Few things tie a family together quite like the warm, comforting aromas of a slowly simmered chicken curry. My journey with the Slow Cooker Chicken Korma recipe began in a particularly hectic season when balancing work, family, and the kitchen felt like a high-wire act. I wanted a dish with genuine, authentic flavor that required minimal hands-on time—but still brought my family around the table with smiles.
I remember the first time I made this Slow Cooker Chicken Korma recipe; the spices were a game-changer. It came from an old family friend whose kitchen wisdom emphasized slow, patient cooking to coax deep flavor out of simple ingredients. Using slow cooker chicken curry spices like cardamom, cinnamon, and freshly ground coriander, combined with a creamy chicken korma sauce, I witnessed my family’s surprise and delight as they tasted the sauce’s silky richness balanced by warm spices.
What made this Slow Cooker Chicken Korma recipe a household favorite is how it connects us. It’s not complicated; it’s just genuine flavor building with time. Each bite speaks of care and tradition, reminding us that authentic meals don’t need elaborate steps to feel special.
If you’re a fellow flavor seeker seeking an easy slow cooker chicken curry that fits right into your lifestyle, this recipe is a keeper. It marries old-school spice wisdom and straightforward technique to deliver creamy chicken korma sauce richness alongside the deep aroma of Indian slow cooker recipes well loved across my kitchen.
Season after season, this Slow Cooker Chicken Korma recipe proves it’s more than a dish—it’s a bridge that brings my family together over a shared love for honest, satisfying food. I invite you to lean in and add this to your cooking adventures. Let’s create authentic family meals with simple, flavorful solutions that anyone can master.
Ingredients You’ll Need:

When selecting ingredients for your Slow Cooker Chicken Korma recipe, quality is key. Trust me, this list focuses on quality over quantity for authentic flavors!
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, trimmed and cut into chunks — thighs hold up better to slow cooking and stay juicy
- 1 large onion, finely chopped — adds sweetness and body to the curry base
- 3 cloves garlic, minced — essential for that signature depth in slow cooker chicken curry spices
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated — brightens the creamy chicken korma sauce with subtle heat
- 1 cup plain yogurt, preferably whole milk — brings natural tang and tenderizes the chicken (key for chicken korma with yogurt)
- 1/2 cup coconut milk — enhances creaminess and mellow sweetness; a family favorite addition
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil — for sautéing onions before slow cooking, helps develop that base flavor
- 1 tablespoon garam masala — this classic Indian slow cooker recipe spice blend delivers warmth and complexity
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander — lends citrusy notes that balance the richness
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin — earthiness that supports the creamy chicken korma sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric — golden hue and gentle bitterness that rounds the spice mix
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon — subtle warmth that ties the slow cooker chicken curry spices together
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste) — optional for gentle heat
- 1/4 cup toasted sliced almonds — to add texture and nutty flavor either blended into sauce or as garnish
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
You’ll find the freshest ingredients for this Slow Cooker Chicken Korma recipe at your local farmer’s market or a trusted spice shop. When it comes to Indian slow cooker recipes, freshly ground spices always make a difference. I love to toast my coriander and cumin whole seeds before grinding for maximum aroma.
This Slow Cooker Chicken Korma recipe proves that authentic flavor comes from thoughtful ingredient choices and a little prep patience. My family loves when I add that touch of toasted almonds stirred in toward the end—it brings a buttery crunch to our Slow Cooker Chicken Korma recipe favorites. Remember to whisk your yogurt with a bit of curry sauce before stirring it in gently at the end to avoid curdling during slow cooking.
Let’s Create This Together!
1. Start with a flavor base. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion until soft and golden—this process helps develop a sweet foundation for your Slow Cooker Chicken Korma recipe. Add minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking until aromatic, about 2 minutes. In my kitchen, this step never takes more than 8 minutes, but the payoff is worth it.
2. Toast your spices carefully. Add garam masala, coriander, cumin, turmeric, cinnamon, and chili powder to the onion mixture. Stir constantly for about a minute until the spices bloom with aroma. Here’s where many cooks miss a key step—blending spices with the aromatics first builds the authentic Indian slow cooker recipes flavor.
3. Combine chicken and yogurt. Place your chicken pieces in the slow cooker bowl. Pour in the sautéed onion and spice mixture. Whisk your yogurt well, then add it along with the coconut milk. Stir everything gently to coat the chicken well with that creamy chicken korma sauce.
4. Set it to slow cook. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours—or on high for 3 to 4 hours if you’re short on time. Your kitchen should fill with those fragrant, warming aromas shortly after. Don’t be surprised if your Slow Cooker Chicken Korma recipe develops a thicker sauce near the end; it’s a good sign!
5. Final flavor check and texture test. About 30 minutes before serving, check seasoning and adjust salt if needed. If the sauce looks too thin, you can whisk a tablespoon of cornstarch with water and stir it into the crock for a gentle thicken. For my family, the sauce’s creamy texture wins every time—they notice when it’s just right.
6. Add almonds and fresh herbs. Stir in toasted sliced almonds to your preferred texture. Sprinkle fresh cilantro before serving. That fresh herb note ties the whole dish together and adds a vibrant last-minute pop.
While your Slow Cooker Chicken Korma recipe is developing these flavors, take a moment to appreciate creating something special for your family. This Slow Cooker Chicken Korma recipe typically takes 6 to 8 hours on low to reach perfect tenderness and layered spice warmth that folds beautifully into the creamy chicken korma sauce.
If you want some inspiration on similar comforting slow cooking, you might enjoy how this Slow Cooker Greek Chicken recipe also brings families together with its straightforward flavors.
How We Love to Enjoy This!
