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Slow Cooker Chicken and Cauliflower Tikka Masala

A delicious and healthy slow cooker version of chicken and cauliflower tikka masala, packed with flavor and easy to make!
Prep : 10 Total : 25 minutes

Ingredients
  

Chicken and Marinade

  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 0.5 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric
  • 0.5 teaspoon cumin
  • 0.5 teaspoon paprika
  • 0.25 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 0.25 teaspoon black pepper

Sauce

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 large onion chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger grated
  • 1 tablespoon garam masala
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric
  • 0.5 teaspoon cumin
  • 0.25 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
  • 1 can crushed tomatoes (28 ounces)
  • 1 can coconut milk (full-fat, 13.5 ounces)
  • 0.5 cup chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 0.25 teaspoon black pepper

Vegetables and Finishing

  • 2 cups cauliflower florets
  • 0.5 cup fresh cilantro chopped, for garnish

Instructions
 

Marinade and Sauté

  • In a medium bowl, combine the chicken pieces with all the marinade ingredients. Toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours.
  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  • Stir in the garam masala, turmeric, cumin, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant.

Slow Cooker Assembly and Cooking

  • Transfer the sautéed onion mixture to the slow cooker. Add the crushed tomatoes, coconut milk, and chicken broth. Stir to combine.
  • Add the marinated chicken pieces to the slow cooker. Add the cauliflower florets. Stir everything together to ensure the chicken and cauliflower are submerged in the sauce.
  • Season with salt and black pepper. Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender and the cauliflower is tender-crisp.

Serving

  • Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Stir in half of the chopped cilantro before serving.
  • Serve hot, garnished with the remaining fresh cilantro. This dish is delicious served with basmati rice or naan bread.

Notes

For a spicier version, increase the cayenne pepper. You can also add other vegetables like bell peppers or peas towards the end of cooking.