Name: Slow-Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala Meatballs
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 6 h
Total time: 6 h 20 min
Cuisine: Indian-inspired
Ingredients: For the Meatballs: 1 pound ground chicken; ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro; ½ cup finely chopped red onion; 1 egg; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon ground coriander; ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; Kosher salt, to taste; For the Sauce: 1 tablespoon unsalted butter; 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger; 1 tablespoon garam masala; One 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes; ½ cup finely chopped red onion; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 small chili (optional, for heat); Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste; ½ cup heavy cream (stirred in at the end); For Garnish: Fresh cilantro leaves; Whole-milk Greek yogurt

Chicken tikka masala is a universally loved dish, but what if you could take all those bold, aromatic flavors and turn them into an easy, one-pot meal? Enter Slow-Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala Meatballs, a dish that combines the richness of tikka masala with tender, juicy chicken meatballs. This is the perfect recipe for busy weeknights when you want something comforting and packed with flavor but don’t want to stand over the stove.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Everything comes together in a slow cooker, allowing the spices to meld and the meatballs to become irresistibly tender. It’s the kind of dish that makes your kitchen smell incredible and leaves everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re serving this over basmati rice, with naan, or even as an appetizer at your next gathering, these meatballs are sure to impress.

This recipe holds a special place in my rotation because it’s so versatile. It’s equally great for meal prep or a family dinner, and the slow cooker does all the heavy lifting. Plus, the combination of warming spices and creamy tomato sauce is pure comfort food at its best.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are countless reasons to love this recipe, but here are the highlights:

Bold, authentic flavors: Thanks to garam masala, cumin, coriander, and ginger, this dish is bursting with the rich, aromatic flavors of Indian cuisine.
Effortless preparation: The slow cooker makes this dish nearly hands-off, perfect for busy days.
Tender meatballs: Made with ground chicken, these meatballs are light, juicy, and soak up all the delicious sauce.
Perfect for meal prep: Make a batch at the start of the week, and you’ll have a flavorful meal ready to go.
Family-friendly: The warm, creamy sauce and mild heat level make this dish a hit with both kids and adults.

Just imagine tender chicken meatballs simmering in a rich, spiced tomato sauce. When served with rice or naan, it’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug after a long day.

Preparation Time and Servings

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours (in the slow cooker)
Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 4-6

Ingredients

The Meatballs

1 pound ground chicken
¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
½ cup finely chopped red onion
1 egg
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Kosher salt, to taste

The Sauce

1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
1 tablespoon garam masala
One 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
½ cup finely chopped red onion
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 small chili (optional, for heat)
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
½ cup heavy cream (stirred in at the end)

Garnish

Fresh cilantro leaves
Whole-milk Greek yogurt

Step-by-Step Instructions

1st Step: Prepare the Meatballs

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, red onion, cilantro, egg, garlic, cumin, coriander, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with your hands or a spatula until everything is evenly combined.
Using damp hands or a small scoop, form the mixture into 2-inch meatballs. You should have about 16-18 meatballs. Set them aside on a plate.

2nd Step: Make the Sauce

In the bowl of your slow cooker, combine the crushed tomatoes, red onion, garlic, butter, ginger, garam masala, and chili (if using). Season generously with salt and pepper.
Gently stir to combine the ingredients, ensuring the butter is evenly distributed.

3rd Step: Add the Meatballs

Carefully place the meatballs into the sauce, ensuring they’re mostly submerged but not overcrowded. This will allow them to cook evenly and soak up the flavors of the sauce.
Do not stir too much at this stage to avoid breaking the meatballs.

4th Step: Cook the Dish

Set your slow cooker to low and cook for 6 hours. During this time, the flavors will meld beautifully, and the meatballs will become tender and juicy.
About 10 minutes before serving, stir in the heavy cream to give the sauce a rich, velvety texture. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.

5th Step: Serve and Garnish

Serve the meatballs hot, garnished with fresh cilantro leaves and a dollop of Greek yogurt for added creaminess.
Pair with basmati rice, naan, or even cauliflower rice for a lighter option.

How to Serve

These chicken tikka masala meatballs are versatile and pair well with a variety of sides. Here are a few ideas:

Over basmati rice: The fluffy rice soaks up the creamy tomato sauce perfectly.
With naan: Use naan to scoop up the sauce and meatballs for a fun, hands-on meal.
As an appetizer: Serve the meatballs with toothpicks and a drizzle of sauce for an easy party snack.
With roasted veggies: Pair the dish with roasted cauliflower or green beans for a complete meal.

Additional Tips for Success

Don’t overmix the meatball mixture: Overworking the meat can make the meatballs dense. Mix just until combined.
Use fresh spices: Freshly ground spices will give the dish a more vibrant, authentic flavor.
Adjust the heat: If you like spicier food, add more chili or a pinch of red pepper flakes. For a milder dish, omit the chili altogether.
Keep it dairy-free: Substitute coconut milk for heavy cream if you want a dairy-free version.
Don’t skip the garnish: Fresh cilantro and Greek yogurt add brightness and balance to the rich flavors of the dish.

Recipe Variations

This recipe is incredibly adaptable, so feel free to get creative:

Turkey or Beef Meatballs: Swap the ground chicken for turkey or lean ground beef for a slightly different flavor profile.
Vegetarian Option: Make vegetarian “meatballs” using chickpeas, lentils, or paneer.
Coconut-Creamy Sauce: Replace the heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free, slightly tropical twist.
Extra Veggies: Add diced carrots, spinach, or peas to the sauce for extra nutrition.

Storing and Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing: These meatballs freeze beautifully. Let them cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Reheat the meatballs in a saucepan over low heat until warmed through. If needed, add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)

Meatballs

Calories: 194
Fat: 11g
Carbs: 3g
Protein: 22g
Sugar: 1g

Sauce

Calories: 157
Fat: 9g
Carbs: 19g
Protein: 4g
Sugar: 10g

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this recipe without a slow cooker?
Yes! You can simmer the sauce on the stovetop in a large pot over low heat, adding the meatballs and cooking for about 30-40 minutes.

2. Can I use store-bought meatballs?
While homemade meatballs taste best, store-bought chicken or turkey meatballs work as a time-saving option.

3. Can I freeze the meatballs raw?
Yes. Shape the meatballs, freeze them on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Add them to the slow cooker directly from the freezer when ready to cook.

Conclusion

Slow-Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala Meatballs are a fusion of comfort food and bold Indian flavors, all wrapped up in an easy, no-fuss recipe. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, meal prepping for the week, or hosting a gathering, this dish is sure to be a hit.

I’d love to see how your meatballs turn out—don’t forget to share your creations by tagging me on social media or leaving a comment below. Happy cooking!