Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken Korma Recipe

Velvety Slow Cooker Chicken Korma Recipe: Spice Magic Made Simple

Tender chicken simmering in a luxurious slow cooker chicken korma sauce brings comfort and warmth to any dinner table.

Rich, velvety spices dance through each succulent bite, creating a melody of flavors that transport you straight to the streets of India.

Fragrant cardamom, gentle cinnamon, and smooth yogurt blend seamlessly in this hearty dish.

The slow cooker works its magic, allowing ingredients to meld and develop deep, complex notes.

Creamy and mild, this korma offers a gentle introduction to Indian cuisine for those who prefer less heat.

Serve with fluffy basmati rice and watch as everyone around the table falls in love with this soul-warming meal.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 5 hours

Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 4

Ingredients Inside Slow Cooker Chicken Korma

For Aromatics and Spices:
  • Onion: Provides a sweet, savory base that adds depth to the korma sauce.
  • Garlic: Infuses intense, earthy flavor that elevates the overall taste profile.
  • Ginger: Brings a zesty, warm note that complements the creamy sauce beautifully.
  • Curry Paste: Offers a complex blend of traditional Indian spices for authentic flavor.
  • Ground Spices: Creates a rich, warm undertone that defines the korma's signature taste.
For Protein and Base:
  • Chicken: Tender meat that absorbs the creamy sauce and spices perfectly.
  • Coconut Milk: Delivers a luxurious, silky texture and subtle tropical sweetness.
  • Yogurt: Adds tangy richness and helps tenderize the chicken while balancing spices.
  • Chicken Broth: Provides moisture and enhances the overall depth of flavor.
For Finishing and Garnish:
  • Ground Almonds: Thickens the sauce and adds a nutty, subtle crunch.
  • Tomato Paste: Contributes a hint of acidity and rich color to the sauce.
  • Honey: Balances the spices with a gentle sweetness.
  • Heavy Cream: Creates an ultra-smooth, indulgent final texture.
  • Raisins: Optional sweet burst that adds unexpected complexity.
  • Fresh Cilantro: Bright, fresh herb that cuts through the richness.
  • Sliced Almonds: Provides a delightful textural contrast and nutty finish.

Tools for Making Chicken Korma in the Slow Cooker

  • Slow Cooker: Essential for slow, even cooking of the chicken korma.
  • Cutting Board: Needed for chopping onions, mincing garlic, and cutting chicken.
  • Chef's Knife: Sharp knife for precise ingredient preparation.
  • Pan: For sautéing aromatics before adding to the slow cooker.
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula: To stir and mix ingredients in the pan and slow cooker.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.
  • Grater: To grate fresh ginger easily.
  • Optional Serving Plate: For presenting the finished dish with garnishes.

Step-by-Step Guide to Chicken Korma Made

  • Sizzle Aromatics

Grab a skillet and warm some oil. Dance the onions, garlic, and ginger around until they become soft and fragrant. Sprinkle in curry paste and spices, letting them whisper their flavors for a quick minute.

  • Awaken the Slow Cooker

Carefully transfer the golden aromatic mixture into your slow cooker. Nestle chicken pieces into the mix. Pour in coconut milk, yogurt, chicken broth, ground almonds, tomato paste, and a drizzle of honey. Give everything a gentle stir to create a harmonious blend.

  • Low and Slow Magic

Cover your slow cooker and let it work its culinary spell. On low heat, let the dish simmer for 5-6 hours, or on high heat for 3-4 hours. Watch as the chicken transforms into tender, flavor-packed morsels.

  • Final Touch of Luxury

During the last half hour, swirl in heavy cream and sprinkle in raisins if you’re feeling adventurous. This adds a luxurious richness that elevates the entire dish.

  • Serve with Flair

Shower the korma with fresh cilantro and a sprinkle of sliced almonds. Plate alongside fluffy basmati rice or warm, pillowy naan bread. Enjoy your aromatic journey!

Tips for Creamy & Spiced Chicken Korma

  • Flavor Boost Technique: Bloom your spices by toasting them briefly in a dry pan before adding to the slow cooker, which intensifies their aromatic qualities and deepens the overall flavor profile.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire korma mixture the night before, store in the refrigerator, and pop into the slow cooker in the morning for an effortless dinner solution.
  • Dietary Flexibility: Swap chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian version. Use coconut yogurt instead of dairy yogurt to make the dish completely plant-based and suitable for vegan diets.
  • Texture Tip: For a thicker sauce, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and stir into the korma during the last 30 minutes of cooking to achieve a more luxurious consistency.
  • Spice Level Control: Adjust the heat by choosing mild or hot curry paste. For those who love extra kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or fresh green chilies to customize the spiciness to your preference.

