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How to Cook Slow Cooker Chicken Curry
Sheila Browder

Slow Cooker Chicken Curry

When I think about comfort food, nothing beats a warm, hearty bowl of chicken curry. This dish, made in a slow cooker, gives you the richness of flavor, tenderness of meat, and simplicity of preparation all in one.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 5 hours
Total Time 5 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Asian, Indian
Calories: 404

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tbsp oil for sautéing
  • 1 large onion peeled and diced
  • 900 g 2 lbs chicken breast, diced (approximately 5 large breasts)
  • 4 cloves garlic peeled and minced
  • 1 tbsp minced ginger
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 tbsp mild curry powder adjust based on your spice preference
  • 2 tbsp ground coriander
  • 1 tbsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 120 ml 1/2 cup strong chicken stock (homemade or store-bought)
  • 200 ml 7 oz passata
  • 3 tbsp tomato puree or tomato paste
  • 2 tsp sugar
  • 400 ml 14 oz tin full-fat coconut milk
  • Optional to thicken the curry: 1 tbsp cornflour mixed with 2 tbsp cold water to make a slurry
To Serve:
  • Pilau or boiled rice
  • Chopped coriander cilantro
  • Tomato and onion salad

Equipment

  •  Pan, Slow Cooker

Method
 

Step 1: Prepare the Base
  1. Start by heating the oil in a pan over medium heat. While it’s warming, dice that onion into small pieces. Once the oil is shimmering, toss in the diced onion and cook until it’s soft and translucent.
  2. After that, stir in the garlic and ginger. These ingredients add aroma and flavor that will kickstart your curry. Cook for about one minute until fragrant—delicious aromas are already filling the kitchen!
Step 2: Spice it Up
  1. Now it’s time for the spices! Add the curry powder, ground coriander, ground cumin, paprika, and cinnamon to the pan. Stir them into the onion mix for about 30 seconds. This crucial step helps activate the spices, releasing their full potential.
  2. Once blended well, remove the mixture from heat. This will be the flavor-packed base for our curry!
Step 3: Combine Everything in the Slow Cooker
  1. Transfer the cooked onion and spice mixture to your slow cooker. Now, add the diced chicken breasts, ensuring they are well coated. Pour in the chicken stock, passata, tomato puree, and coconut milk. Sprinkle in the sugar and salt, and give everything a good stir to combine.
Step 4: Time to Slow Cook
  1. Set your slow cooker to low and let it work its magic. Cook for about 6-8 hours, or on high for 4-5 hours. This is the part where patience becomes a virtue—though you could easily pop your head in every now and then for a sneak peek at the deliciousness.
Step 5: Final Touches
  1. About 30 minutes before serving, check your curry. If you want it thicker, prepare a cornstarch slurry by mixing the cornflour with cold water. Stir this into the curry and let it cook a bit longer until it thickens to your desired consistency.
  2. Before serving, taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Maybe add a pinch more salt or a little squeeze of lime if you're feeling frisky.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
  1. Serve the curry over a bed of fluffy pilau or boiled rice. Garnish with fresh coriander and a side salad of tomatoes and onions. Dive in with a piece of naan, and enjoy every spoonful!

Nutrition

Calories: 404kcalCarbohydrates: 16gProtein: 36gFat: 23gSaturated Fat: 13g

Notes

Chicken: A good quality, boneless chicken breast is essential for a tender curry. You could also use thighs for a richer flavor.
Coconut Milk: Full-fat coconut milk gives a luxurious texture. Light coconut milk is a bit thinner but can work if you’re looking to save on calories.
Spices: Feel free to experiment! Adding chili powder or fresh chili can amp up the heat. Turmeric is another great addition for more color.
Tomato Products: Passata provides a smooth texture. For a chunkier sauce, diced tomatoes could be substituted.
Sweetness: The sugar balances the acidity from the tomatoes. You can substitute with honey or leave it out if you prefer.
Storage: Leftovers can be refrigerated and enjoyed the next day. This curry often tastes even better after sitting!

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