Facebook | Pinterest | Instagram Eric and I are night owls and sometimes forget that people go to bed at normal times. One time my brother called me at midnight just to see if I really always stay up like I claim I do. I answered right away of course. Eric realized that if Uncle Ron was getting up so early, that meant he was getting to bed early. So he calls him up at 11:30pm the next night, wakes up Ron, and says all chipper, “Hey Ron! I was just calling to let you know that I’m planning on sleeping in tomorrow!” I would worry that someone might call me super early to get me back for texting them too late at night, but it wouldn’t even work because I would sleep right through it. The thing about Chicken Tikka is that the chicken is supposed to be grilled, or broiled on high, or something that gives you that roasted-on-the-outside, tender-in-in-the-center flavor. But cooking chicken in liquid all day in a slow cooker isn’t going to give you that. So I basically just removed the liquid; chicken, spices, and a little butter is all that goes in the crock pot until the end when you add the sauce. The result is golden brown chicken that has that roasted flavor. (I’m really loving this method and want to try it with some other recipes!). I decided to see how it would work in the slow cooker and after a few trials I’m loving how it turned out. (I did the same with this stovetop Basil Chicken in Coconut Curry Sauce; here’s a link to the slow cooker version. It’s one of the top recipes on my site now. I actually decided to start working on a slow cooker Chicken Tikka recipe at the suggestion of one of the commenters on that post. Thanks for the idea Bethany!)
Here’s a quick overview of how to make this slow cooker chicken tikka masala. For complete instructions, scroll down to the recipe card below! Chop the chicken into bite size chunks. Add the chicken to the slow cooker. In a small bowl combine cumin, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt. Sprinkle the spices over the chicken and use your hands to coat the chicken well. Sprinkle butter chunks over the chicken. Put the lid on and cook on high for 2-3 hours, or on low for about 5 hours.
When the chicken is cooked, remove the lid and add the tomato sauce and cream (turn the crock pot up to high at this point if it’s not already.) Add butter to a small frying pan. Add the garlic and jalapeno and sauté until fragrant.
In a small bowl combine ground cumin, paprika, and salt. Add the spices to the frying pan and continue sautéing for one minute. Add lemon juice to the pan, stir it in and then remove from heat. Add this mixture to the crock pot. Add the minced ginger as well.
Replace the lid and let cook on high for another 20-30 minutes or until thickened and bubbly on the edges. Taste it and stir in some plain yogurt and the fresh cilantro.
This recipe is pretty darn spicy as written. Feel free to reduce the cayenne pepper; there are 2 teaspoons total, which is quite a lot. (I wouldn’t omit the jalapeno though, it adds great flavor. Most of the heat comes from the seeds anyway, and we’re not using those.)
Coconut Jasmine Rice with Cilantro « oh yeah baby, this is rice. Once you try jasmine rice you can never go back. Homemade Naan Bread « there’s nothing more delicious than fluffy, puffy naan to scoop up all that tikka masala sauce with. Roti – the Best Buttery Indian Flatbread « ok, I know I just talked naan up. They’re both so good, I cannot possibly choose. Indian-Spiced Cauliflower Rice « no, it’s not rice. Yes, it is delicious, and the perfect veggie side when you’re low-carbing it. Chicken Tikka Masala Meatballs « made with ground chicken and the same sauce. Can you tell I’m obsessed with this dish?? Slow Cooker Basil Chicken with Coconut Curry Sauce « one of the top recipes on my blog! Coconut Jasmine Rice with Cilantro « once you try jasmine rice, regular rice is just NOT the same. Homemade Naan Bread Recipe « nothing better than a buttery stack of naan with your curry. Indian Spiced Cauliflower Rice « I love gettin’ my veggies in this way. Indian Spiced Braised Chicken from A Dash of Sanity Slow Cooker Indian Spiced Chickpeas and Potatoes from Oh My Veggies Tandoori Chicken from Simply Recipes Source: adapted from this stovetop Chicken Tikka Masala; original recipe adapted from Allrecipes.com
