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Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala + VIDEO

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.

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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?

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.

[adthrive-in-post-video-player video-id=”aYjEVUxA” upload-date=”2019-05-31T16:55:20.000Z” name=”Instant Pot Chicken Tikka Masala” description=”A popular Indian restaurant dish, chicken tikka masala is perfect for the slow cooker or pressure cooker. This paleo & whole30 version will have your kitchen smelling amazing.”]

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

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

5 from 1 review

  • Total Time: 4 hours 10 mins
  • Yield: Serves 4

Ingredients

Units 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.
  • Author: Fit SlowCooker Queen
  • Prep Time: 10 mins
  • Cook Time: 4 hours

Nutrition

  • Serving Size:
  • Calories: 309
  • Sugar: 2.8 g
  • Fat: 9.7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5.3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 19.4 g
  • Fiber: 1.2 g
  • Protein: 23.5 g
  • Cholesterol: 105 mg

 

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/.

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

Sarah

Wednesday 31st of May 2023

The flavors in this dish are amazing! It was super easy to throw together in the crockpot which is a major plus. However, mine came out more like the chicken and veggies in broth...any ideas? Do you use the whole can of coconut cream/milk?

Camille

Wednesday 4th of November 2020

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.

Nina Tekwani

Friday 4th of August 2017

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.

Emily Lauren

Sunday 23rd of July 2017

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

lcross35

Friday 21st of July 2017

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!