This Slow Cooker Chicken Korma combines tender chicken marinated in yogurt with rich spices like garam masala and cumin, all slow-cooked in creamy coconut milk. The slow cooking method ensures deep, infused flavors while keeping the chicken juicy and tender. It’s a flavorful dish that’s both easy and indulgent, perfect for cozy dinners. Serve it alongside fragrant basmati rice and homemade naan bread for a truly satisfying meal. The versatility of this dish means you can easily tweak the spice levels or substitute ingredients to suit your preferences, making it a go-to for family meals or entertaining guests.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 kg chicken thighs, halved (or chicken breasts)
- 175g full-fat Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp garam masala
- 1 tbsp cumin
- ¼ tsp curry powder (mild or medium)
- 1 tbsp coriander
- 2 tsp turmeric (divided)
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp chili flakes
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 1 shallot, finely chopped
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 2-inch piece ginger, minced
- 400ml full-fat coconut milk
- 4 tbsp tomato paste
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions:
- Marinate the chicken: In a large bowl, combine the yogurt, 1 tsp turmeric, garam masala, curry powder, cumin, coriander, chili powder, and chili flakes. Mix well. Add the chicken and coat thoroughly. Marinate for at least 30 minutes or overnight in the refrigerator for deeper flavor.
- Sauté the aromatics: If your slow cooker has a sauté function, use it to sauté the onion, shallot, garlic, and ginger until golden. Otherwise, do this in a pan and transfer to the slow cooker.
- Brown the chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade and brown on all sides in the slow cooker or a separate pan.
- Combine ingredients: Add the browned chicken, reserved marinade, lemon zest, tomato paste, and coconut milk to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
- Cook: Set the slow cooker to low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours. Remove the lid for the last 30 minutes if you want a thicker sauce.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with basmati rice or naan.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 6 hours | Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
Kcal: 535 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Why This Recipe Stands Out
- Rich and Complex Flavors with Minimal Effort: One of the greatest benefits of this recipe is the depth of flavor you achieve without the need for labor-intensive cooking techniques. The slow cooker does the hard work for you, allowing the spices to infuse deeply into the chicken and sauce over time. The combination of cumin, coriander, garam masala, and turmeric creates an aromatic and flavorful base that’s further enriched by the creamy coconut milk.
- Health Benefits: Korma, unlike some other curries, doesn’t rely heavily on butter or cream, making it a healthier option while still delivering a creamy texture, thanks to the use of coconut milk. Coconut milk is a great dairy-free alternative, rich in medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which are fats that may promote weight loss and provide quick energy. Additionally, chicken thighs provide a great source of protein and iron, while spices like turmeric and cumin offer anti-inflammatory properties.
- Customizable for Dietary Preferences: This recipe is incredibly flexible and can be easily adapted for different dietary needs. You can substitute the chicken with tofu or paneer for a vegetarian version, and the yogurt can be replaced with a dairy-free alternative for those who are lactose intolerant or prefer a plant-based diet. The recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it a fantastic option for people with gluten sensitivities.
- Perfect for Busy Lifestyles: The slow cooker is an invaluable tool for busy individuals or families. After a bit of initial preparation, you can set the slow cooker and go about your day while it works its magic. Whether you’re working from home or spending time with family, knowing that a delicious meal is being cooked without the need for frequent supervision is a great relief.
- Great for Meal Prep: Slow Cooker Chicken Korma is also perfect for meal prepping. The flavors only get better with time, so making a larger batch and storing it in the fridge or freezer means you can have a delicious meal ready to go for the next few days. It freezes particularly well and can be reheated without losing any of its rich, deep flavors.
- Family-Friendly: One of the standout features of this recipe is its appeal to a wide range of palates. Since korma is typically mild, it’s a fantastic option for families with children or individuals who don’t prefer spicy food. You can always increase the heat by adding more chili powder or fresh chilies for those who enjoy a spicier meal, but the base recipe remains gentle enough for most people to enjoy.
Background of Korma
Korma has a rich history that dates back to the Mughal Empire in India. It was often served at royal feasts and was a dish fit for emperors, thanks to its luxurious ingredients and intricate preparation. Traditionally, korma involves slow-cooking meat, typically lamb or chicken, with yogurt or cream and a delicate mix of spices. The cooking process was designed to bring out the subtlety of the spices without overwhelming the palate, making it one of the more refined Indian dishes.
Over time, korma has evolved and spread throughout the world, with variations emerging in different regions. In South India, for example, you’ll often find coconut milk being used instead of cream, which is reflected in this recipe. The use of coconut milk adds a touch of sweetness and balances the spices, creating a more tropical version of the traditional North Indian korma.
Expert Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Chicken Korma
To ensure your Chicken Korma turns out perfectly every time, here are a few expert tips:
- Marinating the Chicken: The longer you marinate the chicken, the better. Allowing the chicken to sit in the yogurt and spice mixture for at least a few hours (or even overnight) helps tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavor. The yogurt also works as a tenderizer, breaking down the proteins in the chicken and ensuring it stays juicy during the cooking process.
- Browning the Chicken: While it may be tempting to skip this step, browning the chicken before adding it to the slow cooker adds a rich depth of flavor. The caramelization that occurs during the browning process intensifies the overall taste of the dish, giving the final result a more robust profile.
- Sautéing the Aromatics: Similar to browning the chicken, sautéing the onions, garlic, and ginger before adding them to the slow cooker enhances their natural sweetness and mellows out their sharpness. This step is crucial in building the foundation of the sauce.
- Adjusting the Spice Level: This recipe is designed to be mild, but if you prefer a bit more heat, don’t hesitate to add extra chili powder or fresh chilies. You can also experiment with different spice combinations to suit your taste.
- Slow Cooking for Optimal Tenderness: Cooking the chicken on low heat for several hours ensures that it becomes incredibly tender, absorbing all the flavors from the sauce. While cooking on high heat is faster, the longer cook time on low heat is what makes the chicken truly fall-apart tender.
Why Coconut Milk Works So Well in This Recipe
Coconut milk is a staple in many South Asian dishes and is particularly well-suited for korma. Its natural sweetness balances the heat from the spices and adds a creamy texture without the heaviness of dairy cream. Coconut milk also has a subtle nutty flavor that complements the aromatic spices in the korma, creating a rich and harmonious sauce.
In addition to its flavor-enhancing properties, coconut milk is also a great option for those who are lactose intolerant or prefer dairy-free alternatives. It’s also rich in healthy fats, which are important for maintaining good heart health and keeping you satiated.
Perfect Pairings for Chicken Korma
Slow Cooker Chicken Korma is a versatile dish that pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Basmati rice is the classic accompaniment, as its light and fluffy texture perfectly absorbs the rich korma sauce. Naan bread, whether homemade or store-bought, is another excellent option. Its soft, chewy texture is ideal for scooping up the thick sauce, making every bite a flavorful experience.
For a lighter option, consider serving the korma with a side of roasted or steamed vegetables. The freshness of the vegetables complements the richness of the korma, creating a well-balanced meal.
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Chicken Korma is the perfect marriage of tradition and convenience. It allows you to enjoy the complex flavors of a classic Indian curry with minimal effort, thanks to the magic of slow cooking. Whether you’re looking for a meal to impress guests or simply want a comforting dinner for your family, this recipe is sure to satisfy.
