Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken Curry

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

This Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken Curry is a comforting dish that brings together tender chicken, aromatic spices, and a rich coconut cream sauce. Perfect for a family dinner or meal prep, this dish is both easy to make and packed with flavor.

Harriet Collins

Created by

Harriet Collins

Last updated on 2025-12-28T14:58:12.461Z

This Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken Curry combines tender chicken pieces with a medley of spices, simmered to perfection in coconut milk. It's an easy, hands-off recipe that fills your home with warm, inviting aromas.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Rich and creamy sauce that coats the chicken beautifully
  • Aromatic spices that create a fragrant, flavorful dish
  • Perfect for busy weeknights with minimal effort required

The Magic of Slow Cooking

Slow cooking is a game-changer in the kitchen, allowing flavors to meld beautifully while you go about your day. This method is especially ideal for dishes like chicken curry, where the longer cooking time enhances the taste. The low and slow approach not only tenderizes the chicken but also helps the spices infuse deeply into the meat, creating a dish that’s rich in flavor and texture.

One of the best aspects of slow cooking is its convenience. You can prepare your ingredients in the morning, set your slow cooker, and return home to a delicious, ready-to-eat meal. This Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken Curry is perfect for those busy weeknights when you want a wholesome dinner without the hassle of extensive cooking.

Choosing the Right Ingredients

When it comes to making a flavorful chicken curry, quality ingredients matter. Opt for fresh, boneless, and skinless chicken thighs, as they remain juicy and tender during the slow cooking process. The combination of aromatic spices like curry powder, cumin, and turmeric not only adds depth but also promotes a vibrant color to the dish.

Don't forget the coconut milk, which is key to achieving that creamy texture. It balances the spices and adds richness to the sauce. Pair it with fresh cilantro for garnish, which brings a burst of freshness to each bite. Using high-quality ingredients ensures that your chicken curry will be as delicious as it is comforting.

Customizing Your Curry

One of the joys of making chicken curry is the ability to customize it to your taste. If you prefer a bit of heat, consider adding chopped chili peppers or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mix. For those who enjoy a sweeter profile, toss in some diced sweet potatoes or carrots, which will complement the spices beautifully.

You can also experiment with different proteins or make it vegetarian by substituting chicken with chickpeas or tofu. The same creamy coconut sauce will work wonders with various ingredients, allowing you to create a unique curry experience every time you make it.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to create this delicious curry:

Ingredients

  • 1.5 lbs chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
  • 1 tablespoon curry powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish

Once you have all your ingredients ready, you can start making this delicious dish!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to prepare your curry:

Prepare the Chicken

Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces and season with salt and pepper. Place them at the bottom of the slow cooker.

Sauté the Aromatics

In a skillet, sauté the chopped onion, garlic, and ginger until fragrant and translucent. Add the curry powder, cumin, and turmeric, cooking for another minute.

Combine Ingredients

Add the sautéed mixture to the slow cooker along with the coconut milk, chicken broth, and soy sauce. Stir to combine.

Cook

Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours, until the chicken is tender.

Serve

Once cooked, adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro.

Enjoy your creamy chicken curry with rice or naan!

Storing and Reheating

This Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken Curry stores well, making it an excellent choice for meal prep. Once cooled, transfer the leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to four days. You can also freeze the curry for later enjoyment, just ensure it’s in a freezer-safe container.

When reheating, you can warm it up in the microwave or on the stovetop. If the sauce thickens too much after refrigeration, simply add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it up. This way, your delicious curry will taste just as good, even days later!

Serving Suggestions

Serve your chicken curry over a bed of fluffy rice or with warm naan bread to soak up the delicious sauce. A side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad can complement the meal and add a nutritious touch. For an authentic touch, consider offering mango chutney or a cooling cucumber raita on the side.

To elevate your dinner experience, set the table with some candles and soft music. This will create a warm atmosphere, perfect for enjoying a comforting bowl of creamy chicken curry with family or friends.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breast can be used, but it may become drier than thighs.

→ Can I make this curry dairy-free?

Yes, the recipe is already dairy-free as it uses coconut milk.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

→ Can I freeze this curry?

Yes, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.

Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken Curry

This Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken Curry is a comforting dish that brings together tender chicken, aromatic spices, and a rich coconut cream sauce. Perfect for a family dinner or meal prep, this dish is both easy to make and packed with flavor.

Prep Time15 minutes
Cooking Duration6 hours
Overall Time6 hours 15 minutes

Created by: Harriet Collins

Recipe Type: Comfort Food

Skill Level: Beginner

Final Quantity: 4 servings

What You'll Need

Ingredients

  1. 1.5 lbs chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
  2. 1 onion, chopped
  3. 3 cloves garlic, minced
  4. 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
  5. 1 tablespoon curry powder
  6. 1 teaspoon cumin
  7. 1 teaspoon turmeric
  8. 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
  9. 1 cup chicken broth
  10. 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  11. Salt and pepper to taste
  12. Fresh cilantro for garnish

How-To Steps

Step 01

Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces and season with salt and pepper. Place them at the bottom of the slow cooker.

Step 02

In a skillet, sauté the chopped onion, garlic, and ginger until fragrant and translucent. Add the curry powder, cumin, and turmeric, cooking for another minute.

Step 03

Add the sautéed mixture to the slow cooker along with the coconut milk, chicken broth, and soy sauce. Stir to combine.

Step 04

Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours, until the chicken is tender.

Step 05

Once cooked, adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 450 kcal
  • Total Fat: 30g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Cholesterol: 150mg
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 10g
  • Dietary Fiber: 3g
  • Sugars: 2g
  • Protein: 30g