Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 3 hrs 15 minutes
Total Time: 3 hrs 30 minutes
Yield: 6 Servings

Ingredients:

• 1.5 Tbsp garam masala 
• 1/2 tsp cumin 
• 1/2 tsp turmeric 
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika 
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp cayenne (optional) 
• Freshly cracked pepper 
• 2 lbs. boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1 Tbsp cooking oil 
• 1 yellow onion, diced 
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced 
• 1 Tbsp grated fresh ginger 
• 15 oz. tomato sauce
• 1/3 cup heavy or sour cream

For Serving:

• 4 cups cooked rice 
• 1/4 bunch fresh cilantro 
• Naan bread

Directions:

1. In a small bowl, combine the garam masala, cumin, turmeric, smoked paprika, salt, cayenne, and some freshly cracked pepper (about 10 cranks of a pepper mill). Sprinkle the spice mix over both sides of the chicken thighs, coating them liberally.
2. Add the oil to the slow cooker and place seasoned chicken in the bottom. Sprinkle the diced onion and bell pepper over the chicken.
3. Combine the minced garlic, grated ginger, and tomato sauce. Pour over the chicken in the slow cooker. Place the lid on top, and turn the slow cooker on. Cook on high for 3 hours or low for 6 hours.
4. After done cooking, shred the chicken. Turn the slow cooker off, then add the heavy cream. Stir gently to combine the cream with the tomato sauce. Taste the sauce and add salt if needed.
5. To serve, spoon the chicken and tomato sauce over cooked rice and top with fresh cilantro.

*Recipe adapted from, "Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala," found at budgetbytes.com