How to Make Chicken Tikka Masala: Easy Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe and Slow Cooker Tips

Chicken tikka masala is a popular Indian food featuring tender, spice-marinated roasted chicken in a spicy curry and tomato sauce. The chicken tikka masala sauce traditionally includes the following ingredients.

• Garam masala
• Turmeric
• Ginger
• Garlic
• Chilies
• Tomatoes

While chicken tikka masala and Indian butter chicken are both popular Indian restaurant menu items, they have a few key differences.

• Indian vs. British origins. While Indian butter chicken can trace its roots to pre-partition India, chicken tikka masala was actually conceived in Britain in the 1960s. In fact, chicken tikka masala was famously called a “true British national dish” in 2001 by then-foreign secretary Robin Cook in a speech about diversity and national identity.
• Butter content. True to its name, butter chicken utilizes more butter or ghee in its execution.
• Spice content. While butter chicken is generally milder and creamier, tikka masala leans on its blend of garam masala and other spices, resulting in a more intense flavor.

Another Indian staple, tandoori chicken, is frequently mentioned alongside chicken tikka masala—and, in fact, both can be made using a traditional tandoor oven. However, there are some important differences between the two dishes.

• Boneless, skinless chicken vs. roasted chicken. The word tikka means “bits” or pieces, and refers to the bite-sized cuts of boneless meat used in the chicken tikka masala. Tandoori chicken, by contrast, is usually roasted whole or in large pieces, with bones and skin still attached.
• Marinated vs. roasted. Tandoori chicken in typically served straight off the grill, sans sauce. Chicken tikka masala, on the other hand, features a yogurt marinade that adds a creamy, curried dimension.

While you’ll get the best results on your stovetop, a more convenient version of chicken tikka masala can be made using your slow cooker. To make chicken tikka masala in a slow cooker, combine the chicken, yogurt, and half of the spice mixture in a slow cooker and stir. As outlined in our recipe below, fry the onions, tomato paste, remaining spices, and canned tomatoes, then add to the slow cooker.

Cover and cook on high for 4 hours, or low for 8 hours. Stir in heavy cream and cilantro, and season to taste. If the sauce isn’t thickened to your liking, simply leave uncovered and cook on high for another 30 minutes.