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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
I love this recipe but.. I’ve made it twice in the slow cooker. I follow the recipe. first time, it tasted incredibly bitter. I tossed my spices, bought new ones and the same thing happened the next time. I did the slow cooker on high for 5 hours. However, the next day it was wonderful, very different from the day before. Chat GPT indicates either cooking the curry with the onions (in general) or adding it at the end. I know this is Garam Masala but assume they are similar? would love to make this again; please let me know your thoughts.
Hi Susan!
I’m so sorry, I’m not sure what you are asking? You can add more onions if you’d like, but there is an onion in the sauce already!
If you feel as though it’s bitter, you can add a teaspoon of honey!
Does this help at all? Let me know how to further advise!
Happy holidays!
Tasted good added honey for sweetness.
Hey Aaliyah,
Happy Holidays! Thank you so much for making this recipe and your comment, love to hear it turned out well for you!
This recipe was extremely disappointing. There is no flavor development. I followed it step by step and it had absolutely no flavor. Not sure what is going on here, will not be coming back.
Hi Rylee,
So sorry to hear this recipe was not enjoyed, thanks for giving it a try!
Have a great weekend!
I didn’t notice I was supposed to cube the chicken and ended up throwing in the whole breast pieces then shredding before adding coconut milk at the end. It worked out really well and took less effort bc no one likes cutting chicken right? For the spices I just eyeballed per my own taste. Topped with cilantro and a squeeze of lime.
Hi Kay,
Awesome! Thanks a lot for making this recipe, I’m so glad it was a hit. Have the best week!
I have made this several times and it is the BOMB! The butter sauce is a must! Has anyone made it with lamb stew meat? Wondering if that would be a good combo.
Hey Julie,
Happy Monday! I’m so glad to hear you enjoyed this recipe. Thanks a lot for making it and your comment!
Does this freeze well? Trying to make meals for a family needing support.
Hey Jane,
Yes, that will work nicely for you! I hope you love this recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions!
Anything you could suggest instead of tomato paste or is that just impossible? I can’t eat tomatoes unfortunately and in some cases simply leave out tomato paste if it’s a small amount but this is a whole can.
Hi Kim,
I’m so sorry, I wouldn’t recommend skipping the tomato paste in this recipe and I haven’t tested it with anything else. You might one of these recipes:
https://fett-weg.today/simple-coconut-chicken-curry/%3C/a%3E%3Cbr /> https://fett-weg.today/30-minute-coconut-milk-braised-chicken/%3C/a%3E%3Cbr /> https://fett-weg.today/saucy-coconut-curry-chicken/%3C/a%3E%3Cbr /> I hope this helps!
What do you do with the melted butter, etc. at the end of the recipe?
Hi Betty,
I drizzle it over the dish for serving. Please let me know if you have any other questions!
Excited to try! Can I use a Dutch oven instead of a crock pot?
Thanks so much, McKenzie! You can follow either of these cooking methods if you want to skip the crockpot:
https://fett-weg.today/baked-coconut-chicken-tikka-masala/%3C/a%3E%3Cbr /> https://fett-weg.today/chicken-tikka-masala/%3C/a%3E%3Cbr /> Please let me know if you have any other questions!
This is good but is comes out with so much extra liquid. Can I do without the water?
Thanks so much, Rachael! Sure you could reduce or omit the water. I hope this helps!
Can I use an instant pot for this in lieu of crock pot?
Hi Emma, You bet! The instant pot instructions are also written above:) I hope you love this recipe! xT
I wanted to love this, and it smelled amazing, but I followed all the directions to a t and it was very bland. I ended up adding a bunch more tomato paste and salt to try to make it more palatable. I’m not sure what happened. Thankfully it was easy and it was edible, but I don’t plan to make it again.
Hey Bethany! I’m so sorry this recipe didn’t meet your expectations! Thank you for letting me know! xT
Oh man oh man, this recipe is so good! That sesame oil sure makes it! It made a lot of extra, what is it called so I can Google what else I can put it on?
Thanks so much, Priscilla! I’m not sure it has a formal name, spicy chili oil maybe!
I am so excited to try this recipe, but I accidentally bought nonfat plain Greek yogurt. Will this recipe still work if I use it? Anything I should adjust?
Hi Ashley! Yes, that should work just fine! Hope you enjoy! 🙂 xT
Outstanding recipe! Loved by all and even better, made with ingredients I generally have on hand. Thanks for your creativity!
Thank you SO much Joanne! I’m sooo glad you loved this recipe! 🙂 xT
Im super excited to try this recipe and will be making it tomorrow but I would like to know if I can use chicken leg quarters instead of cutting up the chicken into cubes? And if so, do I need to change to amount of seasonings or cooking time?
Hey Monica! I don’t cook with chicken legs very often, so I am not too sure about the cooking time on those! I would cook them for the recommended cook time and keep an eye on them! As far as the seasonings go, I would use the same amount as well to make sure your tikka masala is nice and flavorful! Enjoy and let me know how you like it! 🙂 xT
Thank you so much for the quick response. I made it and WOW it came out delicious! I substituted regular greek yogurt for coconut yogurt due to me not having dairy and it tasted so good! Will definitely be making this on a weekly basis ☺️
Hi Monica! Aw thank you SO much! Sooo happy to hear this was a hit! Thanks for letting me know how much you enjoyed it 🙂 xT
I’m so glad to see your comment because this looks sooo delicious but I can’t eat greek yogurt unfortunately so I’ll try coconut, yay! I’m excited to try this for a dinner party I’m hosting tomorrow and don’t want to be rushing around in the kitchen when everyone arrives! 🙂