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If you’re craving a dish that’s delicious and easy to make, you’re in for a treat! My Slow Cooker Chicken Korma is savory, rich, and bursting with flavor. Using simple ingredients like chicken thighs, coconut milk, and a blend of spices, I’ll guide you step-by-step through making this beloved Indian dish. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, you’ll find joy in preparing this comforting meal at home. Let’s dive in!

Why I Love This Recipe
- Rich Flavor: This chicken korma is packed with a blend of aromatic spices that create a rich and flavorful sauce, making every bite a delightful experience.
- Easy Preparation: With just a few steps and a slow cooker, this recipe allows you to set it and forget it, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Versatile Serving: Serve it over basmati rice or with naan, and it’s great for family dinners or entertaining guests.
- Healthy Ingredients: Made with lean chicken, coconut milk, and yogurt, this dish is a wholesome option that doesn’t compromise on taste.
Ingredients
Main ingredients for Slow Cooker Chicken Korma
For a tasty chicken korma, you need key items. Start with:
– 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into chunks
– 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk
– 1 cup plain yogurt
Chicken thighs bring great flavor and tenderness. Coconut milk and yogurt add creaminess, making the dish rich.
Spices and seasonings
Spices are essential for korma’s unique taste. Use:
– 1 tablespoon ground cumin
– 1 tablespoon ground coriander
– 1 tablespoon garam masala
– 1 teaspoon turmeric
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust for spice level)
These spices create a warm, aromatic blend. They make every bite a delight.
Additional ingredients
Don’t forget the basics. You will also need:
– 1 large onion, finely chopped
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– Salt to taste
Onions, garlic, and ginger add depth. Vegetable oil helps sauté these flavors, while salt enhances everything.

Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the onion mixture
Start by heating vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Next, add the finely chopped onion. Sauté the onion until it turns golden brown, which takes about 5 to 7 minutes. The smell will be wonderful! After that, add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Stir this mixture for 1 to 2 minutes until it becomes fragrant.
Once done, transfer the onion mixture directly to the slow cooker. This step builds a strong flavor base for your korma.
Combining ingredients
Now, it’s time to add the chicken. Place 2 pounds of cut chicken thighs into the slow cooker. Alongside, pour in the coconut milk and plain yogurt. These ingredients add creaminess and depth.
Next, mix in all the spices: ground cumin, ground coriander, garam masala, turmeric, paprika, and red chili powder. Don’t forget to add salt to taste. Stir everything well to ensure the chicken gets evenly coated with the sauce.
Cooking tips for optimal results
You can set the slow cooker to low heat for 6 to 7 hours. If you’re short on time, high heat works too, cooking it in 3 to 4 hours. Just check that the chicken is tender and cooked through.
When it’s done, give the korma a gentle stir. This helps break up any large chicken pieces and mixes the sauce nicely. Adjust the seasoning if needed. Enjoy your savory chicken korma!
Tips & Tricks
Enhancing flavor
To make your chicken korma even tastier, consider marinating the chicken. A simple marinade can add depth. Mix yogurt, garlic, ginger, and a pinch of salt. Let the chicken soak for at least one hour, or overnight if you can. This step makes the chicken tender and flavorful.
Achieving the right consistency
Sometimes, the sauce might be too thick or thin. If it’s too thin, try adding a bit more yogurt or let it cook longer. For a thicker sauce, you can blend some of the sauce and mix it back in. Keep stirring gently to ensure a smooth texture.
Serving suggestions
Chicken korma pairs well with basmati rice, but you can also serve it with naan or roti. Adding a side of cucumber salad can balance the spices. For extra flavor, sprinkle fresh cilantro on top before serving. A slice of lime adds a nice touch, too.
Pro Tips
- Marinate for Extra Flavor: For a deeper taste, marinate the chicken in yogurt and spices for a few hours or overnight before cooking.
- Add Vegetables: Include vegetables like spinach or bell peppers in the last hour of cooking for added nutrition and flavor.
- Garnish Creatively: Enhance the presentation with toasted coconut flakes or slivered almonds on top of the korma before serving.
- Adjust Spice Levels: Modify the amount of red chili powder to suit your spice preference; start with less and add more if needed.

