If you're craving a dish that brings the warm, aromatic spices of India right to your kitchen, look no further than this Slow Cooker TJ Tikka Masala! With tender chicken thighs simmered to perfection in a luscious sauce of tomato and coconut milk, this recipe is a game-changer for your weeknight dinners. Imagine coming home to a house filled with the enticing scents of spices and savory goodness after a long day! Not only is this dish incredibly easy to prepare, but it also yields four hearty servings, making it perfect for family meals or cozy gatherings. Ready to dive into a culinary adventure that will leave your taste buds dancing? Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken thighs, cubed
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cups tomato sauce
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 2 tbsp tikka masala spice mix
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients by cubing chicken thighs into 1-inch pieces and finely dicing the onion.
- Season the cubed chicken thighs with salt and 1 tablespoon of tikka masala spice mix, ensuring each piece is evenly coated.
- Lightly grease the interior of the slow cooker with cooking spray or oil to prevent sticking.
- Layer the diced onions at the bottom of the slow cooker to create a flavorful base.
- Place the seasoned chicken thighs on top of the onions in an even layer.
- In a separate mixing bowl, combine tomato sauce, coconut milk, and remaining tikka masala spice mix, whisking until well blended.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken and onions, ensuring all ingredients are evenly covered.
- Cover the slow cooker and set to low heat for 6 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and chicken to become tender.
- After cooking time, gently stir the tikka masala to distribute the sauce and ensure even coating.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or tikka masala spice mix if needed.
- Serve hot over steamed basmati rice or with warm naan bread.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, you can cube the chicken and dice the onion the night before. Store them in the refrigerator, so they’re ready to go in the morning.
- Layering Matters: Make sure to layer the onions at the bottom of the slow cooker. This not only adds flavor but also prevents the chicken from sticking to the pot.
- Spice It Up: If you like a bit more heat, feel free to add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some diced green chilies to the sauce mixture for an extra kick.
- Adjust Consistency: If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can remove the lid during the last hour of cooking to let some of the liquid evaporate.
- Serving Suggestions: This tikka masala pairs beautifully with steamed basmati rice or warm naan bread, so don’t forget to prepare one (or both!) for a complete meal experience.
- Leftover Magic: If you have leftovers, they make for a delicious lunch the next day. Just reheat and enjoy the flavors that have had even more time to meld!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 272kcal
Carbohydrates: 11g
Protein: 17g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 43g
Cholesterol: 30mg
