Crockpot Chicken Curry Recipe

Introduction

This Crockpot Chicken Curry is an effortless way to enjoy a rich, flavorful meal with minimal prep. Tender chicken simmers all day in a fragrant coconut and tomato sauce, creating a cozy dish perfect for any night of the week.

A close-up image of thick curry with rich orange color and creamy texture, showing chunks of tofu coated in the sauce with small green bits of herbs mixed in, held by a wooden spoon inside a black pot. Steam rises gently from the hot curry, giving it a fresh and warm look. The curry's surface is glossy and smooth, with visible small spices and herbs embedded in the sauce. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds boneless & skinless chicken breasts or thighs (cut into large chunks)
  • 1 small onion (diced)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1 14-ounce can coconut milk
  • 1 8-ounce can tomato sauce
  • 2 tablespoons curry powder
  • ½ teaspoon turmeric
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons cold water
  • Fresh cilantro (chopped, for garnish)
  • Cooked rice or naan (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Add the chicken pieces to your slow cooker, then sprinkle in the diced onion, garlic powder, and ground ginger.
  2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the coconut milk, tomato sauce, curry powder, turmeric, paprika, salt, black pepper, and brown sugar. Pour this mixture over the chicken and gently stir to coat evenly.
  3. Step 3: Cover and cook on Low for about 6 hours or on High for 3 hours, until the chicken is tender and the sauce is fragrant.
  4. Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk the cornstarch with cold water until smooth. Stir this into the curry and cook on High, uncovered, for about 15 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  5. Step 5: Serve the curry over cooked rice or with warm naan, and finish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro.

Tips & Variations

  • For a creamier curry, use full-fat coconut milk and add a splash of cream or yogurt just before serving.
  • Substitute chicken thighs for breasts to keep the curry juicy and tender during long cooking.
  • Add chopped vegetables like bell peppers or peas in the last hour for extra color and nutrition.
  • Adjust the spice level by adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped fresh chili.

Storage

Store leftover curry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or coconut milk if the sauce thickens too much.

How to Serve

The dish shows a white bowl filled with three layers: a bottom layer of white rice with a soft, fluffy texture, a thick middle layer of orange-yellow creamy curry sauce with chunks of tender chicken and sprinkled with small green herb pieces, and on the top right side, two pieces of lightly browned, soft flatbread leaning against the side of the bowl. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface with a beige and gray striped cloth partially underneath it, and two wooden pepper and salt grinders stand beside the bowl. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

It’s best to use thawed chicken to ensure even cooking and food safety, but if using frozen, increase the cooking time and check that the chicken is fully cooked before serving.

Can I make this curry on the stovetop instead of a crockpot?

Yes, you can simmer the ingredients in a covered pot on low heat for about 45 minutes to 1 hour until the chicken is tender and the flavors meld, stirring occasionally.

Print

Crockpot Chicken Curry Recipe

This Crockpot Chicken Curry is a comforting and flavorful slow cooker recipe featuring tender chicken simmered in a rich, aromatic coconut milk and tomato-based curry sauce, infused with traditional spices. Perfect for a hands-off dinner, it combines simplicity with the vibrant taste of Indian-inspired cuisine, served best over rice or with warm naan bread.

  • Author: Nora
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6 hours (low) or 3 hours (high) plus 15 minutes thickening
  • Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes (low) or 3 hours 15 minutes (high)
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: Indian-inspired

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Base Ingredients

  • 2 pounds boneless & skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into large chunks
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger

Curry Sauce Ingredients

  • 1 14-ounce can coconut milk
  • 1 8-ounce can tomato sauce
  • 2 tablespoons curry powder
  • ½ teaspoon turmeric
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar

Thickening Agent

  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons cold water

For Garnish and Serving

  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
  • Cooked rice or naan (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chicken and aromatics: Add the chicken pieces to your slow cooker, then sprinkle in the diced onion, garlic powder, and ground ginger, distributing them evenly over the chicken.
  2. Make the curry sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the coconut milk, tomato sauce, curry powder, turmeric, paprika, salt, black pepper, and brown sugar until smooth and well combined.
  3. Add the sauce and cook: Pour the curry sauce mixture over the chicken and onions in the slow cooker. Gently stir to coat all the ingredients evenly. Cover and cook on Low for about 6 hours or on High for 3 hours, until the chicken is tender and the flavors have melded.
  4. Thicken the curry sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water to form a slurry. Stir this mixture into the curry in the slow cooker, then cook uncovered on High for about 15 minutes until the sauce thickens to a rich consistency.
  5. Serve and garnish: Spoon the thickened chicken curry over cooked rice or serve alongside warm naan bread. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro for a bright, fresh finish.

Notes

  • Use chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful results, but chicken breasts work well too.
  • If you prefer a spicier curry, add some cayenne pepper or chopped fresh chili.
  • Make sure to stir in the cornstarch slurry well to avoid lumps when thickening the sauce.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
  • Serve with basmati rice or naan to soak up the delicious sauce.

Keywords: crockpot chicken curry, slow cooker curry, easy chicken curry, coconut milk curry, Indian chicken curry

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