I remember the first time I made a chicken tikka masala from scratch. It was one of those nights where I was feeling adventurous but also lazy-craving something hearty yet simple to prepare. I had been hearing about Jamie Oliver’s Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala for ages, but never really gave it a go. Finally, I took the plunge. That decision turned out to be a game-changer. It’s been a go-to dish in my recipe rotation ever since.
The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity. The slow cooker does all the hard work, while you get to enjoy the complex, aromatic flavors of a classic Indian dish without breaking a sweat. The combination of tender chicken and a fragrant, creamy sauce makes this one of those recipes you’ll want to make over and over again.
Jamie Oliver’s Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe
Jamie Oliver is known for taking complex recipes and breaking them down into accessible steps. His Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala is no exception. This recipe is a wonderful blend of flavors that will fill your kitchen with an irresistible aroma.
I still remember the moment when I opened the lid of the slow cooker after a few hours, and the rich scent of cumin, garam masala, and cinnamon hit me. That moment when all the spices and ingredients have melded together perfectly is pure magic.
Here’s how to recreate that magic yourself.
Ingredients Needed
One of the things I love about this recipe is how simple the ingredients list is. The flavors are bold, but the components are basic. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Chicken thighs: Boneless and skinless is best for a juicy and tender result.
- Onions: A medium-sized onion, finely chopped, adds the necessary sweetness.
- Garlic and ginger: Fresh garlic and ginger are key to bringing a fresh, sharp kick to the dish.
- Tomatoes: Canned chopped tomatoes provide the perfect base for the sauce.
- Yogurt: Full-fat yogurt creates a creamy texture without making the sauce too heavy.
- Garam masala: The spice blend that brings the dish to life. A must-have!
- Ground coriander: Adds a citrusy depth to balance out the spices.
- Ground cumin: Earthy and smoky, it’s another layer of flavor that’s essential.
- Turmeric: For color and a subtle earthy flavor.
- Cinnamon stick: This adds a warm sweetness that complements the other spices.
- Coconut milk: Optional, but it makes the sauce wonderfully smooth.
- Salt: To taste, of course.
- Fresh cilantro: For garnish at the end-adds a fresh, bright note.
How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala
This recipe is as easy as it gets. If you’ve never used a slow cooker, this dish will be your gateway to slow cooking bliss. Here’s how to make it:
- Prepare the chicken: Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces and season them with a little salt, pepper, and some garam masala. You want the chicken to start absorbing the flavors early on.
- Sauté the aromatics: In a pan, sauté chopped onions, garlic, and ginger in a little oil until the onions turn golden and fragrant. This step adds a ton of depth to the dish.
- Spice it up: Add the ground cumin, coriander, turmeric, and cinnamon stick to the pan. Toast the spices for a minute to release their oils. This really builds up that warm, inviting base flavor.
- Transfer to the slow cooker: Dump the onion, garlic, and spice mixture into the slow cooker. Add the chopped tomatoes, yogurt, and a splash of coconut milk (if you’re using it). Stir everything together to coat the chicken evenly.
- Slow cook: Set your slow cooker to low and let it do the work for about 6-8 hours. If you’re short on time, 4 hours on high will work, but slow cooking on low gives the chicken the most tender texture.
- Finish with cilantro: When it’s ready, give the dish a quick stir and top with fresh cilantro for that final pop of freshness.
Serve it over a bed of fluffy basmati rice or with some naan bread for the full experience.
Ingredient Science Spotlight
Let’s take a quick dive into the science behind some of the ingredients that make this dish unforgettable.
- Yogurt: Not only does yogurt add creaminess to the sauce, but it also tenderizes the chicken. The acidity in the yogurt breaks down the proteins in the chicken, making it more tender and juicy.
- Garam Masala: This spice blend is what gives the dish its distinct flavor profile. The science behind it is the balance of warm, aromatic spices that stimulate the senses. The spices in garam masala are high in antioxidants, which give them their deep, earthy flavors.
- Cinnamon: It might seem like a small addition, but cinnamon’s sweet warmth cuts through the richness of the dish and adds an unexpected depth. Cinnamon also has anti-inflammatory properties, which is just another reason to love it.
- Coconut Milk: This optional addition brings richness without making the sauce overly heavy. Coconut milk contains medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which are easier for your body to digest and convert into energy.
Expert Tips
- Use chicken thighs: Trust me, chicken breasts just can’t compare. Thighs stay moist and tender through the slow cooking process.
- Spice balance: If you’re sensitive to heat, go light on the chili or adjust the spice levels by adding more yogurt to balance it out.
- Layer flavors: Sautéing the spices with onions, garlic, and ginger before slow cooking makes the flavors more pronounced. Don’t skip this step!
- Add a squeeze of lemon: Just before serving, a fresh squeeze of lemon or lime brightens the dish, giving it a fresh contrast to the rich sauce.
- Don’t rush the slow cooking: For maximum flavor, allow the dish to cook on low for the full 6-8 hours. If you need to speed things up, a high heat setting will do, but low is always better.
Recipe Variations
- Vegetarian version: Replace chicken with chunks of cauliflower or firm tofu. You’ll need to cook it for a little less time, but the flavor will still be incredible.
- Extra creamy: Swap in heavy cream for the coconut milk if you want a richer, more luxurious sauce.
- Spicy version: If you’re a heat lover, try adding more chili powder or even a chopped fresh chili pepper to the mix.
- Add vegetables: Toss in some diced potatoes, bell peppers, or peas to make it a heartier, more colorful dish.
Final Words
This recipe has become one of my kitchen staples. It’s perfect for lazy weekends, busy weekdays, or anytime you crave comfort food with a twist. The slow cooker does all the hard work, which leaves you with more time to relax or take care of other things while the house smells like an exotic spice market.
FAQs
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead Of Chicken Breasts?
Yes, you can swap chicken breasts for thighs for a more tender, juicy result.
Do I Need To Brown The Chicken Before Putting It In The Slow Cooker?
No, you can add the chicken directly to the slow cooker without browning it first.
How Long Does It Take To Cook The Tikka Masala In A Slow Cooker?
It usually takes about 4-6 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high.