Slow Cooker Chicken Korma Recipe - Indian Comfort Made Easy

Craving authentic Indian flavors but short on time? This Slow Cooker Chicken Korma Recipe delivers a creamy, aromatic, and utterly delicious Korma, all while freeing you from stovetop duties. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner solution, providing restaurant-quality taste with minimal effort, ensuring high search engine ranking and satisfying home cooks of all skill levels!

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What is Chicken Korma?

Chicken Korma is a classic Indian dish known for its rich, creamy sauce and mild, aromatic spices. Unlike some spicier Indian curries, Chicken Korma typically features a blend of ingredients like yogurt, cream, nuts (often almonds or cashews), and a variety of fragrant spices such as cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves. The chicken is slow-cooked in this luscious sauce, absorbing all the wonderful flavors and becoming incredibly tender.

This dish is a comfort food staple in many Indian households, and our slow cooker version makes it even more accessible and easy to prepare. Why not give this simplified, yet equally delicious, Slow Cooker Chicken Korma a try tonight? You’ll be amazed at how simple it is to create such a flavorful and satisfying meal!

Key Ingredients for Slow Cooker Chicken Korma:

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delectable Slow Cooker Chicken Korma:

Chicken: 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces. Thighs work best in the slow cooker as they stay moist and tender.
Onion: 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped. This forms the base of the sauce.
Garlic: 4 cloves garlic, minced. Adds a pungent aroma and depth of flavor.
Ginger: 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated. Provides a warm, spicy note.
Tomato Paste: 2 tablespoons. Adds richness and acidity to the sauce.
Yogurt: 1 cup plain yogurt (full-fat or low-fat). This is key to the creamy texture.
Heavy Cream: 1/2 cup. Enhances the richness and creaminess of the sauce.
Almonds: 1/4 cup slivered almonds, toasted (optional, for garnish). Adds a nutty crunch.
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish). Provides a fresh, herbaceous note.
Spices:
- 1 tablespoon curry powder
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little heat)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Oil: 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or coconut oil.

How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Korma:

This Slow Cooker Chicken Korma is incredibly easy to make. Just toss everything in the slow cooker, set it, and forget it! The result is tender chicken swimming in a creamy, fragrant sauce that’s both comforting and satisfying. With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can enjoy a restaurant-quality meal without any of the fuss.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Prepare the Chicken and Vegetables: In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces with curry powder, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly. In a separate bowl, finely chop one large yellow onion and mince 4 cloves of garlic. You can also grate about 1 tablespoon of fresh ginger.
Sauté Aromatics (Optional but Recommended): Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil or coconut oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger and sauté for another minute until fragrant. This step helps to deepen the flavor of the Korma.
Assemble in the Slow Cooker: Transfer the sautéed onion, garlic, and ginger to the slow cooker. Add the chicken, tomato paste, garam masala, cumin, turmeric, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir to combine all the ingredients.
Add Yogurt: Gently stir in 1 cup of plain yogurt. Be careful not to over-stir, as the yogurt may curdle.
Cook on Low: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be very tender and easily shredded with a fork.
Finish with Cream: In the last 30 minutes of cooking, stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream. This will make the sauce extra rich and creamy.
Shred Chicken (Optional): If you prefer shredded chicken, use two forks to shred the chicken in the slow cooker.
Garnish and Serve: Garnish with toasted slivered almonds and fresh cilantro. Serve hot with basmati rice or naan bread.

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Chicken Korma

This Slow Cooker Chicken Korma is wonderful because it’s brimming with rich, aromatic flavors that transport you straight to India. The creamy texture, achieved through the combination of yogurt and heavy cream, makes it an incredibly comforting meal.

Plus, making it at home is a money-saver compared to ordering takeout, and you control the quality of ingredients. The optional addition of toasted almonds and fresh cilantro adds a delightful crunch and herbaceousness that elevates the dish from ordinary to extraordinary. If you like this recipe, you might also enjoy exploring other slow cooker Indian recipes such as butter chicken or chickpea curry. Why not make this at home for tonight’s dinner?

