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Crockpot Chicken Curry Recipe

4.6 from 146 reviews

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.

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