Really Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Curry

Slow cooker chicken curry is a simple, no fuss recipe that you can easily adjust according to how you enjoy your curries.

I’ve got this slow cooker curry down to just a handful of easy to get ingredients – it’s the perfect dinner for any day of the week!

What Should I Add To A Slow Cooker Chicken Curry?

Chicken

First up is the chicken itself. I prefer to use boneless chicken thighs in most of my slow-cooker meals; they are economical to buy and taste really great when slow-cooked. You can also use chicken breast; either put it in whole or cut it up into smaller pieces.

What About Browning The Chicken First?

Many recipes advise browning (or ‘sealing’) the chicken before adding it to a slow cooker. Whereas this does seal in some of the juices and flavour, I tend to skip this step. I’ve tried it both ways (browning vs not browning), and I’ve not noticed a big enough difference to warrant the extra effort of dirtying up an extra pan. 

Onions and Garlic

Chop up some onion and garlic to add in too. You can also add some grated ginger, if you have some on hand, or use ground ginger.

3. Tomatoes

I like to add a tin of chopped tomatoes and some tomato puree. You can also add in passata in place of chopped tomatoes.

4. Spices

Following my theme of simple slow cooker meals, I use a curry spice mix. Which one I use depends on what type of slow cooker curry we fancy on the day. I have a chicken tikka mix and korma as well as a medium and hot curry powder mix.

You can also make your own curry spice mixes according to how you best like them. It is worth spending the time to hunt down the highest quality Indian spices that you can find; your taste buds will thank you when you’re tucking in later!

5. Stock

Adding stock is up to you – personally, I prefer not to add stock to this meal as I find the amount of juice that the chicken releases is enough – but you might prefer to add a little bit, say around 200ml.

You don’t need much extra liquid as the chicken will release plenty as it slowly cooks. If you add too much, you might end up with a watery curry.

Remember too, the more chicken you have in your slow cooker, the more liquid will be released. 

If you do end up with a curry that is too thin, scroll down to find out how to thicken up a curry.

Set the slow cooker off on low for 6 hours or high for 4 hours.

6. Herbs

A handful of fresh coriander (or cilantro if you are in North America!) leaves stirred in at the end adds the perfect complimentary flavour. Just remove the stems, chop them up and stir through.

7. Cream/Yoghurt

Yoghurt is traditionally used in an Indian curry, but you can use crème fraiche, cream or coconut milk if you prefer. If you are using yoghurt, a natural one is best. I normally use Greek Yoghurt. 

Whatever you decide on, make sure you add it at the end of the cooking time to avoid it curdling.

You can either serve the chicken thighs whole or use a fork to shred them up.

How Do I Thicken Up A Chicken Curry In The Slow Cooker?

If the sauce is too thin;

• Take the lid off and leave the curry to cook for a further 20 minutes on high.
•  Stir in some extra cream (or coconut milk)
• Add some corn flour (mix 1tbsp of cornflour with 1tbsp of water to form a paste before stirring into the curry) 

My Chicken Curry Is Lacking In Flavour

At the end of the slow cooking time, do a quick taste test to make sure the flavour is to your taste. If it lacks and tastes a bit bland, then you have the following options;

• Add in some more spices and/or salt – only add in a little bit at a time and taste to check.
• Squeeze in some lemon juice or a little vinegar and stir through – the acid will help the flavours come together.

My Curry Is Too Spicy/Hot

If the curry has come out too spicy for your taste buds, you can calm it down by adding in some more yoghurt (or whatever you used in step 7 above). 

Curry Side Dishes

There are so many delicious Indian side dishes that work perfectly with a curry – take your pick from rice, naan bread, samosas, Bombay potatoes, poppadoms and mango chutney. Or maybe a bit of each?!

I hope you enjoy this slow cooker chicken curry – let me know in the comments if you end up making it!

More Slow Cooker Chicken Recipes

Are you looking for more slow cooker chicken recipes? Try some of these!

• Chicken Casserole (In A Slow Cooker)
• Slow Cooker Chicken Fajitas
• Slow Cooker Pulled Chicken
• Slow Cooker Whole Chicken
• Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken