Chicken tikka curry is a perfect homemade dish that’s easy to make, full of flavors, and sure to impress anyone who tastes it! The beauty of this recipe is how simple it is to make, especially with a slow cooker. It’s a stripped back, six ingredient recipe that lets the spices do all the talking. Whether you’re cooking for your family or a special gathering, this homemade chicken tikka curry is a delicious choice. Let’s dive in and discover how to make this mouthwatering dish in your own kitchen!

Method in Detail

Prepare the Ingredients

Start by gathering all the ingredients and measuring them out. Begin by dicing 400g of chicken breasts into bite-sized chunks. This ensures that the chicken pieces cook evenly and absorb all the delicious flavors of the spices. You can use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier result, but chicken breasts are a leaner choice. Once the chicken is diced, you’re ready to begin assembling the curry.

Load the Slow Cooker

Once your chicken is ready, transfer it to the slow cooker. Add 3 tablespoons of chicken tikka paste, which will give your curry its rich and flavorful base. Next, pour in 500g of passata for a smooth, tomato-based sauce. To give the curry its vibrant color, stir in 2 teaspoons of red food coloring. Add 1 tablespoon of garlic and ginger paste for that unmistakable aroma and spice, and then stir in 1 tablespoon of mango chutney to bring a sweet and tangy element to balance the heat. Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste, and give everything a good stir to combine the ingredients thoroughly.

Slow Cook

Cover the slow cooker with the lid and set it to cook on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 6 hours. The slow cooker does all the work for you, allowing the chicken to absorb all the spices and become incredibly tender. The low-and-slow cooking method helps the flavors meld beautifully, so your curry will be bursting with rich, aromatic tastes. As it cooks, your kitchen will fill with the delightful smell of spices it’s truly mouthwatering!

Finishing Touches

After the cooking time is up, it’s time to add the finishing touches. If you want to make the curry extra creamy, add 2-3 tablespoons of double cream just before serving. Stir it in gently to create a rich and smooth texture that will elevate the curry’s flavor. The cream adds a luxurious mouthfeel, balancing the spices while enhancing the overall dish.

Serve and Enjoy

Finally, serve your delicious homemade chicken tikka curry with freshly chopped coriander for a burst of freshness and color. The coriander will add a touch of brightness that contrasts beautifully with the creamy, spiced sauce. This dish pairs perfectly with basmati rice or warm naan bread, which will soak up all the flavorful sauce. Enjoy your comforting and flavorful homemade curry with your loved ones!

Necessary Tools

Slow cooker
Knife and chopping board
Measuring spoons
Ladle for serving

Easy Homemade Chicken Tikka Curry (Juicy & Protein-Packed Recipe)

Recipe by Simon Davies

0.0 from 0 votes

Cuisine: Indian

Servings

servings

Prep time

minutes

Cooking time

hours

Total time

hours

minutes

Ingredients

400g chicken breasts, diced
3 tbsp chicken tikka paste
500g passata
2 tsp red food coloring
1 tbsp garlic and ginger paste
1 tbsp mango chutney

Directions

Prepare the ingredients: Start by dicing the chicken breasts into bite-sized chunks. This ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and absorbs all the flavors.
Load the slow cooker: Add the diced chicken, chicken tikka paste, passata, food coloring, garlic and ginger paste, and mango chutney into the slow cooker. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Slow cook: Set the slow cooker to high for 3-4 hours or low for 6 hours. Let it cook away, filling your kitchen with the amazing aroma of spices!
Finishing touches: If you want to make the curry extra creamy, add 2–3 tablespoons of double cream just before serving. Stir it in to create a rich, silky texture.
Serve and enjoy: Top with freshly chopped coriander to add a burst of freshness to your curry. Serve with basmati rice or naan bread for the full experience!

Notes

Check for overcooking: While slow cooking is simple, make sure you don’t let it cook for too long on high, as the chicken could become too dry.
Adjust the seasoning: Always taste before serving! If you want it spicier, feel free to add a bit more tikka paste, or if it’s too spicy, add a little more mango chutney for sweetness.
Cream optional: If you’re adding cream, stir it in at the very end to prevent it from curdling during the cooking process.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this homemade chicken tikka curry with warm naan bread or fluffy basmati rice to soak up all the delicious sauce. You could also pair it with a side of yogurt or a fresh salad to balance the flavors.

Fun Fact

Did you know that tikka curry is believed to have originated in India, but the version we love today was popularized in the UK in the 1970s? It’s now one of the most famous curry dishes worldwide!

Conclusion

This homemade chicken tikka curry is the perfect dish for a cozy night in or when you want to treat your loved ones to a comforting meal. With just six simple ingredients and a slow cooker, you can make a flavorful dish that will make everyone ask for seconds. I hope you enjoy making and eating this recipe as much as I do!