Slow Cooker Dinners

Crockpot Creamy Coconut Chicken Tikka Masala

Slow-cooked chicken in a silky coconut-tomato masala — all the takeaway flavour, with the slow cooker doing the work.

November 1, 2026 By Chef Clara 4.93 (142 votes)
Crockpot Creamy Coconut Chicken Tikka Masala
The Quick Takeaway

In a nutshell: This authentic indian-inspired crockpot creamy coconut chicken tikka masala comes together in just 4 hrs 15 mins using simple whole ingredients. The chef's secret: a minute in hot oil wakes up the garam masala and cumin in a way that raw spices stirred. Perfect for home cooks seeking a dependable, restaurant-quality finish with minimal effort.

Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 4 hrs
Total Time 4 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine Indian-Inspired
Advertisement

Crockpot creamy coconut chicken tikka masala: slow-cooked chicken in a silky coconut and tomato sauce. An easy, cosy curry night dinner.

Key Equipment

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Chef's Pro-Tips

  • Bloom the spices in the skillet first: a minute in hot oil wakes up the garam masala and cumin in a way that raw spices stirred straight into the pot never achieve.
  • Use full-fat coconut milk: light coconut milk makes a thin, watery sauce, while full-fat gives the silky body this curry is known for.
  • Do not skip the final seasoning check: tomatoes vary in acidity, so a pinch more sugar or salt at the end is what turns a good masala into a great one.

Ingredients
6 servings

  • 2 lbs chicken thighs, boneless, skinless, cut into chunks
  • 1 yellow onion, finely diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
  • 2 tbsp garam masala
  • 1 tbsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp turmeric
  • 1 tsp paprika, sweet
  • ½ tsp cayenne pepper, or to taste
  • 1 can crushed tomatoes, 28 oz
  • 1 can coconut milk, full-fat, 13.5 oz
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tsp kosher salt, or to taste
  • ½ cup heavy cream, optional, for extra silkiness
  • ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped, for serving
  • 1 lime, cut into wedges, for serving
The Smart Meal Planner & Grocery Calculator
Bestseller Instant Download

The Smart Meal Planner & Grocery Calculator

Interactive Google Sheets & Excel system with auto-generating grocery lists, macro calculations, and 50 pre-loaded recipes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1

Bloom the Spices

Warm a drizzle of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the onion for 4-5 minutes until soft, then stir in the garlic, ginger, garam masala, cumin, turmeric, paprika and cayenne and cook 1 minute until fragrant.

2

Load the Slow Cooker

Scrape the spiced onion mixture into the slow cooker. Add the chicken, crushed tomatoes, coconut milk, tomato paste, brown sugar and salt, and stir to coat.

3

Cook Low and Slow

Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or on high for 2-2.5 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through. Stir once halfway if you are nearby.

4

Finish the Sauce

Stir in the cream, if using, and cook uncovered for 15 minutes to thicken slightly. Taste and adjust the salt, sugar and cayenne — the sauce should be rich, warmly spiced and balanced, not sharp.

5

Serve

Spoon over basmati rice or with warm naan, scattered with cilantro and a squeeze of lime.

Chef Clara's Kitchen Picks

Kitchen Essentials

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

#2 in Baking Sheets

Nordic Ware Naturals Half Sheet, 2-Pack

Warp-resistant aluminum for even browning, from sheet-pan dinners to cookies.

View on Amazon
500+ bought weekly

Victorinox Fibrox Pro 8" Chef's Knife

Razor-sharp Fibrox Pro blade that home chefs and pros both reach for.

View on Amazon
Amazon's Choice

TILUCK Stainless Measuring Cups & Spoons, 10-Pc

Stainless steel cups and spoons that measure precisely and last.

View on Amazon
Amazon's Choice

Mercer Culinary Locking Tongs, 9" + 12"

Locking tongs in two handy sizes for the stovetop and the grill.

View on Amazon
#4 in Baking Parchment

Amazon Basics Non-Stick Parchment Paper Roll

Non-stick paper for lining pans – easy release, easy cleanup.

View on Amazon
#6 in Cooking Spoons

Woodenhouse Teak Wooden Spoons, 10-Pc

Teak spoons gentle on cookware and built for daily stirring.

View on Amazon
Amazon's Choice

OXO Good Grips Silicone Whisk Set, 9" + 11"

Silicone whisks safe for nonstick pans, in two sizes.

View on Amazon
#3 in Cooling Racks

Ultra Cuisine Stainless Cooling Rack Set of 2

Stainless racks that fit half sheets – for cooling bakes and crisping roasts.

View on Amazon
Amazon's Choice

Umite Chef Stainless Mixing Bowls with Lids, 8-Pc

Nesting stainless bowls with airtight lids, from prep to storage.

View on Amazon
Best Seller in Hand Mixers

Hamilton Beach 6-Speed Electric Hand Mixer

Six speeds with a snap-on storage case for the beaters.

View on Amazon

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes — cut breasts into even chunks and cook on low for 3-3.5 hours. Breasts dry out faster than thighs, so check them early and do not overcook.

Mildly warm as written, thanks to just half a teaspoon of cayenne. Leave it out for a gentle curry, or add a chopped chilli with the onion for real heat.

Yes — cool completely and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently, stirring in a splash of cream to restore the silky texture.

Basmati rice and warm naan are the classics, plus a simple cucumber salad or raita to cool the spice.