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.
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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?
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.
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.
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.
Slow Cooker/Instant Pot Chicken Tikka Masala (Dairy-Free, Paleo, Whole30)
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 mins
- Yield: Serves 4 1x
Ingredients
- 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
- Add all ingredients to the slow cooker. Stir to mix well.
- Cook HIGH 2-4 or LOW 4-6 hours.
Instant Pot
- 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.
- 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.
- Close lid and seal valve. Set high pressure and cook 9 minutes. Quick release pressure.
- Stir in coconut milk & serve.
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.
with brown rice
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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.
★★★★★
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.