Easy & Aromatic Slow Cooker Chicken Korma Recipe for All

My grandmother’s treasured slow cooker chicken korma recipe emerged during a cozy winter afternoon when unexpected guests arrived hungry.

Aromas of warm spices quickly filled her kitchen with comfort and anticipation.

Tender chicken bathed in creamy, fragrant sauce became an instant family favorite.

Exotic yet approachable, this dish connects traditional Indian flavors with modern convenience.

Sweet notes of coconut and gentle heat from cardamom create a delightful balance.

Minimal prep work means you can enjoy rich, complex flavors without spending hours cooking.

Serve this delectable meal alongside fluffy basmati rice and watch everyone’s face light up with pure culinary joy.

Easy Variations for Chicken Korma Fans

• Low-Carb Cauliflower Base: Replace chicken with cauliflower florets and use almond flour instead of ground almonds to reduce carbohydrate content, perfect for keto diet followers.
• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas, maintaining the rich korma flavor while creating a plant-based protein alternative.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and select a dairy-free yogurt substitute to accommodate lactose-intolerant individuals.
• Spice Level Customization: Adjust curry paste quantity or incorporate additional mild spices like turmeric and cumin for personalized heat preferences, catering to different spice tolerances.

Slow Cooker Chicken Korma FAQs

• Can I use a different type of meat instead of chicken?

Yes, you can substitute chicken with lamb, beef, or turkey. Adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure the meat is fully cooked and tender.

• Is this dish spicy?

This chicken korma is mild and creamy. If you prefer more heat, add extra curry paste or include fresh chopped chilies during cooking.

• Do I need special equipment to make this recipe?

You’ll need a slow cooker and a pan for sautéing. A basic kitchen setup works perfectly for this dish.

• Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace chicken with firm tofu, chickpeas, or mixed vegetables. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a complete vegetarian version.

Why Slow Cooker Chicken Korma Is Full of Warm Spice

• Effortlessly create a restaurant-quality meal with minimal kitchen time and maximum flavor impact.
• Transform simple ingredients into a rich, creamy chicken korma without constant monitoring or complex cooking techniques.
• Customize the dish by adjusting spice levels, adding optional ingredients like raisins, or substituting protein to suit different dietary preferences.
• Prepare ingredients ahead of time, let the slow cooker work its magic, and enjoy a delicious, stress-free dinner that feeds the whole family.

Ingredients to Build a Slow Cooker Chicken Korma

• Chicken: Tender, lean protein that forms the heart of the dish, best with boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts.

• Onion, Garlic, Ginger: Classic flavor base that provides depth and authentic Indian taste, fresh ingredients recommended.

• Curry Paste: Adds complex, authentic korma flavor, choose mild or medium based on heat preference.
• Ground Almonds: Provides nutty richness and traditional korma texture, raw blanched almonds work best.

• Coconut Milk: Creamy base that adds richness and subtle sweetness, full-fat version recommended.
• Yogurt: Helps tenderize chicken and adds tangy depth, plain Greek yogurt preferred.
• Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and enhances overall flavor, low-sodium version works well.

• Heavy Cream: Adds final luxurious creaminess, optional but traditional.
• Honey: Provides subtle sweetness and balances spices, use raw honey for best flavor.
• Tomato Paste: Adds depth and slight acidity, concentrates flavor.

• Cilantro, Sliced Almonds: Fresh herbs and crunchy texture for serving, adds visual appeal and extra flavor.

• Raisins: Provides sweet contrast, traditional in some korma recipes.

Step-by-Step for Chicken Korma in the Crockpot

Step 1: Prep Like a Pro

Chop onions into small pieces. Mince garlic finely. Grate fresh ginger. Slice chicken into bite-sized chunks that cook evenly and look appetizing.

Step 2: Awaken the Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium flame. Toss chopped onions, minced garlic, and grated ginger into the pan. Sauté until vegetables turn soft and translucent. Sprinkle curry paste and warm spices, stirring continuously to release deep flavors.

Step 3: Transfer Mixture to Slow Cooker

• Chicken pieces
• Coconut milk
• Plain yogurt
• Chicken broth
• Ground almonds
• Tomato paste
• Honey

Stir everything thoroughly to blend flavors.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover slow cooker. Cook on low setting for 5-6 hours or high setting for 3-4 hours. Chicken should become super tender and fall apart easily.

