Slow Cooker Keto Chicken Tikka Masala
Bone-in and boneless chicken thighs simmered in a creamy tomato-based curry with garam masala, ginger, and garlic. Thickened with guar gum and finished with coconut milk and heavy cream. Designed for ketogenic diets and cooked entirely in a slow cooker.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lb chicken thighs, bone-in, skin-on
- 1 lb chicken thighs, boneless, skinless
- 2 tsp olive oil
- 2 tsp onion powder
- 3 clove garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger root, grated
- 3 tbs tomato paste
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 4 tsp kosher salt
- 10 oz diced tomatoes, canned
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup coconut milk, from carton
- cilantro, fresh, chopped(optional)
- 1 tsp guar gum, Cape Crystal brandxanthan gum0.5:1thickening agent
creates similar texture with less quantity
- 5 tsp garam masala
Instructions
- 1
De-bone the bone-in chicken thighs and chop all chicken pieces into bite-sized pieces, keeping skin on where present.
- 2
Add chicken to slow cooker and grate ginger over the top.
- 3
Add diced tomatoes, olive oil, and tomato paste to slow cooker and mix well.
- 4
Add half the coconut milk and mix thoroughly. Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours.
- 5
Once cooking is complete, add remaining coconut milk, heavy cream, and guar gum. Mix thoroughly until thickened. Serve over cauliflower rice or vegetables of choice and top with fresh cilantro.
Tips
Keep skin on chicken pieces where possible for added flavor and fat content aligned with keto goals.
Use full-fat coconut milk from a carton rather than light versions for optimal texture and nutritional profile.
Guar gum thickens the sauce without adding carbohydrates; mix thoroughly to prevent clumping.
Good to Know
Refrigerate up to 4 days in airtight container. Freezes up to 3 months; thaw overnight before reheating.
Prepare chicken and store with spice dry rub up to 8 hours. Assemble all ingredients except cream and guar gum the night before; add these only after cooking.
Ladle over cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, or low-carb vegetables. Garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime.
Common Mistakes
Do not skip the guar gum if you prefer a thickened sauce; without it, the curry will remain thin despite the cream and coconut milk.
Do not add heavy cream and coconut milk before cooking; add only at the end to prevent curdling on extended heat.