Fancy a curry but want something not too heavy on the spice? Slow Cooker Chicken Korma ticks all the boxes. It’s full of fruity flavour with a creamy sauce, and just a pinch of heat to tantalise the taste buds!
Chicken Korma is often seen as a ‘starter curry’ here in England because it’s usually the one to try whilst you are getting used to a bit of spice!
However, Korma is a beautiful silky and fragrant dish in it’s own right and it’s not to be overlooked.
Korma originates from the Mughal Empire on the Indian subcontinent. As with many Indian dishes, the way it’s cooked is reflected in the name.
The word Korma translates to ‘braise’ in English. Flash cook the meat at a high heat to lock in the juices, before cooking for a longer period in a sauce over a low heat.
Steps to make Slow Cooker Chicken Korma
Although this recipe requires a little pre-prep by means of marinading the chicken, the steps are actually really simple:
- Mix the spices and yoghurt together, throw in the chicken and leave to marinade.
- Flash cook the meat to seal in the juices and flavour.
- Combine in the slow cooker with the remaining ingredients and pour over the coconut milk to create the amazing sauce!
Pretty simple, and you end up with a really appetising curry!
What are the base flavours in a Chicken Korma?
To get that authentic fruity thick and creamy sauce you need to include the following ingredients:
- Coconut milk creates the base of the sauce.
- Dessicated coconut adds a wholesome texture to the sauce.
- Ground almonds to thicken the sauce. Flaked almonds can be added to serve.
- Sultanas plump up nicely whilst cooking in the sauce, add a little sweetness and can be used as a garnish when ready to serve.
- Mango chutney also adds a subtle sweetness!
What cut of meat is best for Slow Cooker Chicken Korma?
This all depends on the mode of cooking!
Whilst you often see Chicken Kormas (or curries of any kind) prepared with breast meat, in the slow cooker you’ll get a better result with chicken thighs.
The skinned and boneless packs of thighs available from your local supermarket are great for cost and ease. Remove any sinew from the meat and roughly chop into large chunks.
If you do wish to use chicken breast, I’d recommend keeping the pieces of meat pretty large. Also, reduce the cooking time to avoid drying the chicken out.
More Delicious Indian Slow Cooker Recipes
If you’re here you obviously love Indian food! Why not try one of these tasty alternatives?
Can I save leftovers?
Slow Cooker Chicken Korma will keep well in the fridge in an air tight container for up to three days.
Alternatively, freeze on the same day for up to three months. Always reheat thoroughly by ensuring it’s piping hot all the way through before serving.
Slow Cooker Chicken Korma
Equipment
Ingredients
- 600 g (1.5 lb) chicken thighs roughly chopped
- 150 ml (0.75 cups) natural yoghurt
- 2 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp mild chilli powder
- 1 tsp mixed spice
- 1½ tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp salt
- 400 g (14 oz) coconut milk full fat
- 1 large white onion chopped
- 3 garlic cloves crushed
- 2 tbsp tomato puree
- 3 tbsp ground almonds
- 2 tbsp desiccated coconut
- 3 tbsp sultanas
- 1 chicken stock pot or stock cube
- 175 ml (0.75 cups) hot water
- 2 tbsp corn flour
- 1 tbsp mango chutney heaped spoon
- 2 tbsp oil
- 1 tbsp chopped almonds to serve
Instructions
- In a bowl mix together the yoghurt, cumin, chilli, turmeric, ginger, mixed spice and salt, then stir in the chicken thighs. Cover and place in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
- Heat a little oil in a pan over a medium heat, and add the marinated chicken, chopped onion and garlic. Ensure the meat is sealed (approximately 2 minutes), then transfer everything to the slow cooker.
- Sprinkle the cornflour, ground almonds and desiccated coconut over the mixture in the slow cooker. Add the tomato puree, mango chutney and 2 tablespoons of sultanas.
- Dissolve the chicken stock in the hot water and add to the slow cooker, along with the coconut milk. Stir well, ensuring the sauce is completely combined, then cook on high for 3 hours or 6 hours on low.
- Serve the curry sprinkled with the remaining sultanas and chopped almonds.
Notes
- Spices – The quality of your curry will be determined by the spices. Fresh spices will taste much more fragrant than spices that have been sat in your cupboard for years!
- Chicken – Don’t chop up the chicken thighs too small – they’ll shrink as they’re cooked. Cutting a thigh into 2-3 pieces is usually about right.
Emily
Monday 8th of August 2022
Gorgeous curry!! Do you know if it’ll work the same if I use a low fat yogurt and a lower fat coconut milk? E x
Bec
Friday 12th of August 2022
Hi, great to hear that you liked this! Using lower fat coconut milk will make the sauce a bit thinner but you could add a little more cornflour to help with thickening if required. Full fat yogurt gives the sauce a fuller, creamier flavour but the low fat yogurt will still work fine. Thanks for the review!
David
Sunday 3rd of July 2022
Great recipe first time making this I add a courgette along with the sultanas it tasted amazing
Bec
Friday 12th of August 2022
Thank you for the review and glad that you enjoyed it!
Kelly
Sunday 5th of June 2022
This korma was a massive hit with my boys! (And me!) Was delicious! I just love a slow cooker recipe that is tasty and easy! 👍🏻
Bec
Friday 10th of June 2022
So glad to hear that you all enjoyed this! Thank you for the review.
Kayleigh
Saturday 2nd of April 2022
Hi there I fancied making this tomorrow. Love your lamb rogan josh! For this recipe it calls for mixed spice. Can you clarify what this means please?
Graham
Tuesday 8th of March 2022
Hi, I've made this Korma a few times and it's absolutely delicious, thank you. I have a few friends popping over for dinner that are vegetarian. Can I substitute the chicken for vegetables...if so, can you guide me on quantity and types of vegetables to use and if I need to marinate them. Your advice will be greatly appreciated. Cheers, Graham.
Bec
Friday 11th of March 2022
Hi, thanks for the review and pleased to hear that you enjoy this! In terms of additional vegetables I would go for potato or sweet potato (1-2 diced into small pieces), cauliflower and you could also add some chickpeas and peas for a source of protein. You could also add some spinach leaves 10 minutes before you serve. No need to marinate! Be aware, the extra vegetables are going to release more liquid so you can compensate with an extra tablespoon of cornflour when you make the curry. Check the potatoes are cooked through before you serve as they will take longer. Hope you all enjoy!