The Best Slow Cooker Chicken Korma

This delicious and comforting chicken korma is a fragrant, creamy curry made with tender chicken and a blend of rich spices. Perfect for any occasion, it’s incredibly easy to make, requiring just a few simple steps to prepare in your slow cooker. Let the slow cooker work its magic, and in a few hours, you’ll have a flavorful, melt-in-your-mouth dish that’s perfect for serving with rice or naan.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There’s so much to love about this slow cooker chicken korma. Not only is it a breeze to make, but the slow cooking process helps infuse the chicken with all the aromatic spices, creating a depth of flavor that’s hard to beat. The creaminess of the coconut milk, combined with the warmth of the spices, makes this dish both comforting and exotic. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or preparing a special meal for guests, it’s sure to be a hit. Plus, you can make it ahead of time, making it a great choice for busy days.

this Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 pounds chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
• 2 tablespoons curry powder
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup plain yogurt
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro (optional, for garnish)
• Salt and pepper to taste

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. In a slow cooker, add the chicken, onion, garlic, and ginger.
2. In a small bowl, mix together the curry powder, turmeric, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves.
3. Sprinkle the spice mixture over the chicken and toss to coat evenly.
4. Pour in the coconut milk, chicken broth, yogurt, tomato paste, honey, and lemon juice. Stir everything together to combine.
5. Cover and cook on low for 4–6 hours or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Garnish with chopped cilantro before serving (optional).

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4–6
• Cook Time: 4–6 hours (on low)
• Prep Time: 10 minutes

Variations

• Add Vegetables: You can incorporate vegetables such as peas, carrots, or spinach to make this a more wholesome dish.
• Spicy Version: If you prefer more heat, add chopped green chilies or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free yogurt or skip the yogurt and increase the coconut milk for extra creaminess.
• Nuts: For added texture, stir in some toasted almonds or cashews before serving.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a bit of water or chicken broth to loosen the sauce if needed. Alternatively, you can reheat it in the microwave in short bursts, stirring in between.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken in the slow cooker. Just make sure it cooks for the full 6 hours on low to ensure it’s fully cooked through.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, this recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can prepare it the night before and store it in the fridge, or even freeze it for up to 3 months.

How can I thicken the sauce if it’s too thin?

If the sauce is too thin for your liking, you can stir in a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with water. Cook for an additional 15-30 minutes until thickened.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs add more flavor and moisture to the dish. If you use thighs, they might require a bit more time to cook than chicken breasts.

Can I add more spice to this dish?

If you like your korma spicier, you can add a dash of cayenne pepper or extra curry powder. Start with small amounts and adjust to taste.

What should I serve this with?

This dish pairs perfectly with basmati rice or naan bread to soak up the creamy sauce. You could also serve it with cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.

Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes, you can substitute the chicken with lamb, beef, or even shrimp. Just adjust the cooking time according to the meat you choose.

Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?

Yes, this chicken korma is naturally gluten-free. Just be sure to check that your yogurt and other packaged ingredients are labeled gluten-free.

How do I make this a vegetarian version?

You can replace the chicken with tofu, chickpeas, or mixed vegetables for a delicious vegetarian korma.

How do I store leftover chicken korma?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

Conclusion

The Best Slow Cooker Chicken Korma is the perfect comfort food that combines rich flavors, creamy texture, and the ease of slow cooking. This dish is simple to prepare, adaptable to your taste preferences, and great for serving a crowd. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or experiment with different variations, it’s sure to become a family favorite.

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