Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala

Total Time: 5-6 hours (low) or 2-3 hours (high)
Serves: 6

Ingredients

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1 1/2 inch pieces
• 1 tbsp olive oil 
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 1/2 tbsp fresh ginger, grated (or 1 1/2 tsp ground ginger) 
• 2 1/2 tbsp garam masala
• 1 1/2 tbsp paprika
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 3/4 tsp turmeric
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 1/4 tsp salad
• 1 (28 oz) can no-salt-added crushed tomatoes
• 1 1/4 cup light coconut milk 
• 3/4 cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt 
• Juice of 1 lemon 
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Add chicken, onion, garlic, ginger, spices, salt, crushed tomatoes and coconut milk to the slow cooker. Stir well. 
2. Cook on low for 5-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is tender. 
3. Turn off the heat. Stir in Greek yogurt and lemon juice until creamy. 
4. Garnish with cilantro and serve.

TIP: To make this a well-balanced and satisfying meal, we recommend having this with a serving of starch such as cooked basmati or brown rice, and/or naan and a vegetable!

Why We Love This Recipe:

1. Lean Protein:

This recipe is rich in lean proteins offering 34 grams per serving. Protein provides amino acids which are the building blocks for the body and helps maintain muscle mass.

2. Low in Saturated Fats:

Using olive oil and light coconut milk in place of butter and cream significantly reduces the amount of saturated and trans fats and increases the unsaturated fats (healthy fats) that are more protective of cardiovascular health.

3. Anti-inflammatory Spices:

Turmeric, ginger, cumin, and coriander contain compounds that may help reduce inflammation in the body and support digestion.