Variations
Vegetarian alternative
You can easily swap chicken for vegetables or tofu. Use sturdy veggies like cauliflower, carrots, or bell peppers. Tofu is another great choice. It absorbs flavors well and adds protein. For tofu, use firm or extra-firm varieties. Cut them into cubes and add them just like you would the chicken. Cook the korma on low for about 4-5 hours until the veggies become tender and flavorful.
Altering spice levels
The spice level of your chicken korma is all in the chili powder. If you like it mild, cut the red chili powder in half or leave it out. If you crave more heat, add extra chili powder or some chopped fresh chilies. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick. Always taste as you go to find your perfect balance.
Regional twists
You can explore regional twists to make your korma unique. Try adding nuts like cashews or almonds for a nutty flavor. You can also mix in dried fruits like raisins or apricots for sweetness. Another option is to add fresh herbs like mint or curry leaves for a pop of freshness. Each of these additions creates a different gourmet experience, so feel free to get creative!
Storage Info
Keeping chicken korma fresh
To keep your chicken korma fresh, store it in an airtight container. This helps prevent air from getting in. Let the korma cool before sealing it. It’s best to refrigerate leftovers right away. Chicken korma stays good in the fridge for about three to four days.
Reheating tips
When you want to enjoy your chicken korma again, you can use the microwave or the stovetop. For the microwave, place your korma in a bowl. Heat it in short bursts of 30 seconds. Stir in between to ensure even warming. The stovetop method is simple too. Pour the korma into a pan and heat it over low heat. Stir often until it is hot.
Freezing suggestions
If you want to save korma for later, freezing is a great option. First, let it cool completely. Then, divide it into portions and use freezer bags. Squeeze out excess air before sealing. Label the bags with the date. To thaw, place the frozen korma in the fridge overnight. You can then reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave. This way, you can enjoy a tasty meal anytime!
FAQs
What is chicken korma?
Chicken korma is a rich, creamy dish from South Asia. It has roots in Mughlai cuisine, known for its use of spices and yogurt. The dish usually features chicken cooked slowly in a blend of spices, coconut milk, and yogurt. This process makes the chicken tender and flavorful, creating a comforting meal.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare chicken korma in advance. The flavors deepen if you let it sit. Cook the dish and cool it before storing it in the fridge. You can keep it for up to three days. Just reheat it gently before serving. This makes meal prep easy and saves time on busy nights.
How to make chicken korma spicier or milder?
To adjust the spice level, you can change the amount of red chili powder. Use less for a milder dish or more for extra heat. You can also add fresh green chilies for a kick. Another tip is to include more coconut milk or yogurt to tone down spiciness. Taste as you go, and find the perfect balance for your family.
This blog post explored making Slow Cooker Chicken Korma. We covered key ingredients, like chicken thighs and spices. We detailed step-by-step instructions, giving tips for perfect results. Enhancing flavor and suggesting sides were also discussed. You can even try variations, like using tofu for a vegetarian dish.
In conclusion, this recipe is simple and flexible. You can adjust it to fit your taste. Enjoy delicious korma toda
Slow Cooker Chicken Korma
A rich and creamy chicken korma made in a slow cooker, infused with aromatic spices.
Prep Time 20 minutes mins
Cook Time 6 hours hrs
Total Time 7 hours hrs
Course Main Course
Cuisine Indian
Servings 6
Calories 400 kcal
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into chunks
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 can coconut milk (13.5 oz)
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon ground coriander
- 1 tablespoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust for spice level)
- to taste salt
- for garnish fresh cilantro
- for serving cooked basmati rice
In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they are golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.
Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the skillet. Stir for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Transfer the onion mixture to the slow cooker. Add the chicken chunks, coconut milk, plain yogurt, and all the spices (cumin, coriander, garam masala, turmeric, paprika, and chili powder).
Season with salt to taste and stir everything to combine well. Ensure the chicken is evenly coated with the sauce.
Cover the slow cooker and set it on low heat for 6-7 hours or high heat for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
Once cooked, give the korma a gentle stir to break up any large pieces of chicken and mix the sauce. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
Serve the chicken korma hot over cooked basmati rice, garnished with fresh cilantro.
Serve the korma in a large, shallow bowl with a sprinkle of cilantro on top. You can add a slice of lime or lemon on the side for a fresh touch.
Keyword chicken, curry, korma, slow cooker
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