Slow Cooker Chicken Korma with Coconut Sauce
Slow Cooker Chicken Korma with Coconut Sauce is a comforting and flavorful curry featuring tender chicken thighs slow-cooked in a rich, creamy coconut-based sauce infused with aromatic spices. Perfect for busy days, this easy-to-make dish delivers vibrant taste with minimal hands-on time and pairs wonderfully with rice, naan, or vegetables.
- Author: Nina
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 to 8 hours on low or 3 to 4 hours on high
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Indian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Chicken and Protein
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
Sauce and Aromatics
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch piece fresh ginger, minced
- 1 can (13.5 oz) full-fat coconut milk
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 3 tbsp korma curry paste or powder
- 1/4 cup almond meal or ground nuts (or cornstarch for nut-free version)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Garnishes and Optional Additions
- Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish (optional)
- Toasted sliced almonds, for garnish (optional)
- Lime wedges, for serving (optional)
- Prepare the Aromatics: Finely chop onions, garlic, and ginger. Lightly sauté them in a pan over medium heat until soft and golden to deepen their flavors, then set aside.
- Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker: Place the chicken thighs in the slow cooker. Add the sautéed aromatics, coconut milk, yogurt, korma curry paste, almond meal (or cornstarch if nut-free), salt, and pepper. Stir gently to coat the chicken evenly with the sauce and spices.
- Cook Slowly: Set the slow cooker to low and cook for 6 to 8 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours. This slow cooking process allows the chicken to become tender and the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Final Touches: Once cooked, stir the korma gently. If the sauce is too thin, you can thicken it by turning the slow cooker to high without the lid for 15–20 minutes or by adding a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water). Adjust salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
Notes
- Choose dark meat (chicken thighs) for juicier, more flavorful results.
- Prep aromatics ahead of time to save time on busy days.
- Use full-fat coconut milk for a richer sauce.
- Yogurt tenderizes the chicken and adds subtle tang.
- Adjust spice levels gradually, adding fresh chili or cayenne if desired.
- Toast dry spices lightly for a deeper flavor if using powder instead of paste.
- Slow cookers vary, so check tenderness periodically especially when using chicken breasts.
- To thicken sauce without nuts, use cornstarch or arrowroot slurry.
- Serve with basmati rice, naan, or roasted veggies for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 380 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: slow cooker, chicken korma, coconut sauce, easy curry, Indian recipes, gluten free, comfort food