There’s something incredibly comforting about a dish that fills your kitchen with warm, fragrant spices and melts tender chicken in your mouth. That’s exactly what my Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe does—it’s effortless, full of flavor, and perfect for busy days when you want a homemade meal without the fuss.

Two white bowls sit on a white marbled surface, each filled with two layers: on one side, fluffy white rice with a soft texture, and on the other, a creamy orange curry with small chunks of meat coated in sauce. Bright green cilantro leaves are scattered on top of the curry and rice, adding a fresh color contrast. A gold fork rests beside the front bowl on a wooden board, and fresh cilantro leaves are placed next to the board. A soft, light blue cloth is draped casually in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made plenty of tikka masala in my life, but using the slow cooker transforms the whole experience. It patiently simmers the spices and chicken together for hours, letting all those gorgeous flavors develop in a way you just can’t rush, giving you a rich and creamy sauce without ever having to hover over the stove.

Set-and-forget convenience: Toss everything in the slow cooker and go about your day while it works its magic.
Deep, authentic flavors: The slow cooking melds the spices beautifully for that classic tikka masala taste.
Tender, juicy chicken: Chicken thighs become perfectly soft and flavorful with no drying out.
Customizable spice levels: You control how mild or spicy it gets, so it suits your palate perfectly.

A black slow cooker is filled with thick orange curry sauce that has a creamy texture and visible spices. Inside the sauce are several pieces of tender meat covered in the sauce, placed throughout the cooker. Fresh green cilantro leaves are scattered on top, adding a bright contrast to the orange sauce. A wooden spoon with smooth texture is resting on the edge of the cooker, partially submerged in the curry. The background surface is white with a marbled pattern. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe plays an important part in building that signature flavor and creamy texture. The blend of spices is what brings authenticity, while yogurt and cream add richness and balance the heat.

Flat lay of raw chicken thighs cut into cubes arranged neatly, a small mound of finely grated yellow onion, a small pile of peeled and grated fresh ginger, a small heap of minced garlic cloves, a neat stack of mixed ground spices in a small white ceramic bowl showcasing assorted warm reds and browns, a small white bowl filled with smooth bright red tomato puree, a small white bowl with creamy plain Greek yogurt, a small white bowl holding fresh heavy cream, a small white bowl containing fine white tapioca starch powder, a small white bowl filled with dried fenugreek leaves, a few fresh green cilantro sprigs artfully placed nearby, and a small white bowl with vibrant red cayenne powder, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Chicken thighs: These stay juicy and tender after hours in the slow cooker, way better than chicken breasts for this dish.
Yellow onion: Grated to melt smoothly into the sauce, adding sweetness without chunks.
Fresh ginger: Adds a bright zing that lifts the rich sauce.
Garlic: For that unmistakable warmth and aroma.
Spice blend: A carefully balanced mix of cumin, coriander, turmeric, Kashmiri chili, and more that creates the heart of the flavor.
Tomato puree: The base of the sauce for that tangy depth.
Greek yogurt: Adds creaminess and a subtle tang while tenderizing the chicken.
Heavy cream: Makes the sauce luxuriously smooth and rich.
Tapioca starch: A clever thickener that gives the sauce a silky consistency without flour.
Dried fenugreek: That unique earthy, slightly sweet note that’s essential in tikka masala.
Cayenne pepper (optional): For adding heat if you love it spicy.
Cilantro: Fresh herb garnish to brighten and finish the dish beautifully.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to tweak. Over the years, I’ve played with different spice ratios and heat levels to find what suits my taste—and you can too. Don’t be afraid to personalize it.

