Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala

Oh My! I love Chicken Tikka Masala, it really is one of my faves. So I decided to try and make it a little healthier and use my slow cooker to make it an easy midweek meal. To be perfectly honest it’s good enough for any meal occasion. So please try this Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala, I’m convinced you’ll love it

My Slow Cooker version is a chuck it all in sort of vibe! Now we all love a dump recipe

It’s a delicious, not too spicy, tomatoey, creamy curry! Tender pieces of chicken surrounded by a delicious sauce, it’s so good and it’s bursting with flavour. Simply delicious and a guaranteed crowd pleaser

Just look at it!

What is Chicken Tikka Masala?

Well I guess we all know it’s a British fave!

So where are its origins?

Well after a little investigation it seems the consensus is GLASGOW!

Ali Ahmed Aslam is said to have invented chicken tikka masala at his Glasgow restaurant in the 1970s.

With chunks of spiced chicken surrounded by a rich tomato and yogurt-based sauce, chicken tikka masala is one of the UK’s most beloved dishes.

However it seems like many great things, it’s origin is entirely debatable

Chicken Tikka Marsala Ingredients

Chicken for your Tikka Masala

I have used diced chicken breast from the supermarket. These pieces are approx 4cm x 3cm, so quite large dice.

If using whole chicken breasts then I suggest cutting each into 8 pieces

You can of course use skinless, boneless thighs, it’s a preference.

However for this dish I prefer the chicken breast

Tikka Masala Paste

You can of course blend all your spices and make your own Tikka blend. However I have to tell you that this Patak’s Tikka Masala Spiced Paste is perfect! I am not sponsored by, or working with Patak’s, but let me tell you I really rate their blends

Adding extra fresh ginger and fresh garlic as an addition, for me, really ups the flavour

As you will have seen if you’ve a regular here, I also use their Madras blend in my fantastically popular healthier Easy Chicken Curry – it’s so good

Tomato Passata

I use a whole carton of tomato pasta ( most are packed in 500g) I much prefer this to a tin of chopped tomatoes as it tend to give a very smooth almost velvety sauce , which I love!

Turmeric

I like to add a 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric, as I like what it does to the rich colour of the sauce, never mind the health benefits too

Garam Masala

Garam masala can be made from many different spices, but some of the most common are cinnamon, peppercorns, cardamom, mustard seeds, coriander seeds, cloves, mace, and nutmeg.

The spices are toasted whole spices and this brings out their delicious flavour, then they are ground – so delicious and this is why I add them at the end

Creme Fraiche

Half fat Creme Fraiche typically has a 15% fat compared to 30% normally.

Double cream has almost 50%, so it’s a great lower fat alternative

Please only add at the end as it doesn’t require much heating , it is heat stable however just be careful it doesn’t ‘split’ by excessivly heating

What can I serve with Chicken Tikka Masala?

Perfect with all the usual suspects:

Basmatic Rice
Naan

Or how about on a jacket/baked potato – so yummy!!

And you can also add a little mango chutney through it, or on the side, if you like a little sweetness?

It really does add a different dimension

It would also be amazing with a side addition of my Healthy Onion Bhaji …. but then I was always a little greedy

Can I store any leftover Chicken Tikka Masala?

Yes you can. Once cooled completely, pop the chicken tikka it in a suitable container or sandwich bag and seal.

It will keep in the fridge for 48 hours

To reheat, remove from the refrigerator and heat in a saucepan or microwave until piping hot!!

It has to be PIPING hot (it’s chicken remember)

Can I freeze my left over Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala?

Leftovers? What do you mean leftovers?

Anyway….. yes you can absolutely freeze any left over Chicken Tikka Masala, it freezes well!

Once cooled completely, pop the chicken tikka it in a suitable container or sandwich bag and seal. It can be stored it in your freezer for up to three months.

When you want to eat, simply remove from the freeze and allow to defrost. Then heat in a saucepan or microwave until piping hot!!

It has to be PIPING hot (it’s chicken remember)

The Easy Slimming Group

I also have a Facebook Closed Group called Easy Peasy Slimming Style Recipes .

Come over and join this great honest community Facebook for Easy Peasy Slimming Recipes if you’re interested

Just use the join button if you like real home cooked tasty easy food!!

We support encourage and laugh!!Loads of tips and tricks – I promise

Oh and why not join me on Instagram – I’d love to see you there 🙂

Enjoy

Much Love Clare x

Other tasty Slow cooker Curry Recipes

I think if you love this then you’d really enjoy my Easy Slow Cooker Beef Curry – it’s so delicious and also very easy

How about a Slow Cooker Chicken Curry – it’s just as easy as this one, if not easier

I really hope you enjoy this one and let me know how you get on!

Big Love as always Clare xxx