenn! 🙂 xT
Can I use cream instead of coconut milk?
Yes you can! xT
Delicious! Comforting! And so satisfying! Will be adding this to our regular rotation. Great flavor and easy to make!
Thank you so much Alli! xT
Is this recipe okay to freeze? If so how would you go about serving/reheating when I’m ready to serve it? Thank you!
Yes you can definitely freeze! I would just reheat in a pot with a little bit of liquid! xT
How do you crank the crockpot to high if alreadyon high? Thanks.
do you really need to know or are you just being a jerk?
Made this recipe tonight for my husband and I.. so aromatic, flavorful and delish! I used the instapot method. (Added some peas for a more veggies) I will definatly be making again.
Thank you so so much for giving the recipe a try! So glad you enjoyed it! xT
Tried this tonight. My fiancé and I loved it. I used the instant pot method, and it was wonderful and easy. The topping truly is indispensable, because it adds so much. Thanks for another winner!
Will repeat. Might try it with some garbanzos and cauliflower added in next time. Lovely dish.
So happy to hear you enjoyed this recipe! Thanks for giving it a try! 🙂 xT
Hi, I only have a crockpot to use, do you have any tips for converting recipe to slow cook?
Hi Connie,
This recipe is for the crockpot:) Please let me know if you have any other questions! xT
Silly question, but where is the garlic chili butter added to the dish? Or is it a side for people to dip in?
Hi Greg,
You will drizzle that over the dish for serving:) Please let me know if you have any other questions, I hope you love this dish! xT
Hi is there a way i can add heat to this without the butter sauce? Like adding in jalepeno or serrano pepper towards the end?
Hi Alina,
Sure, you could do that if you wanted! Let me know if you give this recipe a try, I hope you love it! xx
Do you have any recommendations for making this dairy-free, i.e. what could I substitute for Greek yoghurt? Looks so yum!!
Hi Kate,
I would use a dairy free yogurt:) Please let me know if you have any other questions, I hope you love this recipe! xT
Can I use precooked chicken( rotisserie chicken) instead of raw? I’m not sure how I would adjust the time. Any thoughts on that?
Hi Stacey,
I think this recipe is best follow it as written, rotisserie chicken is great for a dish like this:
https://fett-weg.today/coconut-curry-chicken-meatball-soup/%3C/a%3E%3Cbr /> Please let me know if I can help in any other way! xT
This is delicious! We add in some chopped carrots with the chicken as it cooks and frozen peas at the end! Adds in vegetables for my kids!
I want to make this for my sister in law but she is dairy free. What do you recommend to replace the yogurt?
Hi Lindsay,
I appreciate you trying this recipe and your review, so glad it was delish! I would use a dairy free yogurt. xT
I’m curious if it would work to use a mix of breast and thigh meat?
Thanks
Hi Jody,
Totally, that will work well for you! I hope you love this recipe, please let me know if you give it a try! xx
Love this recipe!
Love to hear this, Cleo! Thanks for trying this dish and your comment! xT
Can lite coconut milk be subbed? Or does it not cook well?
Hi Katy,
That would be totally fine for you to use:) Please let me know if you have any other questions, I hope you love this recipe! xT