Chicken Tikka Masala (Instant Pot, Slow-Cooker and Oven Directions)
I have fallen in love with this traditional Indian dish for so many reasons. First, all of my kids love it—that is enough of a triumph in and of itself! Second, its flavor is unlike any other dish I make. Third, even with all the spices it contains, it never gives me heartburn! I found a recipe for Tikka Masala on “The Iron You” when I was suffering from a head cold and craving an anti-inflammatory meal that contained turmeric and ginger–both of which are great for opening up sinus congestion. I really didn’t expect the raving review from every member of my family and dinner guest which has had this dish at my kitchen table, but this has become a crowd favorite dinner. I hope you and your dinner guests love it too!
Chicken Tikka Masala with Coconut Jasmine Rice
A classic Indian dish made easy in the Instant Pot, this Chicken Tikka Masala is not too spicy yet packed with flavor.
Servings 10 people
Calories 300kcal
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 Lbs. Chicken Breasts boneless
- 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
- 1 large Yellow Onion chopped fine
- 4 Garlic Cloves minced
- 3 Tablespoons fresh Ginger grated
Masala Sauce
- 30 oz. Tomato Sauce
- 1 Tablespoon Garam Masala
- 2 teaspoons Ground Cumin
- 2 teaspoons Ground Coriander
- 2 teaspoons Paprika
- 1 teaspoon Turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon Cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon Ground Black Pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper
- 2 Bay Leaves
Add in after chicken is cooked
- 1 Cup Half n Half
- 2 Tablespoons Corn Starch
- Juice of 1 Lemon
Coconut Jasmine Rice
- 2 Cups Jasmine Rice white or California Brown
- 1 Can Coconut Milk full fat
- 2 1/8 Cups Water
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt
Instructions
Instant Pot Directions:
- Using the [Sauté] setting, cook onions in 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil. Add minced garlic for last 60 seconds of cooking.
- In a separate mixing bowl, stir together tomato sauce, spices and herbs. Add cooked onions and garlic to mixing bowl.
- Set FROZEN chicken breasts at the bottom of the Instant Pot. Pour sauce over the chicken and turn to coat. Top with Bay Leaves.
- Using the [Pressure Cook] or [Manual] setting, cook the chicken at HIGH pressure for 10 minutes. Let the pressure naturally release, about 25 minutes before opening the lid. Use kitchen shears to cut the chicken breast into bite-size pieces.
- Meanwhile, mix the Half n Half with Corn Starch. Switch the setting back to [Sauté] while mixing in the Half n Half. Stir until the sauce has thickened. Stir in lemon juice.
Slow Cooker and Oven Directions:
- Spray the inside of a 4-quart Crock Pot or a 3-inch deep 9 x 13 pan with cooking spray.
- Lay chicken breasts on the bottom of the pan. In a separate mixing bowl combine the tomato sauce, onions, garlic, ginger, spices, and bay leaf. Mix well and pour over the chicken.
- Bake in a Crock Pot on Low for 8 hours or High for 4 hours. If using the deep pan, cover it with tin foil and bake at 170 degrees for 4 hours. Increase heat to 350 degrees for the last 30 minutes of baking.
- Before the last 30 minutes of baking, remove the lid and use kitchen shears to cut the chicken in 1 1/2 inch pieces.
- In a separate mixing bowl or a jar with a lid, mix Half n Half with Corn Starch until no clumps remain. Add this mixture along with the lemon juice, and stir to incorporate well into the sauce. Return to cook for additional 30 minutes so sauce can thicken.
Coconut Jasmine Rice
- While chicken is cooking, prepare the Coconut Jasmine Rice by combining all ingredients in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring to boil and reduce heat to a simmer. Cook for about 15 minutes or until all the liquid is absorbed and rice is tender.
- Let chicken cool for 5 minutes before serving atop Rice.
Notes
Please note the differences in frozen vs. thawed chicken breasts in each cooking directions. The Pressure Cooking method requires frozen chicken breasts. Also, the best way to have success with this dish is to gather all ingredients and measuring spoons before beginning. You will be glad you did, because look at all these spices! You won’t want to accidentally miss one!
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