This slow cooker chicken curry recipe delivers tender, succulent chicken infused with rich, aromatic spices. Perfect for a weeknight meal or a weekend gathering, this recipe is surprisingly easy to make and requires minimal hands-on time. The slow cooker does all the work, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully for a truly delicious curry.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, grated
- 1 tbsp curry powder (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp turmeric
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (13.5 oz) can full-fat coconut milk
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Cooked rice or naan bread, for serving
Instructions:
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Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger and cook for another minute until fragrant. This step enhances the flavor profile significantly.
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Bloom Spices: Add the curry powder, cumin, coriander, turmeric, and cayenne pepper (if using) to the skillet. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until fragrant. This process "blooms" the spices, releasing their full aroma and flavor.
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Combine Ingredients: Transfer the onion-spice mixture to your slow cooker. Add the chicken pieces, diced tomatoes (undrained), coconut milk, and chicken broth. Season generously with salt and pepper.
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Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender. The longer it cooks, the more tender the chicken will be and the more the flavors will meld.
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Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot with cooked rice or naan bread.
How Long Does Slow Cooker Chicken Curry Take?
The cooking time for slow cooker chicken curry depends on whether you use the low or high setting. On low, it takes approximately 6-8 hours to achieve perfectly tender chicken and a deeply flavorful sauce. On high, the cooking time is reduced to 3-4 hours. However, the longer cooking time on low generally results in a more developed and intense flavor.
Can I Make Slow Cooker Chicken Curry Ahead of Time?
Yes, absolutely! This is one of the beauties of slow cooker recipes. You can prepare the ingredients the night before and store them in the refrigerator. In the morning, simply transfer everything to your slow cooker and let it cook throughout the day. The curry will actually taste even better the next day!
What Kind of Chicken Should I Use for Slow Cooker Chicken Curry?
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are the best choice for slow cooker chicken curry. They are more forgiving than chicken breasts and less likely to become dry during the long cooking time. The dark meat also contributes to a richer flavor.
What Can I Add to My Slow Cooker Chicken Curry?
Feel free to customize your curry! Here are some delicious additions:
- Vegetables: Potatoes, carrots, peas, or bell peppers would all be wonderful additions. Add them along with the chicken and tomatoes.
- Other Spices: Experiment with different spice blends to create your own unique flavor profile. Garam masala, cinnamon, cloves, or cardamom would all work well.
- Cream: Stir in a dollop of heavy cream or Greek yogurt during the last 30 minutes of cooking for extra richness.
- Lentils: Red lentils would add a hearty element to your curry.
Enjoy your delicious and easy slow cooker chicken curry! Remember to adjust the spices to your liking and experiment with different additions to create your perfect bowl.