Variation: I sometimes swap chicken thighs for boneless chicken breasts if I’m looking for a leaner option, but make sure to check early as breasts cook faster and can dry out.
Dairy-free: You can substitute coconut milk for the heavy cream and yogurt to keep it creamy without dairy.
Heat adjustment: Adding more Kashmiri chili powder or cayenne pepper brings up the spice level, but start slow—you can always add more at the end!
Fresh fenugreek: If you can find fresh fenugreek leaves, toss some in at the end for a flavor boost that dried fenugreek can’t quite match.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Chicken and Aromatics

First, trim your chicken thighs of any excess fat and cut them into bite-size cubes—about 1¼ inches works perfectly. Grate your yellow onion finely so it dissolves into the sauce while cooking. I like to peel and finely grate fresh ginger and mince garlic too, as they really brighten the dish. Toss all these together with the homemade spice blend straight in the slow cooker.

Step 2: Add Tomato Puree and Yogurt

Pour in the canned tomato puree and the Greek yogurt, then gently toss everything together so the chicken pieces get coated in the spices and creamy tang. The yogurt is key for that melt-in-your-mouth texture and subtle tartness that balances the richness.

Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover your slow cooker and set it to low heat. Let it cook for 4 to 5 hours without lifting the lid—you want the steam to keep the chicken tender and the sauce thickening naturally. Around the 4-hour mark, you can check that your chicken is tender and cooked through.

Step 4: Finish with Cream and Fenugreek

Before serving, whisk tapioca starch into the heavy cream. Adding this mixture to the slow cooker thickens the sauce beautifully without lumps or floury taste. Stir in the dried fenugreek and cayenne pepper if you’d like to add a little heat. Give it a gentle stir, then taste for seasoning—you might want to add a pinch more salt.

Top Tip

After cooking this dish a dozen times, I’ve learned some tricks to nail it every time. Small adjustments during cooking make a big difference in flavor and texture.

Combine spices fresh: Mixing your own spice blend just before cooking really brightens the flavors compared to premade mixes.
Don’t lift the lid early: Resist peeking while the slow cooker’s going—it lets the heat escape and slows cooking.
Use chicken thighs: They really do stay juicy and tender for hours in the slow cooker, avoiding dryness.
Add cream at the end: Stirring in the cream with tapioca starch only near the end keeps the sauce smooth and thick without curdling.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe

chicken tikka masala - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I always sprinkle fresh cilantro leaves on top—it adds a pop of color and fresh herbal brightness that contrasts beautifully with the rich sauce. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a dollop of plain yogurt also amps up freshness when serving.

Side Dishes

Basmati rice is the classic side here, soaking up all that saucy goodness. I also love pairing it with warm naan bread—it’s perfect for mopping up every last bite. For veggies, roasted cauliflower or a simple cucumber raita lighten the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this chicken tikka masala over a bed of fragrant saffron rice, garnished with toasted almonds and fresh mint leaves. It makes a stunning and elegant bowl that always impresses guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making lunch or dinner the next day even better! Just give it a good stir before reheating.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this curry a few times with great results. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove or in the microwave.

Reheating

Slowly reheat on the stove over low heat to keep the cream smooth and prevent splitting. If the sauce gets too thick after refrigeration, just stir in a splash of water or cream while warming to bring it back to your preferred consistency.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs in this Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe?

Yes, you can, but chicken breasts cook faster and can dry out if left in the slow cooker too long. Keep an eye on the cooking time and check for doneness earlier, around 3 to 4 hours on low.

What can I substitute for fenugreek if I can’t find it?

Fenugreek is unique but if you can’t find it, you can omit it or try a small pinch of mustard seeds or a bit of maple syrup to mimic its subtle sweetness. The dish will still be delicious without it.

Is this Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe gluten-free?

Yes! This recipe uses tapioca starch instead of flour to thicken the sauce, making it naturally gluten-free. Just be sure your tomato puree and spices don’t contain any hidden gluten additives.

Can I make this recipe spicy?

Absolutely! The spice blend includes mild Kashmiri chili powder, but you can add more chili powder or cayenne pepper to bump up the heat. Add spices gradually and taste toward the end to adjust to your desired level.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe has become one of my go-to dishes not just because it’s delicious, but because it genuinely makes my life easier. It’s full of bold, authentic flavor with hardly any hands-on cooking, and that’s a win in my book. I hope giving it a try brings a little warmth and joy to your table, just like it does for mine.