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Slow Cooker Chicken Curry Recipe

4.9 from 130 reviews

This Slow Cooker Chicken Curry is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish featuring tender chicken thighs simmered in a rich coconut-tomato curry sauce with aromatic spices. Perfect for busy days, it requires minimal prep and slow cooks to develop deep, comforting flavors. Serve with rice and naan for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein and Vegetables

  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 inch ginger, grated
  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped

Liquids and Sauces

  • 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 (13.5 oz) can coconut milk
  • 1/4 cup tomato paste

Spices

  • 2 tablespoons curry powder
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
  • 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste

Garnish and Serving

  • 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, for garnish
  • Cooked rice, for serving
  • Naan bread, for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Ingredients: Cut chicken thighs into 1-inch pieces. Chop the onion and red bell pepper, mince the garlic, and grate the ginger.
  2. Combine in Slow Cooker: In your slow cooker, add the chicken pieces, chopped onion, minced garlic, grated ginger, and chopped red bell pepper.
  3. Add Liquids and Tomato Paste: Pour in the undrained can of diced tomatoes as well as the can of coconut milk. Stir in the tomato paste to combine evenly.
  4. Season the Curry: Add the curry powder, turmeric, cumin, and cayenne pepper if you want some heat. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  5. Mix Ingredients: Give all the ingredients a good stir until well combined and the spices are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
  6. Slow Cook the Curry: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender and cooked through. Ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for safety.
  7. Shred Chicken (Optional): If desired, use two forks to shred the chicken pieces slightly to better absorb the curry sauce.
  8. Serve: Spoon the curry over cooked rice and garnish with chopped cilantro. Serve with naan bread, yogurt, or a squeeze of lime juice to elevate the flavors.

Notes

  • You can adjust the level of cayenne pepper to control the heat according to your preference.
  • Shredding the chicken is optional but helps the sauce cling to the meat better.
  • Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days and taste even better the next day.
  • For a thicker sauce, you can remove the lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow some liquid to evaporate.
  • If you prefer, substitute chicken breasts but cooking time may be slightly shorter.

Keywords: chicken curry, slow cooker recipe, easy curry, coconut milk curry, Indian chicken curry, one pot meal