Step 5: Final Flavor Boost

During last 30 minutes of cooking, swirl in heavy cream and sprinkle raisins for extra richness.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and sliced almonds. Plate alongside fluffy basmati rice or warm naan bread. Enjoy your delicious homemade korma!

Slow Cooker Tips for Maximum Flavor

• Boost Flavor Deeply: Sauté aromatics before adding to slow cooker to develop rich, complex taste layers that elevate the entire chicken korma.
• Prevent Curdling Smartly: Mix yogurt gently and add during early cooking stages to prevent separation and maintain smooth, creamy sauce texture.
• Customize Protein Easily: Swap chicken with firm tofu, chickpeas, or lamb for versatile meal options that suit different dietary preferences.
• Control Spice Levels Perfectly: Adjust curry paste quantity to create mild, medium, or hot korma according to personal heat tolerance and family preferences.
• Enhance Texture Strategically: Crush almonds slightly before adding to create a more integrated nutty background that melts into the sauce seamlessly.

Store and Serve Chicken Korma Like a Pro

• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Pour cooled korma into freezer-safe containers. Seal tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Warm gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth or coconut milk to prevent drying out.
• Place portion in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming.

Pairing Suggestions for Chicken Korma

• Gewürztraminer wine perfectly balances the creamy korma's subtle spices with its aromatic, slightly sweet profile that enhances the dish's delicate flavors.
• Fragrant basmati rice provides a light, fluffy base that absorbs the rich korma sauce, creating a harmonious texture and taste experience.
• Mango lassi offers a cool, tangy counterpoint to the warm, creamy chicken korma, refreshing the palate with its sweet and smooth consistency.
• Cucumber raita brings a crisp, cooling element that cuts through the korma's richness, adding a fresh and light dimension to the meal.

Slow Cooker Chicken Korma Recipe

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4.8 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy slow cooker chicken korma brings Indian comfort to dinner tables with minimal effort. Rich, aromatic spices and tender chicken create a delightful meal you’ll savor without complicated cooking techniques.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat Protein:

• 1 ½ lbs (700g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into chunks

Spices and Seasonings:

• 2 tablespoons korma curry paste (or mild curry paste)
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• ½ teaspoon turmeric
• ½ teaspoon garam masala
• ½ teaspoon salt

Base and Additional Ingredients:

• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece ginger, grated
• 1 can (14 ounces/400 milliliters) coconut milk
• ¼ cup (60 grams) plain yogurt
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) chicken broth
• ¼ cup (30 grams) ground almonds
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon honey
• ¼ cup (40 grams) raisins
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
• Sliced almonds (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Gather all ingredients and finely dice the onion, mince garlic cloves, and grate fresh ginger into small pieces. Slice chicken into uniform, bite-sized chunks to ensure even cooking.
2. Heat a skillet with a thin layer of oil over medium temperature. Sauté onion, garlic, and ginger until translucent and aromatic, approximately 3-4 minutes. Incorporate curry paste and ground spices, stirring continuously to prevent burning and enhance flavor profile.
3. Transfer the fragrant aromatics into the slow cooker vessel. Carefully add raw chicken pieces, coconut milk, plain yogurt, chicken broth, ground almonds, tomato paste, and honey. Gently mix ingredients to distribute seasonings evenly.
4. Secure the slow cooker lid and set to low temperature for 5-6 hours or high temperature for 3-4 hours. The chicken should become exceptionally tender and easily pull apart when fully cooked.
5. During the final 30 minutes of cooking, fold in heavy cream and golden raisins, allowing them to integrate seamlessly into the rich sauce.
6. Once cooking completes, sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro and toasted almond slivers over the korma. Plate alongside fluffy basmati rice or warm, pillowy naan bread for a complete meal experience.

Notes

• Enhance flavor by browning chicken before slow cooking to develop deeper, richer taste profiles.
• Customize spice levels by adjusting curry paste quantity, accommodating mild to fiery preference ranges.
• Replace dairy components with coconut cream and plant-based yogurt for vegan-friendly adaptation without compromising authentic korma essence.
• Prevent sauce separation by tempering yogurt with small amounts of hot liquid before adding to slow cooker, ensuring smooth, creamy consistency.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 hours
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Indian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 14g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 110mg