Slow Cooker Chicken Korma Recipe

Introduction

Slow Cooker Chicken Korma is a rich, creamy, and aromatic dish that brings the flavors of Indian cuisine into your kitchen with minimal effort. The slow cooker allows the chicken to become incredibly tender as it absorbs the fragrant spices, coconut milk, and yogurt, creating a luxurious sauce that is perfect for pairing with rice or naan bread. This dish is an ideal option for busy nights when you crave a comforting, flavorful meal that practically cooks itself.

Chicken Korma is a beloved dish in Indian cuisine, known for its mild yet complex flavor profile. The combination of ground almonds, coconut milk, and a variety of spices gives this dish a creamy texture and an inviting warmth, without overwhelming heat. This slow cooker version is perfect for those who want the authentic taste of a homemade chicken korma but without the time-consuming process of traditional methods.

This recipe offers a convenient, hands-off approach to making chicken korma. With the help of your slow cooker, you can enjoy this decadent dish without much preparation or supervision. In this guide, we’ll walk you through each step of the process, provide helpful tips, and suggest variations to suit your preferences. Get ready for a flavorful and easy-to-make meal that will become a regular favorite in your recipe rotation.

Why You’ll Love Slow Cooker Chicken Korma

• Rich and Creamy Flavor: Chicken Korma is known for its smooth, rich sauce, made from coconut milk, yogurt, and ground almonds. The slow cooker allows these flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a dish that’s both indulgent and comforting.
• Mild Spice: Unlike many other Indian dishes, Korma is not particularly spicy but rather full of aromatic flavors from cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and garlic. It’s perfect for those who love Indian flavors without too much heat.
• Hands-Off Cooking: The slow cooker does all the work, meaning you can set it and forget it while you go about your day. The chicken becomes incredibly tender as it cooks, and the sauce thickens into a creamy, flavorful base.
• Customizable: Whether you prefer more vegetables, additional spices, or a different protein, Chicken Korma is a versatile dish that can be easily adjusted to fit your taste and dietary preferences.
• Meal Prep Friendly: This dish is ideal for meal prepping, as it stores and reheats well. Prepare it in advance, store it in the fridge, and enjoy it throughout the week.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 6 hours 30 minutes (if cooking on low)
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 6 hours on low or 3 hours on high in the slow cooker
• Servings: Approximately 6 servings
• Calories per Serving: Around 350-400 calories per serving, depending on portion sizes and ingredients used.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 350-400 kcal
• Fat: 20-25g
• Carbohydrates: 15-20g
• Protein: 25g
• Fiber: 2-3g
• Sugar: 5-7g

Ingredients

For the Slow Cooker Chicken Korma:

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts for a leaner option)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
• 1 tablespoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon cardamom
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little heat)
• 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk (full-fat for a richer sauce)
• 1/2 cup plain yogurt (whole-milk or Greek yogurt works best)
• 1/4 cup ground almonds (or almond meal)
• 1/2 cup chicken broth (low-sodium)
• 2 tablespoons ghee or unsalted butter
• Salt to taste
• Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

Special Equipment

While preparing Slow Cooker Chicken Korma is simple, a few pieces of equipment will help make the process smoother:

1. Slow Cooker (Crockpot): A 6-quart slow cooker is ideal for this recipe, ensuring that all the ingredients have enough space to cook evenly.
2. Measuring Cups and Spoons: These are essential for accurately measuring your spices, yogurt, and coconut milk to ensure a well-balanced flavor.
3. Sharp Knife and Cutting Board: For chopping the onion and mincing the garlic and ginger.
4. Large Spoon or Tongs: Use these for stirring the ingredients in the slow cooker and for shredding the chicken after it’s cooked.
5. Food Processor (Optional): If you want a smoother sauce, you can use a food processor to blend the onion, garlic, and ginger before adding them to the slow cooker.
6. Rice Cooker (Optional): If you prefer to have perfectly cooked rice to go with your Chicken Korma, a rice cooker can help ensure it’s done perfectly every time.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Ingredients

Start by preparing the chicken. You can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts for this recipe, but thighs tend to stay juicier and more flavorful during slow cooking. Cut the chicken into large chunks, making it easier to serve and shred once it’s cooked.

Chop the onion and mince the garlic and ginger. These aromatics will form the base of your flavorful sauce.

In a small bowl, combine the garam masala, turmeric, coriander, cumin, cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and cayenne pepper (if using). This spice mixture is the heart of Chicken Korma, so be sure to mix it well.

2. Add Ingredients to the Slow Cooker

Place the chicken pieces into the slow cooker, followed by the chopped onion, garlic, and ginger. Add the spice mixture over the top of the chicken and vegetables.