Serving Chicken Korma with Style

  • Exotic Dinner Party Centerpiece: Impress guests by presenting the chicken korma as a stunning main dish, surrounded by colorful rice and garnishes, creating a restaurant-quality experience at home.
  • Cozy Comfort Meal: Pair this creamy korma with soft, fluffy basmati rice and warm naan bread, perfect for a comforting family dinner that brings everyone together around the table.
  • Meal Prep Champion: Pack individual portions in containers with separated rice, making an excellent lunch option for work or school, with flavors that taste even better the next day after marinating overnight.
  • Festive Weekend Brunch: Transform the korma into a brunch centerpiece by serving alongside scrambled eggs, fresh cucumber salad, and a light yogurt raita for a delightful weekend gathering.

Storing Korma with All Its Flavor Intact

  • Meal Planning & Storage Advice
  • Batch Cooking Magic: Prepare a double batch of chicken korma and freeze half for future quick meals. Portion into airtight containers for convenient weeknight dinners that save time and reduce stress.
  • Refrigerator Freshness Strategy: Store leftover chicken korma in sealed containers for up to 4 days. Keep the sauce and chicken together to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
  • Smart Reheating Technique: Warm refrigerated korma gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to restore original creamy consistency. Stir occasionally to distribute heat evenly and prevent scorching.
  • Freezer-Friendly Approach: Freeze cooled chicken korma in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating, ensuring the sauce remains smooth and chicken stays tender.
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Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken Korma Recipe

Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken Korma Recipe


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4.8 from 25 reviews

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

Description

Slow cooker chicken korma brings creamy, aromatic spices together in an easy one-pot meal from Indian cuisine. Tender chicken simmers in a rich, mild sauce that comforts and satisfies you.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ lbs (700g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into chunks
  • 2 tbsps korma curry paste (or mild curry paste)
  • 1 can (14 oz/400 ml) coconut milk
  • ½ cup (120 ml) chicken broth
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1-inch piece ginger, grated
  • ¼ cup (60 g) plain yogurt
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 2 tbsps heavy cream
  • ¼ cup (30 g) ground almonds
  • ¼ cup (40 g) raisins
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp ground coriander
  • ½ tsp turmeric
  • ½ tsp garam masala
  • ½ tsp salt
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
  • Sliced almonds (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prep Work: Finely dice onion, mince garlic, grate ginger, and slice chicken into uniform bite-sized chunks, ensuring optimal flavor distribution and even cooking.
  2. Aromatic Base: Sauté onion, garlic, and ginger in a skillet with oil until translucent, then introduce curry paste and ground spices, stirring continuously to build a robust flavor foundation and prevent scorching.
  3. Slow Cooker Assembly: Transfer the aromatic mixture into the slow cooker, adding chicken, coconut milk, yogurt, chicken broth, ground almonds, tomato paste, and honey. Gently combine ingredients to create a harmonious blend of flavors.
  4. Cooking Process: Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours or high for 3-4 hours until chicken becomes incredibly tender and easily shreds, allowing spices to meld and develop a rich, complex taste.
  5. Final Touches: In the last 30 minutes, incorporate heavy cream and golden raisins, creating a luxurious sauce that coats the tender chicken with a velvety texture.
  6. Serving: Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and toasted almond slivers. Serve alongside fluffy basmati rice or warm naan bread to complete this sumptuous Indian-inspired dish.

Notes

  • Optimize Chicken Texture: Cut chicken into uniform, same-sized chunks to guarantee consistent cooking and prevent dry or undercooked sections.
  • Prevent Burning Spices: Continuously stir spices and curry paste during sautéing to release maximum flavor without scorching, which can create bitter undertones.
  • Customize Dietary Needs: Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream for dairy-free version or replace yogurt with plant-based alternatives to make recipe vegan-friendly.
  • Balance Sauce Consistency: If sauce appears too thick, gradually add small amounts of chicken broth during cooking to maintain ideal creamy texture without diluting rich flavors.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 hours
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: Indian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 12g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 24g
  • Saturated Fat: 14g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 100mg
William Hawkins

William Hawkins

Founder & Culinary Director

Expertise

  • Modern American and Southern Cuisine
  • Farm-to-Table Practices
  • Restaurant Concept Development
  • Culinary Education and Mentorship​

Education

Sullivan University, Louisville, KY

  • Degree: Associate of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Focused on mastering culinary methods and food science, immersive externships, hands‑on training in industry‑standard kitchen labs, and equipping graduates for roles in restaurant operations.

William Hawkins isn’t just a chef, he’s a storyteller through food. From his hometown of Louisville, KY, he’s spent years refining his craft, turning local ingredients into something extraordinary. 

With classical training from Sullivan University and a career marked by innovation, mentorship, and Southern soul, William approaches every recipe with purpose. His kitchen is where old techniques meet fresh ideas, and where comfort food gets a thoughtful, modern twist. 

When he’s not building dishes from the ground up, he’s out gathering inspiration from nature, markets, and the stories people share around the table.

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