Description
This Viral Pistachio Crockpot Tikka Masala is a rich and creamy twist on the classic Indian dish, slow-cooked with chicken, aromatic spices, and a pistachio-infused sauce for a nutty, velvety finish.
Ingredients
2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into chunks
1 large onion, finely diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
1 cup heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk
½ cup finely ground pistachios
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 tablespoons garam masala
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon turmeric
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, adjust to taste)
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil or ghee
Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Cooked basmati rice or naan, for serving
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil or ghee in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté onions for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add garlic and ginger, cooking for 1 more minute, then transfer to the slow cooker.
2. Add chicken chunks, tomato sauce, tomato paste, pistachios, garam masala, cumin, coriander, turmeric, smoked paprika, cayenne (if using), salt, and black pepper to the slow cooker. Stir to coat the chicken with spices and sauce.
3. Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender.
4. Stir in the heavy cream or coconut milk, mixing well until the sauce is creamy and smooth.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
6. Serve hot over basmati rice or with naan bread, garnished with fresh cilantro.
Notes
For best results, use freshly ground pistachios — avoid salted or flavored nuts.
This dish can be made dairy-free by substituting coconut milk for the heavy cream.
To intensify the nutty flavor, toast the pistachios before grinding.
Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days and taste even better the next day as the flavors meld.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 6 hrs
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Indian Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 34 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 135 mg