Flavorful Chicken Tikka Masala: A Slow Cooker Sensation

Elevate your culinary skills and embark on a journey to the vibrant streets of India with this tantalizing Chicken Tikka Masala recipe, specially crafted for your Andrew James Slow Cooker. Bursting with aromatic spices and rich, creamy sauce, this dish promises to tantalize your taste buds and transport you to a world of exotic flavors. So, dust off your slow cooker and get ready to savor every mouthful of this irresistible Indian classic. 

  Ingredients: 

- 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces 

- 1 large onion, finely chopped 

- 4 cloves of garlic, minced 

- 1-inch piece of ginger, grated 

- 1 cup plain yogurt 

- 1 can (14 oz / 400g) crushed tomatoes 

- 1/4 cup tomato paste 

- 1/4 cup heavy cream or coconut milk (for a dairy-free option) 

- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 

- 2 tablespoons garam masala 

- 1 tablespoon ground cumin 

- 1 tablespoon ground coriander 

- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder 

- 1 teaspoon paprika 

- 1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste for desired level of heat) 

- Salt and pepper to taste 

- Fresh cilantro leaves, chopped, for garnish 

- Cooked basmati rice or naan bread, for serving 

Instructions: 

  1. Marinating the Chicken: 

   In a large mixing bowl, combine the plain yogurt, minced garlic, grated ginger, garam masala, ground cumin, ground coriander, turmeric powder, paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until the spices are well incorporated into the yogurt mixture. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the bowl and toss until evenly coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld together. 

2. Sautéing the Aromatics: 

   Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add the marinated chicken pieces to the skillet and cook until lightly browned on all sides, about 5 minutes. 

3. Transferring to the Slow Cooker: 

   Transfer the sautéed chicken and onion mixture to the Andrew James Slow Cooker. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste, stirring to combine all the ingredients evenly. 

4. Slow Cooking Magic: 

   Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on low heat for 4-6 hours or on high heat for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender. During the last 30 minutes of cooking, stir in the heavy cream or coconut milk to add creaminess to the sauce. 

5. Serving and Garnishing: 

   Once the chicken tikka masala is cooked to perfection, ladle it onto serving plates alongside steamed basmati rice or warm naan bread. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro leaves for a burst of freshness and color. 

6. Enjoying the Exotic Flavors: 

   With each spoonful of this aromatic and creamy chicken tikka masala, allow yourself to be transported to the bustling streets of India. The combination of fragrant spices, tender chicken, and luscious sauce is sure to delight your senses and leave you craving more. 

With the Andrew James Slow Cooker as your culinary ally, creating restaurant-quality Chicken Tikka Masala at home has never been easier. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or simply treating yourself to a flavorful meal, this recipe is guaranteed to impress. So, gather your ingredients, set your slow cooker, and get ready to savor the exotic tastes of India in the comfort of your own kitchen. Happy cooking!