There’s nothing quite like the aroma of a delectable homemade meal wafting through the house, captivating everyone’s attention. Today, we delve into the realm of slow cooking and discover a delightful recipe that will transport you to the vibrant streets of India. Introducing the Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala, a mouthwatering dish that combines tender chicken, rich tomato sauce, and a symphony of aromatic spices. Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure right in the comfort of your own kitchen.
Unleashing the Power of the Slow Cooker
In this fast-paced world, where time seems to be in short supply, the slow cooker emerges as the unsung hero of the kitchen. Its magical ability to transform raw ingredients into a harmonious symphony of flavors with minimal effort is a boon for busy home cooks. The Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala recipe perfectly exemplifies the convenience and deliciousness that this kitchen appliance brings to our lives.
The Essence of Authentic Indian Cuisine
Indian cuisine is renowned for its bold flavors, intricate spice blends, and vibrant colors. Chicken Tikka Masala is a classic Indian dish that has gained immense popularity around the world. Traditionally prepared in a tandoor, a clay oven, we adapt the recipe to the slow cooker, allowing the flavors to develop and infuse the chicken, resulting in a tender and succulent dish that will leave you craving for more.
The Symphony of Flavors
To create the magic, we combine a medley of spices that will tantalize your taste buds. The mixture of cumin, paprika, ginger, curry powder, and cinnamon imparts a warm and earthy aroma. A touch of cayenne adds a subtle kick, while turmeric brings a vibrant golden hue to the dish. These spices dance together, creating a harmonious balance that defines the essence of Chicken Tikka Masala.
The Slow Cooker Magic
In the slow cooker, the flavors meld together as the chicken slowly simmers in a luscious blend of tomato sauce and crushed tomatoes. The chicken breast, cut into tender chunks, absorbs the flavors and becomes incredibly succulent. As the aroma permeates the air, anticipation builds, and you know something extraordinary is in the making.
A Touch of Creamy Indulgence
Just before serving, we add a touch of indulgence by stirring in a cup of heavy cream. This addition takes the dish to new heights, creating a velvety texture and mellowing the spice blend, resulting in a creamy and luxurious sauce that clings to each piece of chicken.
The Perfect Pairing: Rice and Cilantro
To complement the vibrant flavors of the Chicken Tikka Masala, serve it over a bed of fluffy rice. For an extra touch of elegance, mix in some freshly chopped cilantro into the rice, adding a burst of color and an enticing aroma. The combination of the fragrant rice, creamy masala sauce, and tender chicken creates a symphony of textures and flavors that will transport you to the streets of India.
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Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe
Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala: A flavorful and creamy Indian dish with tender chicken, aromatic spices, and a rich tomato sauce, cooked to perfection in a slow cooker.
Ingredients:
- 1 (29 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 (14 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1.5 – 2 lb chicken breast, cut into chunks
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons butter (optional)
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon curry powder (yellow)
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (medium heat)
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Chopped cilantro for garnish
- Cooked rice for serving
Instructions:
- In the slow cooker, combine the tomato sauce and crushed tomatoes.
- Add the chicken breast chunks, chopped onion, minced garlic, and butter (if using) into the slow cooker.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the cumin, sugar, paprika, ground ginger, curry powder, cayenne pepper, cinnamon, salt, black pepper, and turmeric.
- Sprinkle the spice mixture over the chicken and tomato mixture in the slow cooker. Stir well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 4-5 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Just before serving, stir in the heavy cream, allowing it to blend with the tomato and spice mixture to create a creamy sauce.
- Serve the Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala over cooked rice, garnished with chopped cilantro for added freshness and aroma.
Need more slow cooker recipes? Try these:
- Slow Cooker Easy Creamy Chicken Curry
- Slow Cooker Chicken Carbonara
- Slow Cooker Baked Potato
- Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken
- Slow Cooker Pineapple Upside Down Cake
Click here for my entire collection of Slow Cooker Recipes
Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala
Ingredients
- 1 - 29 oz can tomato sauce
- 1 - 14 oz can crushed tomatoes
- 1.5 - 2 lb chicken breast, cut into chunks
- 1 small onion chopped
- 4 cloves of garlic minced
- 2 tbsp butter (optional)
- 1 tbsp cumin
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 2 tbsp paprika
- 1 tbsp ground ginger
- ½ tbsp curry powder (yellow)
- ½ tbsp cayenne pepper (medium heat)
- ½ tbsp cinnamon
- ½ tbsp salt
- ¼ tbsp black pepper
- ¼ tbsp turmeric
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Chopped cilantro for garnish
- Cooked rice for serving
Instructions
- In the slow cooker, combine the tomato sauce and crushed tomatoes.
- Add the chicken breast chunks, chopped onion, minced garlic, and butter (if using) into the slow cooker.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the cumin, sugar, paprika, ground ginger, curry powder, cayenne pepper, cinnamon, salt, black pepper, and turmeric.
- Sprinkle the spice mixture over the chicken and tomato mixture in the slow cooker. Stir well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 4-5 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Just before serving, stir in the heavy cream, allowing it to blend with the tomato and spice mixture to create a creamy sauce.
- Serve the Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala over cooked rice, garnished with chopped cilantro for added freshness and aroma.
my kid of food thanks for this yummy recipe