Effortless Slow Cooker Chicken Curry
Table of Contents
Recipe Introduction: Your New Favourite Curry Awaits!
Fancy a cracking curry without the fuss? Honestly, who doesn't? This Slow Cooker Chicken Curry is so simple, it's almost cheating.
It tastes like a proper Butter Chicken Curry , creamy and flavourful. You know? You just bung everything in and let the slow cooker do its thing.
This Slow Cooker Chicken Curry recipe is inspired by the glorious Tikka Masala. The slow cooking tenderises the chicken. The spices then get a proper chance to mingle and get to know each other.
It's a crowd pleaser for sure. Think proper comfort food but with a gentle kick.
Quick Hook: Effortless Curry Bliss
Ever wondered how to get that takeaway taste at home? This Easy Slow Cooker Chicken recipe nails it. It's a creamy, dreamy curry with tender chicken.
Trust me, this will be your new go-to.
What Makes This Recipe Special?
It's simple, really. This Crockpot Chicken Curry Recipe lets the slow cooker do all the hard work. That means you get a delicious, healthy meal with minimal effort.
It's perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. Plus, it's packed with protein and flavour. What’s not to love?
The Origin Story
Although inspired by the Indian Chicken Curry Slow Cooker , this recipe leans towards the popular Tikka Masala. This type of cuisine, adapted for the home cook, is about ease and maximum flavour.
This is an easy recipe that suits all levels of cooking. It yields six generous servings, making it ideal for families or meal prepping.
It is also an Indian Chicken Curry Slow Cooker and it can be made at any level of spiciness.
Why You Need This in Your Life
Beyond the amazing taste, a Chicken Curry Slow Cooker Healthy meal is a winner because you control the ingredients. Also, the chicken thighs are a good source of protein and slow cooking is perfect for locking in the flavours.
This recipe is ideal for a cosy night in, a family gathering, or impressing your mates with your cooking skills.
Oh my gosh, it's just that good!
Let's get to the ingredients now.
Ingredients & Equipment
Right then, let's talk about what you'll need to make this Effortless Slow Cooker Chicken Curry . Don't worry, it's not a massive list.
Most of it's probably already kicking about in your cupboard!
Main Ingredients for Slow Cooker Curry
- Chicken thighs: 1 kg (2.2 lbs) , boneless and skinless. Trust me on this, thighs are the way to go. They stay juicy.
- Yogurt: 170g (¾ cup) , plain and full fat.
- Garlic: 2 cloves , minced.
- Ginger: 1 inch , grated.
- Lemon juice: 1 tbsp - bottled is fine.
- Garam masala: 2 tsp .
- Turmeric: 1 tsp .
- Ground cumin: 2 tsp .
- Ground coriander: 2 tsp .
- Salt: 1 tsp (adjust to your taste).
- Cayenne pepper: ¼ tsp (optional, for a bit of a kick).
- Vegetable oil (or coconut oil): 1 tbsp .
- Onion: 1 large , chopped.
- Tomato paste: 2 tbsp .
- Crushed tomatoes: 400g (14 oz) – tinned is perfect!
- Chicken broth/stock: 250ml (1 cup) .
- Brown sugar: 1 tbsp .
- Heavy cream: ½ cup (or coconut cream for dairy-free). I did Creamy Chicken Curry Slow Cooker once and I was delighted.
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish).
Quality chicken thighs are key for tender meat. They should be pink and firm. Also, go for fresh spices if you can. They do make a difference!
Seasoning Sensations
Honestly, it's the spice mix that makes this Indian Chicken Curry Slow Cooker so good. Garam masala, cumin, and coriander are your base.
The turmeric adds a lovely colour. If you fancy a change, a pinch of chili flakes or some curry powder can sub in.
Don't be afraid to experiment.
Equipment Essentials
- Slow cooker (6-quart or larger).
- Large bowl.
- Chopping board.
- Knife.
- Measuring cups and spoons.
- Grater (for ginger).
No fancy gadgets needed. A good old slow cooker is the star. If you don't have a grater, finely chop the ginger. Job done.
Effortless Slow Cooker Chicken Curry (Tikka Masala Inspired!)
Oh my gosh, who doesn't love a good curry? Especially when it's as easy as this! This Slow Cooker Chicken Curry recipe is proper lush.
Forget slaving over a hot stove; this is Easy Slow Cooker Chicken at its finest. Inspired by the classic Tikka Masala, you know? Let's dive in!
Prep Steps: Your Mise en Place Mission
First things first, let’s get organized. This recipe takes about 20 minutes to prep. Trust me, it's worth it.
Chop up your onion, mince your garlic, grate your ginger. You know, all that jazz. Having everything prepped makes the whole process so much smoother.
And hey, safety first! Watch those fingers when you're wielding that knife, yeah?
step-by-step to Curry Heaven
Right, here's how to nail this Crockpot Chicken Curry Recipe :
Marinate the Chicken: Mix the yogurt, garlic, ginger, lemon juice, and spices. Chuck in the chicken. Cover and chill for at least 30 minutes (or overnight). This is essential for flavour!
Sauté Aromatics: Heat oil in a pan. Sauté the onion till soft. Add garlic and ginger. Cook for 1 minute till fragrant.
This really boosts the flavour of your Creamy Chicken Curry Slow Cooker
Build the Base: Stir in tomato paste, then add crushed tomatoes, broth, sugar, and spices. Simmer!
Slow Cooker Time: Pour the curry base into the slow cooker. Add the marinated chicken. Give it a good stir.
Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6- 8 hours or on high for 3- 4 hours . The chicken should be mega tender.
Blend: Optional - if you prefer a super smooth curry, use an immersion blender to blend the sauce right in the slow cooker.