Pour in the coconut milk, chicken broth, and ground almonds. The coconut milk and almonds provide the creamy base for the korma sauce, while the ground almonds help thicken it and add richness. Stir to combine everything evenly.

Add the ghee or butter to the slow cooker. This step adds a bit of extra richness and depth of flavor to the dish.

3. Set the Slow Cooker

Cover the slow cooker with the lid and set it to cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours. If you have the time, the low setting will allow the flavors to develop more fully, making the chicken even more tender. The long cooking time helps the chicken soak up all the fragrant spices and turn meltingly tender.

4. Shred the Chicken

Once the cooking time is up, the chicken should be tender and easily shredded. Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using tongs or two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir it into the sauce.

At this point, check the seasoning and add more salt or spices as needed. If you want a thicker sauce, you can continue cooking it uncovered for an additional 20-30 minutes to allow some of the liquid to evaporate.

5. Stir in Yogurt

Before serving, stir in the yogurt to give the korma its signature creamy texture. Greek yogurt works especially well because of its thickness, but regular yogurt will also work. The yogurt helps balance the richness of the coconut milk and gives the dish a tangy, velvety finish.

6. Serve and Garnish

Serve the Slow Cooker Chicken Korma with your favorite accompaniments, such as basmati rice or naan bread. Garnish with fresh cilantro for a burst of color and flavor. If you prefer a bit of extra heat, you can add a squeeze of lime or a sprinkle of red chili flakes.

Tips for Perfect Slow Cooker Chicken Korma

• Use Bone-In Chicken Thighs: Bone-in chicken thighs will give the dish more flavor, as the bones impart a rich taste to the sauce as it cooks. If you prefer boneless, skinless chicken breasts, those will work too, but the dish may be a little less rich.
• Adjust the Spices to Taste: Chicken Korma is a mild curry, but the spices can be adjusted to suit your preferences. Add more cayenne pepper or chili flakes if you want more heat, or use less turmeric or garam masala for a subtler flavor.
• Let the Chicken Rest Before Shredding: Once the chicken is cooked, allow it to rest for a few minutes before shredding it. This helps retain moisture, making the chicken even juicier.
• Use Full-Fat Coconut Milk for a Creamier Sauce: While you can use light coconut milk, full-fat coconut milk provides a richer and more satisfying sauce. The creaminess is a key element of the korma’s texture.
• Don’t Skip the Ground Almonds: The ground almonds help thicken the sauce and add a subtle nutty flavor. If you can’t find ground almonds, you can use almond meal as a substitute.

Variations of Slow Cooker Chicken Korma

• Vegetarian Korma: To make a vegetarian version of Chicken Korma, replace the chicken with a variety of vegetables such as cauliflower, carrots, peas, and potatoes. You can also add tofu for extra protein.
• Slow Cooker Beef Korma: If you prefer beef, you can use beef stew chunks or boneless beef cuts instead of chicken. Beef may require a longer cooking time, so plan to cook it on low for 8 hours.
• Low-Carb Chicken Korma: To make this dish lower in carbs, serve the chicken korma over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of traditional rice. This will cut down on carbs while still giving you a delicious base for the creamy sauce.
• Korma with Nuts: Add chopped cashews or pistachios to the slow cooker for extra texture and a deeper nutty flavor. These can be sprinkled on top just before serving or added into the sauce during cooking.
• Spicy Chicken Korma: If you prefer a spicier version, increase the amount of cayenne pepper, add fresh green chilies to the slow cooker, or finish with a drizzle of hot sauce to bring more heat to the dish.

Storage and Shelf Life

Slow Cooker Chicken Korma stores very well and makes for great leftovers. Allow the dish to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. You can store the chicken korma in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

For longer storage, you can freeze the chicken korma. Place it in a freezer-safe container and store it for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Side Dishes and Pairings for Slow Cooker Chicken Korma

• Basmati Rice: A fragrant, fluffy bowl of basmati rice is the perfect accompaniment to this rich and creamy chicken korma.
• Naan Bread: Soft, pillowy naan bread is ideal for dipping into the korma sauce.
• Cucumber Raita: A cool, tangy cucumber raita is a great contrast to the rich korma, helping to balance the flavors.
• Simple Salad: A fresh salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onions dressed with lemon juice and olive oil adds a refreshing crunch to the meal.

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Conclusion

Slow Cooker Chicken Korma is the ultimate comfort food, offering a rich and creamy sauce that pairs perfectly with tender chicken. With minimal effort and a few ingredients, you can create a flavorful Indian-inspired meal that will satisfy your cravings. Whether you serve it over rice, with naan, or alongside a fresh salad, this dish is sure to impress. Perfect for busy nights or meal prep, Chicken Korma is a must-try recipe that’s easy, delicious, and versatile.