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You are here: Home / Slow Cooker - Poultry / {VIDEO} Slow Cooker/Instant Pot Chicken Tikka Masala (Dairy-Free, Paleo, Whole30)

{VIDEO} Slow Cooker/Instant Pot Chicken Tikka Masala (Dairy-Free, Paleo, Whole30)

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May 31, 2019 By Shannon Epstein 26 Comments

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Chicken tikka masala is a popular Indian restaurant dish that’s perfect for the slow cooker or pressure cooker. This dairy-free, paleo & whole30 version will have your kitchen smelling amazing.

Chicken tikka masala is a popular Indian restaurant dish that's perfect for the slow cooker or pressure cooker. This dairy-free, paleo & whole30 version will have your kitchen smelling amazing.

PIN FOR LATER

Updated 2019 with Instant Pot instructions

What is Chicken Tikka Masala?

Let’s break it down literally. We all know what chicken means. Tikka means bits or pieces and masala is a number of spice mixtures ground into a paste or powder for use in Indian cooking. Chicken tikka masala – cut up chicken cooked in a spiced tomato-based, creamy sauce. Notice how I said earlier 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 from India. The origin of chicken tikka masala is up for debate but the most accepted answer seems to be that it first appeared in the UK. Yup, chicken tikka masala is a British Indian dish. Interesting, huh?

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.

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.

before (slow cooker)

Dairy-Free / Paleo / Whole30 Version of Chicken Tikka Masala

What I love about chicken tikka masala is that it’s a recipe that you can really make your own. No two chicken tikka masalas are the same. This is my version. Traditionally this dish is made by marinating chicken in spices and yogurt. Obviously I did not use yogurt since this version is dairy-free, paleo, and whole30 compliant. For the yogurt substitute, you can use either coconut cream or full-fat coconut milk. I prefer to use coconut cream. Some people will tell you that if you’re using full-fat coconut milk you should only use the white cream at the top  only. This is just their personal opinion. You can use just the top cream or shake it up and pour it all in which is what I did in the pics you see here. When the chicken is done cooking it should be so tender that is shreds easily with a fork. Whether or not you shred your chicken or keep it whole is up to you, it won’t make a difference with the taste.

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.

leave whole or shred

Electric Pressure Cooker Version (Instant Pot)

The pressure cooker version is slightly different in that you saute the seasonings with the onion and garlic. This is done enhance the flavors but also because most pressure cookers have a saute function which makes it easy to do. If you do this, your masala will probably be a darker color, almost like a roux for a gumbo. While I list doing this as instructions for the pressure cooker, it’s technically optional. If you’re short on time or don’t want to bother, dump the spices in with the diced tomatoes and tomato paste. Yes, of course this is not limited to the pressure cooker. You can always saute the vegetables with the seasonings before adding them to the slow cooker.

Chicken tikka masala is a popular Indian restaurant dish that's perfect for the slow cooker or pressure cooker. This dairy-free, paleo & whole30 version will have your kitchen smelling amazing.


Other Indian inspired recipes you might enjoy:

Slow Cooker Spicy Chicken Curry (Paleo, Whole30)

Slow Cooker/Instant Pot Indian Spiced Chili (Paleo, Whole30)

Slow Cooker Indian Chicken Curry


To make this recipe I use a large 6-quart slow cooker or Instant Pot.

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Slow Cooker/Instant Pot Chicken Tikka Masala (Dairy-Free, Paleo, Whole30)


★★★★★

5 from 1 reviews

  • Author: Fit SlowCooker Queen
  • Prep Time: 10 mins
  • Cook Time: 4 hours
  • Total Time: 4 hours 10 mins
  • Yield: Serves 4 1x
Print Recipe
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Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 28 ounces diced tomatoes
  • 15 ounces coconut cream or full-fat coconut milk
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 3 tbsp tomato paste
  • 2 tbsp garam marsala
  • 1 1/2 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp ginger
  • Dash of pepper
  • Handful of fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

Slow Cooker

  1. Add all ingredients to the slow cooker. Stir to mix well.
  2. Cook HIGH 2-4 or LOW 4-6 hours.

Instant Pot

  1. Turn the Instant Pot to saute, LOW temperature. Once hot, add the oil, onion, and garlic. Cook a few minutes, stirring frequently. Stir in the garam masala, paprika, salt, ginger, and pepper. Saute 1 minutes.
  2. Stir in the diced tomatoes. Deglaze the bottom by of the pressure cooker by scraping and bits off with a wooden spoon. Stir in tomato paste and chicken.
  3. Close lid and seal valve. Set high pressure and cook 9 minutes. Quick release pressure.
  4. Stir in coconut milk & serve.

Did you make this recipe?