If you don't have one, carefully transfer the sauce in batches to a regular blender and give it a whirl
Finish: Stir in the cream. Taste. Adjust seasoning. Garnish with cilantro. Serve!
Pro Tips for a Perfect Curry
Honestly, these tips are game changers.
- Don’t skip the marinating! It really tenderizes the chicken and makes the flavour pop in your Indian Chicken Curry Slow Cooker
- If you want to make-ahead , you can prep everything the night before. Just store the marinated chicken and curry base separately in the fridge.
- Avoid the common mistake of overcooking the chicken. It should be tender , not dry. Nobody wants dry chicken! For a Chicken Curry Slow Cooker Healthy dish you will love.
So there you have it! A Slow Cooker Chicken Curry with Coconut Milk option too if you like, enjoy! I remember the first time I made this.
My flat smelled amazing all day and I felt like an absolute domestic goddess. You'll feel the same, I promise.
Enjoy!
Recipe Notes for Your Slow Cooker Chicken Curry
Right then, so you're about to embark on a Slow Cooker Chicken Curry adventure! Ace! But before you do, let's chat about a few little things that'll really make this dish sing.
You know, the kind of tips and tricks that separate a good curry from an Oh my gosh! amazing curry.
Serving It Up Just Right
So, you've got your Slow Cooker Curry ready. Fantastic! Presentation matters, you know? I always like to plate mine up with a good scoop of fluffy basmati rice.
Think of it as the canvas for your masterpiece. Then, a generous ladle of that glorious Butter Chicken Curry over the top.
A sprinkle of fresh cilantro is almost compulsory, adds a pop of colour, like a dash of sunshine!
Fancy sides? Naan bread is a must. Perfect for scooping up every last bit of that divine sauce. And for a bit of coolness, a dollop of plain yogurt or raita is brilliant.
I have also heard about mango chutney if you like sweet and savory.
Storing Like a Pro
Right, so you've made a big batch of this Easy Slow Cooker Chicken , and have leftovers. No worries! Once it's cooled down completely and I mean completely pop it into an airtight container.
In the fridge, it'll happily keep for 3-4 days . I have gone longer, but I do not recommend it.
Want to freeze it? Absolutely! It keeps for up to 3 months in the freezer. Make sure to let it thaw completely in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating is easy peasy either in a pan on the hob or in the microwave. Make sure it's piping hot all the way through, at least 75° C/ 165° F , mind.
Mixing It Up a Bit
Fancy tweaking the recipe? Go for it! If you're after a dairy-free version of this Creamy Chicken Curry Slow Cooker, swap the heavy cream for coconut cream.
Gives it a lovely tropical twist.
And if you're veggie, swap out the chicken for chickpeas and potatoes. Still super comforting. It tastes as good as the Indian Chicken Curry Slow Cooker , trust me!
Nutrition Nuggets
Okay, so this Chicken Curry Slow Cooker Healthy is pretty good for you. Chicken is lean protein. The spices are packed with antioxidants. Just be mindful of the cream.
Each serving is roughly 450-550 calories, with a good whack of protein (40-50g). Just remember, it's an estimate, alright?
Honestly, this Slow Cooker Chicken Curry with Coconut Milk is a winner. It’s easy, delicious, and perfect for a cosy night in. Give it a whirl. You won't regret it!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Slow Cooker Chicken Curry in advance?
Absolutely! This Slow Cooker Chicken Curry is a fantastic make-ahead meal. Cook it as directed, then let it cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, ensuring it's piping hot throughout before serving.
It's like a proper Sunday roast even better the next day!
What if my Slow Cooker Chicken Curry sauce is too watery?
No worries, this is a common issue! If your Slow Cooker Chicken Curry sauce is too thin, there are a couple of easy fixes. You can remove the lid during the last hour of cooking to allow some of the liquid to evaporate.
Alternatively, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a little cold water to form a slurry, then stir it into the curry during the last 30 minutes of cooking to thicken it up. It's all about achieving that perfect, luscious gravy!
I don't have all the spices can I still make Slow Cooker Chicken Curry?
Of course! While the spices contribute significantly to the flavour, you can still make a delicious curry with what you have. Garam masala is a key one, but if you're missing others like cumin or coriander, don't fret. Use a good quality curry powder as a base, and adjust the other spices to taste.
It might not be perfectly authentic, but it will still be a satisfying and flavourful meal a bit like a 'Bish, Bash, Bosh' approach to cooking!
Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs for this Slow Cooker Chicken Curry?
You can, but chicken thighs are generally recommended for slow cooking because they stay more moist and tender. If you opt for chicken breasts, keep a close eye on them and reduce the cooking time, especially on high heat, to prevent them from drying out. Nobody wants a tough chicken curry, so keep them juicy!
What are some good sides to serve with this Slow Cooker Chicken Curry?
This Slow Cooker Chicken Curry is incredibly versatile, so there are loads of options! Fluffy basmati rice is a classic choice, or you could try some naan bread for soaking up all that delicious sauce.
A dollop of plain yogurt or a cooling raita (yogurt with cucumber and mint) can also balance the richness of the curry. For a bit of sweetness and tang, a side of mango chutney is a winner!
Is this Slow Cooker Chicken Curry healthy? What's the nutritional info?
This curry can be part of a balanced diet! It's packed with protein from the chicken, but keep in mind the cream and oil contribute to the fat content. You can lighten it up by using light coconut milk instead of heavy cream.
Portion control is key, and serving it with brown rice and plenty of veggies will make it a more nutritious meal. Check the recipe for estimated nutritional information, keeping in mind it varies based on ingredients and serving size.
Effortless Slow Cooker Chicken Curry
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 450-550 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 25-35g |
| Fiber | 20-30g |