Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala is a comforting, Indian-inspired recipe the whole family can enjoy! The creamy tomato sauce, tender chicken bites, and bold, earthy spices meld seamlessly as they simmer away. Serve the rich sauce over rice, or with a flatbread or naan, and save the leftovers for an even better next-day meal!

black dinner plate of Tikka masala on bed of white rice with lime wedges and pita on side, with forks, another dinner plate and black slow cooker in background

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What exactly is tikka masala?

Tikka masala is a curry dish, meaning it is a thick, gravy-like sauce with a combination of spices, tomatoes, and cream. It typically includes diced chicken, but can also be made with vegetarian protein options such as lentils, tofu, or cauliflower. The sauce is served over long-grain rice or with plenty of naan for dipping.

Tikka masala has a bold, tomato-based sauce and is decadently enriched with heavy cream or yogurt. The bold spice mixture includes garam masala and cardamom to produce the signature flavors.

Chicken tikka masala is a popular dish found in many countries and is unofficially considered the national dish of the UK!

What’s To Love About This Recipe

Tikka masala is known for its rich, creamy tomato sauce with a complex blend of warm, earthy spices. The taste is deep and layered, but it’s still very simple to make!
This simplified version draws on authentic Indian flavors while offering the ease of a true dump-and-go slow cooker recipe.
The tender chicken bites absorb plenty of flavor during slow cooking, and the thick, creamy sauce coats every piece perfectly!
My slow cooker version is mildly spicy and family-friendly, yet it’s also easy to adjust the spice to make it bolder or hotter if you prefer.
This classic Indian dish is delicious served over basmati rice or with warm naan to dip in the thickened sauce.
The flavors continue to deepen in the leftovers, making them such a tasty, next-day option! You’ll find this meal easy to store for later or to prep ahead as a freezer meal.

Ingredients Needed

Chicken – I used boneless, skinless chicken breasts in this recipe, but boneless, skinless thighs will also work just as well. Chicken breasts are usually the traditional choice, but thighs will produce more flavor and stay very tender in the slow cooker.
Crushed tomatoes and tomato paste – Together, canned crushed tomatoes and tomato paste form the sauce’s rich base. The crushed tomatoes add just enough thickness to make it hearty, and the tomato paste adds concentrated flavor.
Diced onion – A white or yellow onion adds sweetness and depth to the sauce as it cooks.
Minced garlic and minced ginger – These elements are key to the classic tikka masala flavor. The garlic adds aromatic depth, and the ginger provides just enough of a fresh bite to balance the tomatoes’ acidity.
Spices – These deep, earthy spices are traditional staples of Indian cooking and develop the signature flavor of popular sauces and curries. Combine turmeric, garam masala, cumin, and cardamom with the other ingredients in the slow cooker, then let them simmer to infuse the sauce with flavor. Fresh or freshly ground spices will deliver the best, most potent results.
Red pepper flakes – This is an optional addition, but for a little extra kick of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Heavy cream – Add rich, heavy cream near the end of cooking to prevent curdling and to finish off the luxurious, flavorful sauce.

ingredients to include containers of chicken breasts, crushed tomatoes, diced onions, tomato paste, minced garlic, minced ginger, turmeric, garam masala, cumin, cardamom, red pepper flakes, and heavy cream

How To Make Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala

Using a sharp knife, cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized chunks.

wooden cutting board with chicken breast being cut into cubes with knife, with black slow cooker in background

Add the chicken to the slow cooker along with the remaining ingredients (except cream).

overhead view of black slow cooker with cubed chicken breasts

overhead view of black slow cooker with all ingredients except for cream

Stir to combine.

overhead view of black slow cooker with slow cooked chicken mixture

Cover and cook on low for 5-7 hours or high for 2 ½-3 ½ hours (until the chicken is fully cooked).
Add heavy cream and stir, then turn the slow cooker to high and let it simmer for an additional 30 minutes until heated through.
Serve with rice and naan or as desired.

overhead view of black slow cooker with slow cooked chicken mixture with parsley on top

Pro Tips

Cut the chicken into evenly-sized pieces for consistent cooking.
There is no requirement to sear the chicken pieces before slow cooking, but you can if you prefer to add deeper flavor and a lightly browned exterior.
Add the heavy cream near the end of cooking to prevent curdling.
If you prefer to use yogurt instead of cream, temper it by whisking a small amount of the cooking liquid into the yogurt at a time to warm it, then add the yogurt mixture at the end of cooking.
Cooking the dish on low heat will produce the best texture.
Adjust seasoning at the end to increase spice or saltiness, or to deepen the flavor.
Chicken is fully cooked when it reaches 165℉.

Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Use chicken thighs for a richer flavor, or swap in chickpeas, tofu, or cauliflower for a vegetarian version.
For a dairy-free version, substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk – either the full-fat or light version will work. The result is still just as creamy and rich!
For a slightly lower-calorie version, you can also swap the heavy cream for half-and-half.
Tempered yogurt also makes a delicious variation with a slight tanginess. Swap the yogurt for the heavy cream and stir a small amount of hot liquid into the yogurt to prevent curdling.
Chicken tikka masala is mildly spicy as written here, but you can increase the spice with more red pepper flakes.
For a faster version of tikka masala, try my equally delicious Instant Pot Chicken Tikka Masala.
For a similar Indian-inspired meal option, try Slow Cooker Butter Chicken! Butter chicken is typically milder and has a slightly sweeter sauce, while tikka masala has a more bold, tomato-forward flavor.

How To Serve Chicken Tikka Masala

Creamy, chicken tikka masala is best served hot over a bowl of fluffy, white long-grain rice such as basmati or jasmine. You’ll also enjoy a side of warm naan or flatbread to dip into the sauce or scoop up every last bite. (Find a simple solution here for How To Make The Perfect Slow Cooker Rice!)

This hearty, creamy meal is flavorful and filling, and a light veggie side, such as Oven Roasted Carrots or a fresh side salad, makes a tasty pairing for contrast.

Add an optional garnish of freshly chopped cilantro for color and flavor!

overhead view of black dinner plate of Tikka masala on bed of white rice, pita and lime wedges on a wooden cutting board, with black slow cooker and another dinner plate on side

Storing and Reheating

How to Store Leftovers

Fridge

Store leftover tikka masala in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

Freezer

Store leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months. For best results, freeze without the cream and just add it fresh when ready to heat and serve.

How to Reheat Leftovers

Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring between intervals. Add a splash of water, milk, or broth if needed to thin the sauce.

Freezer Meal Instructions

Prepare and combine ingredients as directed – except the cream – in a freezer-safe bag. Tightly seal, leaving some room for expansion, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw ingredients overnight in the fridge, cook as directed, then stir in the cream at the end for a smooth finish.