Slow Cooker Indian Tandoori Chicken and Rice: A Warm, Flavorful Journey

Slow Cooker Indian Tandoori Chicken and Rice

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 7 hours hrs

Total Time 7 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 253

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Chicken and Marinade

• 4 bone‑in chicken thighs
• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 2 tsp tandoori masala
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 0.25 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
• 1 cup tomato sauce

Rice

• 1 cup long‑grain rice
• 2 cup water
• 0.5 tsp salt

Method

 

1. In a large bowl, whisk together yogurt, lemon juice, tandoori masala, cumin, paprika, coriander, salt, pepper, garlic, ginger, and tomato sauce until smooth.
2. Add the chicken thighs to the bowl, turning to coat them evenly in the mixture.
3. Cover the bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight for deeper flavor).
4. Place the marinated chicken and any remaining sauce into the slow cooker.
5. Cook on low for 7 hours (420 minutes).
6. While the chicken cooks, rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
7. In a saucepan, bring the water to a boil, add rice and 0.5 tsp salt, cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 18 minutes, then let stand covered for 5 minutes.
8. When the chicken is finished, remove from the slow cooker, shred with two forks or serve whole, and sprinkle with fresh cilantro.
9. Serve the chicken over the fluffy rice, and check that the chicken has reached a safe internal temperature with a food thermometer before serving.

Notes

I fold in a tablespoon of fresh cilantro at the end to give it a bright, herby finish.

Food Safety Note: Always use a food thermometer to confirm your dish has reached a safe internal temperature before serving, and follow your country’s official food safety guidelines for meat, poultry, and slow-cooking. Cook times in this recipe are estimates — appliance and ingredient variation affects actual cook time.