Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken Curry

Highlighted under: Global Flavors

Indulge in the rich flavors of this Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken Curry, perfect for a cozy dinner at home.

Naomi Clarke

Created by

Naomi Clarke

Last updated on 2025-12-28T16:01:11.168Z

This Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken Curry is a comforting dish that blends tender chicken pieces with a fragrant blend of spices and creamy coconut milk. Perfect for busy weekdays, it cooks slowly to develop deep flavors, making it a family favorite.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Rich and aromatic curry sauce that warms the soul
  • Tender chicken cooked to perfection with minimal effort
  • Ideal for meal prep and leftovers that taste even better!

The Magic of Slow Cooking

Slow cooking is not just a method; it’s a culinary experience that transforms simple ingredients into a symphony of flavors. The beauty of using a slow cooker lies in its ability to meld spices and ingredients over time, creating a rich and aromatic dish that’s hard to replicate with quick cooking methods. This Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken Curry is a perfect example of how patience pays off in the kitchen.

As the chicken simmers gently, it absorbs the fragrant spices and coconut milk, resulting in tender meat that practically melts in your mouth. This method allows you to set it and forget it, making it an ideal choice for busy weekdays or lazy weekends. Just imagine coming home to the inviting aroma of curry wafting through your home!

Perfect Pairings

While this creamy chicken curry is delicious on its own, pairing it with the right side dishes can elevate your dining experience. Serve it over fluffy basmati rice to soak up the delightful sauce, or choose warm naan bread for a more traditional approach. Both options provide a wonderful contrast to the creamy curry and enhance the overall meal.

For a refreshing contrast, consider adding a side salad or a yogurt-based raita. The coolness of yogurt balances the heat of the curry, making each bite a harmonious blend of flavors. Don't forget to sprinkle some fresh cilantro on top for an added burst of freshness!

Meal Prep and Storage

This Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken Curry is not only perfect for a cozy dinner but also an excellent option for meal prep. You can easily double the recipe and portion it out for lunches throughout the week. The flavors deepen as the curry sits, making leftovers taste even better the next day!

To store, simply let the curry cool to room temperature before transferring it to airtight containers. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to four days or frozen for up to three months. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or coconut milk to maintain its creamy texture.

Ingredients

Ingredients

For the Curry

  • 1.5 lbs boneless chicken thighs, cut into chunks
  • 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 inch ginger, grated
  • 2 tablespoons curry powder
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish

Serve with rice or naan bread for a complete meal.

Instructions

Cooking Instructions

Prepare the Ingredients

In a slow cooker, add the chicken thighs, diced onion, minced garlic, grated ginger, curry powder, turmeric, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Mix until the chicken is well coated with the spices.

Add Liquid Ingredients

Pour in the coconut milk and chicken broth. Stir to combine all the ingredients well.

Cook the Curry

Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 hours or until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.

Finish with Peas

About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the frozen peas and cover again to heat through.

Serve

Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot with rice or naan bread.

Enjoy your creamy and flavorful chicken curry!

Cooking Tips

For the best results, consider using bone-in chicken thighs instead of boneless. The bones add extra flavor and richness to the dish. If you prefer a lighter option, chicken breast can be used, but be aware it may dry out faster in the slow cooker.

Don’t hesitate to customize the spice level of your curry. If you enjoy a little kick, add chopped chili peppers or a dash of cayenne pepper. Conversely, for a milder flavor, you can reduce the amount of curry powder or choose a mild variety.

Serving Suggestions

This creamy chicken curry is versatile enough to suit various dietary preferences. If you’re looking for a vegetarian alternative, substitute the chicken with chickpeas or tofu. The spices and coconut milk will still deliver a delightful curry experience.

Consider adding seasonal vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or spinach to enhance the nutritional profile of your dish. Simply toss them into the slow cooker about halfway through the cooking time for perfectly tender additions.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes, but chicken thighs are recommended for their tenderness and flavor.

→ Can this recipe be made in advance?

Absolutely! It can be made a day ahead and reheated, and the flavors will deepen.

→ What can I serve with this curry?

It pairs well with jasmine rice, basmati rice, or naan bread.

→ Is it possible to freeze leftovers?

Yes, you can freeze the cooked curry in an airtight container for up to three months.

Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken Curry

Indulge in the rich flavors of this Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken Curry, perfect for a cozy dinner at home.

Prep Time15 minutes
Cooking Duration6 hours
Overall Time6 hours 15 minutes

Created by: Naomi Clarke

Recipe Type: Global Flavors

Skill Level: Easy

Final Quantity: 4 servings

What You'll Need

For the Curry

  1. 1.5 lbs boneless chicken thighs, cut into chunks
  2. 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
  3. 1 onion, diced
  4. 3 cloves garlic, minced
  5. 1 inch ginger, grated
  6. 2 tablespoons curry powder
  7. 1 teaspoon turmeric
  8. 1 teaspoon cumin
  9. 1 teaspoon salt
  10. 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  11. 1 cup chicken broth
  12. 1 cup frozen peas
  13. Fresh cilantro for garnish

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a slow cooker, add the chicken thighs, diced onion, minced garlic, grated ginger, curry powder, turmeric, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Mix until the chicken is well coated with the spices.

Step 02

Pour in the coconut milk and chicken broth. Stir to combine all the ingredients well.

Step 03

Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 hours or until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.

Step 04

About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the frozen peas and cover again to heat through.

Step 05

Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot with rice or naan bread.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 450 kcal
  • Total Fat: 28g
  • Saturated Fat: 14g
  • Cholesterol: 140mg
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Dietary Fiber: 3g
  • Sugars: 4g
  • Protein: 30g