What to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Korma With:

To complete your Indian-inspired meal, serve your Slow Cooker Chicken Korma with the following:

Basmati Rice: Fluffy and fragrant, basmati rice is the perfect vehicle for soaking up the creamy Korma sauce.
Naan Bread: Warm, soft naan bread is ideal for scooping up the chicken and sauce.
Raita: A cooling yogurt-based sauce with cucumber and mint can help balance the richness of the Korma.
Mango Chutney: A sweet and tangy mango chutney provides a delightful contrast to the savory flavors.
Samosas: Crispy and savory samosas make a great appetizer or side dish.

Top Tips for Perfecting Slow Cooker Chicken Korma:

To ensure your Slow Cooker Chicken Korma turns out perfectly, here are some helpful tips:

Don’t Skip the Sautéing Step: While optional, sautéing the onions, garlic, and ginger before adding them to the slow cooker significantly enhances their flavor and adds depth to the Korma.
Use Full-Fat Yogurt: Full-fat yogurt will result in a creamier and richer sauce. If you use low-fat yogurt, be careful not to over-stir, as it may curdle.
Toast the Almonds: Toasting the slivered almonds before garnishing intensifies their nutty flavor.
Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a spicier Korma, add more cayenne pepper or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Add Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the slow cooker, such as bell peppers, peas, or potatoes.
Ingredient Substitutions: If you don’t have all of the spices required, a good quality curry paste can be used as a substitute.
Avoid Over Stirring: Only stir when needed, especially after you add Yogurt.

Health Benefits of Slow Cooker Chicken Korma:

While Chicken Korma is often associated with richness, this slow cooker version can be part of a balanced diet:

Good Source of Protein: Chicken is a lean source of protein, essential for muscle building and repair.
Healthy Fats: The almonds provide healthy fats, which are beneficial for heart health.
Anti-Inflammatory Spices: Turmeric, ginger, and other spices have anti-inflammatory properties that can help support overall health.
Source of Vitamins and Minerals: The vegetables and spices used in the recipe provide various vitamins and minerals.
Yogurt Probiotics: Yogurt provides probiotics beneficial for gut health, however these are often lost when heated for too long.

Storing and Reheating Tips:

Storing Leftovers: Allow the Chicken Korma to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze the Chicken Korma. Transfer it to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating: To reheat, you can use the microwave or the stovetop. For the microwave, heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. On the stovetop, heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. If the sauce has thickened too much, add a splash of water or broth.

Final Thoughts:

This Slow Cooker Chicken Korma recipe is a delicious and convenient way to enjoy the flavors of India without spending hours in the kitchen. The slow cooker does all the work, resulting in tender chicken and a creamy, aromatic sauce that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is easy to follow and customizable to your taste preferences. So, gather your ingredients and let the slow cooker work its magic – you’ll be rewarded with a flavorful and satisfying meal that the whole family will love!

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Slow Cooker Chicken Korma FAQs:

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
- Yes, but chicken thighs tend to be more moist and flavorful in the slow cooker. If using chicken breasts, make sure not to overcook them, or they may become dry. Reduce cooking time by 1-2 hours.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
- Absolutely! Substitute the chicken with chickpeas, paneer (Indian cheese), or a combination of vegetables like cauliflower, potatoes, and peas.
Can I add more vegetables?
- Yes, feel free to add your favorite vegetables to the slow cooker. Bell peppers, spinach, or potatoes would be great additions.
How can I make the sauce thicker?
- If the sauce is too thin, you can mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Or, after slow cooking, simmer the contents on the stove over medium-high heat until it reduces to your desired consistency.
Can I use coconut milk instead of heavy cream?
- Yes, coconut milk makes a great dairy-free alternative to heavy cream. It will also add a slightly different flavor to the Korma.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
- Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just make sure to use gluten-free curry powder and garam masala.
How long does it take to cook on high?
- When cook on high the cooking time will be 3 – 4 ours and make sure the chicken is very tender.

Slow Cooker Chicken Korma Recipe – Indian Comfort Made Easy