The family gathers quickly when this aromatic Slow Cooker Chicken Korma recipe appears with fluffy basmati rice and warm naan bread. Rice absorbs that creamy chicken korma sauce perfectly, soaking in every ounce of spice and richness.
For sides, a simple cucumber raita or cooling yogurt salad balances the warmth beautifully—perfect for those slower-paced weekend meals. This Slow Cooker Chicken Korma recipe is perfect for those evenings when we want something truly satisfying without spending hours over a hot stove.
Presentation-wise, I love to scatter fresh cilantro and toasted almonds on top—it highlights the sauce’s texture and adds that authentic flair family members notice and enjoy.
Leftovers transform brilliantly too. I often turn extra Slow Cooker Chicken Korma recipe into a warming soup by thinning the sauce with broth, adding fresh veggies, and serving with crusty bread. One of my readers shared how they blend their leftovers into a creamy chicken korma pie filling—waste not, want not!
Seasonally, I sometimes add diced sweet potatoes or butternut squash in autumn for a sweeter twist that complements the curry spices wonderfully.
The best part? Guests always comment on the balance in flavors without the complexity. This Slow Cooker Chicken Korma recipe brings warmth and comfort that sparks good mealtime chats and contented smiles.
If you want to see other ways to create hearty family meals, check out these easy options for Chicken Pot Pie Soup and Chicken Parmesan Soup. Both bring their own cozy magic to busy kitchens.
FAQs: Your Questions Answered
Q: Does this Slow Cooker Chicken Korma recipe really satisfy hearty appetites?
Absolutely! The rich creamy chicken korma sauce and tender chicken thighs fill plates and stomachs alike. In my household, it’s a reliably filling dish that guests always ask for seconds.
Q: What if someone in my family prefers milder flavors in their Slow Cooker Chicken Korma recipe?
Great question. You can easily tone down the chili powder or skip it entirely for a gentler heat. The slow cooking time mellows spices, so it’s naturally balanced. Adding more yogurt at serving can also soften boldness.
Q: Can I prepare this Slow Cooker Chicken Korma recipe ahead for busy weeks?
Yes, making it a day early lets flavors deepen overnight. Simply reheat gently on the stove or slow cooker on warm. For the freshest creamy chicken korma sauce texture, stir in a bit more yogurt if needed after reheating.
Q: How do I avoid curdling when adding chicken korma with yogurt in the slow cooker?
Whisk your yogurt with a scoop of curry sauce before gently folding it in during the last hour of cooking, or add it near the end on warm setting. This balances temperature shock and keeps the sauce creamy.
Q: What is the best type of chicken to use in this Slow Cooker Chicken Korma recipe?
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are my family’s go-to because they hold moisture and stay tender through long cooking. Breast meat can dry out unless carefully timed.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers of the Slow Cooker Chicken Korma recipe?
Yes, freeze portions in airtight containers. When thawing, reheat slowly to preserve creamy chicken korma sauce texture. You might want to stir in fresh yogurt after reheating.
Q: Are there similar Indian slow cooker recipes I can try?
If your family loves these authentic flavors, they’ll appreciate Slow Cooker Chicken Korma with Coconut Milk – Wholesomelicious, a delicious variation with rich coconut cream. Another great read on family slow cooker favorites is found in this Slow cooked chicken korma second ever time I done this. Tastes … community post where home cooks share their flavor victories. For more ideas, Slow Cooker Chicken Korma from Taming Twins brings handy tips for busy families.
Final Kitchen Wisdom:
This Slow Cooker Chicken Korma recipe supports my family’s authentic meal goals by delivering warmth and genuine flavor every time. It’s a dish that fits our busy schedules but feels like an occasion whenever it hits the table.
My Slow Cooker Chicken Korma recipe Flavor Secrets:
– Sautéing onions and spices before slow cooking unlocks authentic depth not achieved when adding raw.
– Whisking yogurt with curry sauce before adding prevents curdling and ensures the creamy chicken korma sauce stays lush.
– Toasting whole spices fresh before grinding maximizes aroma and flavor impact.
Over the years, family-tested variations have become staples in our kitchen. I sometimes swap coconut milk for heavy cream to enrich the sauce, or add nuts like cashews blended into the sauce for silkiness. My kids love it milder with extra yogurt stirred in, while my spouse prefers a bit more chili punch on the side.
I encourage every fellow flavor seeker to make this Slow Cooker Chicken Korma recipe their own. Tweak, taste, and own it—it’s all about creating authentic meals your family looks forward to.
Wishing you many satisfying, aromatic kitchen adventures! For more recipes that create authentic family moments, visit these flavorful ideas like the Slow Cooker Greek Chicken recipe, Chicken Pot Pie Soup, or Chicken Parmesan Soup!

Slow Cooker Chicken Korma recipe
This Slow Cooker Chicken Korma combines tender chicken simmered in a rich, creamy, and mildly spiced sauce, making it an effortless and flavorful Indian-inspired comfort dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into chunks
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp ginger, grated
- 1/4 cup plain yogurt
- 1/4 cup ground almonds
- 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
- 2 tbsp korma curry paste
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- 1/2 tsp chili powder (optional)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro (for garnish)
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft and golden, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the garlic and ginger and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Transfer the sautéed onion mixture to the slow cooker. Add the chicken pieces, korma curry paste, ground coriander, cumin, turmeric, and chili powder (if using). Stir well to coat the chicken evenly.
- Mix in the yogurt, ground almonds, and coconut milk. Season with salt and pepper.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender.
- Before serving, stir the korma gently and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve hot with basmati rice or naan bread.
Notes
For a richer flavor, toast the ground almonds lightly before adding them. Serve with steamed basmati rice and a side of cucumber raita for a refreshing contrast.