Tag @fitslowcookerqueen on Instagram and hashtag it #fitslowcookerqueen

 

Chicken tikka masala is a popular Indian restaurant dish that's perfect for the slow cooker or pressure cooker. This dairy-free, paleo & whole30 version will have your kitchen smelling amazing.

with cauliflower rice

I like to serve this with cauliflower rice to keep it paleo and whole30. Even if you do not have any dietary restrictions, this chicken tikka masala dish is still good. You can serve it the traditional way which is with rice. If I’m going that route, I usually use brown rice. You can use your preferred rice whether it be basmati rice, brown rice, white rice, etc.

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.

with brown rice

 

old pin:

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.

PIN FOR LATER

This post contains affiliate links which means if you click on one of the product links, I might receive compensation. For more about my disclosure policy see here: https://fitslowcookerqueen.com/about/disclosure-policy/.

Filed Under: Paleo, Poultry, Slow Cooker - Poultry, Whole 30 Tagged With: crock pot, ethnic food, indian food, paleo, slow cooker, whole30

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Comments

  1. Camille says

    November 4, 2020 at 12:44 pm

    This is one of our favorites and helped us survive 2 Whole30s. The sauce is so good, you want to take a bath in it. We usually use it to drown baked turmeric/ginger cauliflower rice. I’m sure it’s truly amazing with regular rice and maybe some naan! It’s insane how tasty this recipe is, being so easy AND Whole30.

    ★★★★★

    Reply
  2. Nina Tekwani says

    August 4, 2017 at 9:47 am

    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.

    Reply
  3. Emily Lauren says

    July 23, 2017 at 10:03 am

    This looks so yummy and great for a quick meal to make ahead!

    Reply
  4. lcross35 says

    July 21, 2017 at 7:22 pm

    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!

    Reply
  5. Adventuring The Great Wide Somewhere says

    July 21, 2017 at 10:10 am

    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!

    Reply
  6. Julie I Aloha Lovely says

    July 21, 2017 at 8:40 am

    Man, I need to get that slow cooker out, yum!!

    Reply
  7. swatisinha09 says

    July 21, 2017 at 4:23 am

    Looks amazing and easy to make too :). Will give it a shot sometime

    Reply
  8. Healthwealthbridge by Dr.Amrita Basu says

    July 21, 2017 at 3:52 am

    I have made chicken tikka but not with coconut milk and neither in a slow cooker .Very innovative recipe .Will try this

    Reply
  9. toastycritic says

    July 20, 2017 at 11:21 pm

    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.

    Reply
  10. Dominique| Perchance to Cook says

    July 20, 2017 at 5:38 pm

    I LOVE tikka masala… I love this recipe even more because it’s made with a slow cooker and is Paleo and Whole30, YUM!

    Reply
  11. sophisticatedrustblog says

    July 20, 2017 at 1:21 pm

    This seriously looks DELISH! I need to try this – anything in the crockpot is right up my alley!

    Reply
  12. This is Us... Living says

    July 20, 2017 at 1:05 pm

    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!

    Reply
  13. shaunacoleman79 says

    July 20, 2017 at 1:00 pm

    Coconut milk? I would never think to put coconut milk in rice and chicken. It actually looks really good though.

    Reply
  14. Lorenzo says

    July 20, 2017 at 12:28 pm

    Im gonna try it this weekend!

    Reply
  15. Tiffany says

    July 20, 2017 at 10:55 am

    Does it taste coconut-y from the coconut milk?

    Reply
    • Fit SlowCooker Queen says

      July 20, 2017 at 12:35 pm

      Nope! Between the tomatoes and spices, the coconut flavor is almost non existent.

      Reply
  16. Natasha says

    July 20, 2017 at 10:23 am

    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!

    Reply
  17. Jackie says

    July 20, 2017 at 9:13 am

    Holy moly this looks so good ! Can’t wait to give it a try !

    Reply
  18. noonetocompare says

    July 20, 2017 at 8:41 am

    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!

    Reply
  19. Sandra Negron says

    July 20, 2017 at 7:58 am

    omg!! this looks delicious! I have a slow cooker and don’t use it enough. Must try this recipe!

    Reply
  20. Clarissa says

    July 20, 2017 at 7:57 am

    This looks SO good! And Paleo!!! WOOHOO!! I’m totally making this – pinning for this weekend! Thank you!

    -Clarissa @ The View From Here

    Reply
  21. Jen Seislove says

    July 20, 2017 at 7:57 am

    I love the ease of this dish…one of my favorites!

    Reply
  22. Mama802 says

    July 20, 2017 at 7:36 am

    This looks amazing! I love making Chickpea Masala.

    Reply
  23. Kate Hackworthy (@veggie_desserts) says

    July 20, 2017 at 4:38 am

    It sounds great using coconut milk! I love curries, they’re so flavourful and easy.

    Reply
  24. beautybymissl says

    July 20, 2017 at 4:07 am

    This looks and sounds delicious! I like that it is one of those easy meals! Thanks for the recipe!

    Reply
  25. mindyvoet says

    July 19, 2017 at 4:59 pm

    Yum! This looks like the perfect, easy weeknight dinner. Love slow cooking.

    Reply

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