Chicken tikka masala is an Indian-restaurant dish that’s perfect for the slow cooker. This whole30 and paleo version is healthy but not lacking in flavor.
Notice how I said this was an Indian-restaurant dish and not an Indian dish? While creating this recipe, I learned that chicken tikka masala isn’t a traditional Indian dish. The origin of chicken tikka masala is up for debate but the most accepted answer seems to be that it first appear in the UK. Yup, chicken tikka masala is a British dish!
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Chicken tikka masala – chicken marinated in spices and yogurt. Obviously I did not use yogurt since this version is whole30 and paleo compliant. For the yogurt substitute, you can use either coconut cream or full-fat coconut milk. I prefer coconut milk but that’s just personal preference.
To shred or not to shred? That’s up to you. I shredded my chicken thighs and put them back in the slow cooker but you can leave the thighs whole.
The chicken thighs should be so tender that they’re falling apart when you go to take them out the slow cooker. If they’re not, you didn’t cook the meat long enough.
PrintSlow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala (Whole30,Paleo)
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 5 mins
- Yield: 4 1x
Ingredients
- 3 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 28 ounces diced tomatoes
- 15 ounces coconut cream or full-fat coconut milk
- 1 large onion, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tbsp garam marsala
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp ginger
- Cilantro, to garnish
Instructions
- Add chicken to the slow cooker.
- Mix together remaining ingredients and pour into the slow cooker.
- Stir to mix well.
- Cook HIGH 3-4 or LOW 6-8 hours.
I served this over brown rice. Yes I know brown rice is not paleo or whole30 compliant; this is also great over cauliflower rice.
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As a CTM fan, the fact that you just shared a slow cooker, simple recipe is music to my ears! Can’t wait to make this! It’s so much simpler than the recipes I’ve used before.
This looks so yummy and great for a quick meal to make ahead!
Slow cookers are a gift to the world. I bet this smells so nice when it’s simmering, that’s my favorite part of cooking in a slow cooker!
I love tikka masala but have never thought to make it in the slow cooker! We just buy the bottled sauces and simmer the cooked chicken on a stovetop. But honestly, I like your version way better! Crock pot recipes are the best, and your healthy version with coconut milk sounds even tastier than your regular old bottled recipe. Definitely a perfect weeknight dinner!
Man, I need to get that slow cooker out, yum!!
Looks amazing and easy to make too :). Will give it a shot sometime
I have made chicken tikka but not with coconut milk and neither in a slow cooker .Very innovative recipe .Will try this
I really need to try out this dish. It looks absolutely amazing. I know I have read about it before and seen pictures but I really need to try this out.
I LOVE tikka masala… I love this recipe even more because it’s made with a slow cooker and is Paleo and Whole30, YUM!
This seriously looks DELISH! I need to try this – anything in the crockpot is right up my alley!
I love my slow cooker, honestly the best gift I have ever received! Hubby and I love curries so I know this recipe will go down as a hit in our house. Will pin so i can use it later!
Coconut milk? I would never think to put coconut milk in rice and chicken. It actually looks really good though.
Im gonna try it this weekend!
Does it taste coconut-y from the coconut milk?
Nope! Between the tomatoes and spices, the coconut flavor is almost non existent.
I had NO idea tikka masala wasn’t a real Indian dish, that’s really disappointing! I thought Hibachi was a Japanese dish for the longest time, then found it was invented in the US. *sigh* Anyways I really enjoy Tikka Masala so I’ll have to give this recipe a try! Anything like this in the slow cooker is bound to be good!
Holy moly this looks so good ! Can’t wait to give it a try !
This looks yummy!! I think I’ll definitely try this recipe. During the summer i prefer to spend as much time outside of the kitchen as possible but still have a healthy and delicious meal. This looks like just that!
omg!! this looks delicious! I have a slow cooker and don’t use it enough. Must try this recipe!
This looks SO good! And Paleo!!! WOOHOO!! I’m totally making this – pinning for this weekend! Thank you!
-Clarissa @ The View From Here
I love the ease of this dish…one of my favorites!
This looks amazing! I love making Chickpea Masala.
It sounds great using coconut milk! I love curries, they’re so flavourful and easy.
This looks and sounds delicious! I like that it is one of those easy meals! Thanks for the recipe!
Yum! This looks like the perfect, easy weeknight dinner. Love slow cooking.