Slow Cooker Tikka Masala

Slow Cooker Tikka Masala
Picture next time...

3 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs - cut into bite size
2 TBS Extra Virgin Olive Oil
2 TBS lemon juice
2 TBS ginger root - peeled and grated
4-6 cloves garlic - minced
1 large onion - diced
2 TBS Garam Masala
1 TBS ground cumin
1 TBS salt
2 tsp ground smoked paprika
2 tsp ground turmeric
2 tsp ground coriander
1 tsp ground black pepper
½ tsp ground cardamon
½ tsp ground cinnamon
½-3 tsp ground cayenne - depending on heat preference (we do 1/2 - 3/4 tsp)
2 (15 oz) cans diced/crushed tomatoes - drained or undrained
2 bay leaves

1 (13.5 oz) can coconut milk
4 TBS cornstarch


Instructions:

1. Combine the ginger, garlic , tomatoes, spices, and chicken in your slow cooker. Cook on high for 4 hours, or low for 8 hours. Uncover and let cool ten minutes.
2. Shake together the coconut milk and cornstarch in a small bowl. Let it sit for 5 minutes to activate the thickeners. Stir few spoonfuls of the warm Tikka Masala sauce into the yogurt to bring the temperature up and prevent curdling. Pour the mixture into the slow cooker, stir, then let thicken for 15 minutes. Taste and add salt as needed.
3. Serve over long grain, jasmine, basmati rice, or yellow rice with a sprinkling of cilantro leaves or with the following topping recipe:

Top with:
Garlic yogurt sauce:
2 cups greek/indian yogurt
2 cloves garlic
2 tbs lemon juice

And/or:
1/2 English cucumber, halved and thinly sliced
1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves
1 TBS lemon juice
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
In a small bowl, toss the cucumber, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Cover and refrigerate for up to 8 hours.

Inspiration sources: dinnersdishesanddesserts.com, allrecipes.com, allrecipes.com Chef John's, tablefortwoblog.com, www.cookingclassy.com, www.realsimple.com, www.thekitchn.com, thewanderlustkitchen.com & www.budgetbytes.com