Go Back Email Link
+ servings

Slow Cooker Chicken Curry

Print Recipe
A plate of white rice topped with chicken curry, garnished with herbs, served with naan bread on the side.
Prep Time:15 minutes
Cook Time:6 hours
Total Time:6 hours 15 minutes

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

  • Add chicken pieces to the slow cooker, followed by onion, garlic, and ginger.
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together coconut milk, tomato sauce, garlic powder, curry powder, turmeric, paprika, salt, pepper, and brown sugar. Pour over the chicken and stir gently to coat.
  • Cover and cook on Low for 6 hours or High for 3 hours, until the chicken is tender and the sauce is rich and fragrant.
  • In a small bowl, whisk cornstarch and cold water. Stir the mixture into the curry and cook on High for 15 minutes, uncovered, until the sauce thickens slightly.
  • Spoon the chicken and curry sauce over rice or with naan bread. Garnish with fresh cilantro.

Notes

Tips & Tricks

  • Thighs stay juicier than breasts in the slow cooker, but both work well.
  • Adjust curry powder to taste, add more for bolder flavor or less for a milder sauce.
  • Don’t skip the brown sugar; it balances the spices perfectly.

Substitutions

  • Coconut Milk: Use heavy cream or half-and-half if you don’t have coconut milk.
  • Tomato Sauce: Swap for crushed tomatoes for a chunkier texture.
  • Chicken: Shrimp or chickpeas make this a great pescatarian or vegetarian option.

Variations

  • Creamy Butter Chicken Style: Stir in 2 tablespoons butter and ¼ cup cream at the end.
  • Veggie Curry: Add diced potatoes, carrots, or peas in the last hour of cooking.
  • Spicy Curry: Add red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño for extra heat.

Storage Tips

  • Refrigerate: Store leftovers up to 4 days in an airtight container.
  • Freeze: Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
  • Reheat: Warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of coconut milk if needed.
Servings: 6 servings
QR Code linking back to recipe