This Slow-Cooker Chicken Curry is the definition of comfort food done right — warm, hearty, and bursting with flavor. It’s an effortless way to enjoy bold, aromatic spices with melt-in-your-mouth tender chicken.
The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting for you. Just toss in the ingredients, set it, and forget it. You’ll be greeted with rich curry aroma and a dinner that’s ready when you are.
This curry is made with simple pantry staples, yet tastes like it simmered for hours — because it did. The slow cooking process allows the spices to deepen and the sauce to thicken naturally.
Tender chicken thighs are the star, simmering in a creamy tomato and coconut milk base that’s infused with garlic, ginger, and curry spices.
It’s cozy, saucy, and pairs perfectly with rice, naan, or your favorite grain. It’s also great for meal prep — the flavor only gets better the next day.
This dish strikes the perfect balance between comforting and exotic. It’s family-friendly with mild heat but can easily be adjusted for spice lovers.
The coconut milk adds a luscious richness, while the tomato base keeps it bright and tangy. A touch of sugar balances the spices and rounds out the flavor.
It’s a one-pot meal with minimal cleanup and maximum reward — ideal for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
You can easily customize it by adding vegetables like spinach, peas, or potatoes during the last hour of cooking.
Serve it straight from the slow cooker, and let everyone dig in. It’s the kind of dish that brings people together.
Leftovers reheat beautifully, and you can even freeze portions for future cozy meals.
Make it once, and it’ll become a regular in your dinner rotation. It’s that satisfying.
Plus, it makes your kitchen smell amazing.
Servings
Serves: 4–6
Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours (low) or 3 hours (high)
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into chunks
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 2 tablespoons curry powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (14 oz) can coconut milk
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
- Cooked rice or naan, for serving
Instructions
- Add chicken, onion, garlic, and ginger to the slow cooker.
- Sprinkle in curry powder, cumin, turmeric, cayenne (if using), salt, and pepper.
- Add diced tomatoes, coconut milk, tomato paste, and brown sugar.
- Stir gently to combine all ingredients.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours, until chicken is tender and sauce is thickened.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro and with rice or naan.
Tips
- Use chicken thighs for extra flavor and tenderness.
- Add vegetables like spinach or peas in the last hour of cooking.
- For extra spice, add fresh chili or hot sauce.
- Stir in a dollop of yogurt for creaminess.
- Freeze leftovers for easy future meals.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy, hands-off slow cooker meal
- Deep, rich curry flavor
- Family-friendly and customizable
- Perfect for batch cooking
- Naturally dairy-free and gluten-free
Summary
This Slow-Cooker Chicken Curry is a rich, comforting meal made with tender chicken, warm spices, and creamy coconut-tomato sauce. Easy to prepare and full of flavor, it’s perfect for weeknights and meal prep.
