Slow Cooker Chicken Korma

Looking for an absolutely dreamy chicken curry that’s both rich in flavor and delightfully simple to make? This Slow Cooker Chicken Korma is the answer! Each bite is infused with tender chicken, sweet coconut, and warm Indian spices—all simmered together for hours to create a beautifully creamy, fragrant curry.

What makes this korma a must-try? It’s hands-off, fuss-free, and delivers restaurant-worthy results right at home. The sauce is ultra-silky, thanks to coconut milk and ground almonds, while the gentle slow cooking means melt-in-your-mouth chicken every single time.

This dish is perfect for cozy weeknight family dinners, meal prepping, or impressing guests at your next get-together. Inspired by my favorite takeout korma, this simplified version brings all that aromatic magic to your kitchen—with minimal effort!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Prep: Just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it do the work!
• Creamy, Rich Flavor: The coconut milk and ground almonds create an irresistibly silky sauce.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Tastes even better the next day and freezes beautifully.
• Family-Friendly: Mild heat with lots of flavor—ideal for all ages and perfect over rice.

Key Ingredients for Slow Cooker Chicken Korma

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs

Chicken thighs are the star of this recipe, providing ultimate tenderness and flavor after hours of slow cooking. Opt for boneless, skinless thighs—just cut them into bite-sized chunks for even cooking. You can substitute with chicken breasts, but thighs retain more moisture and stay juicy.

Coconut Milk

Coconut milk lends the korma its signature creamy texture and subtle sweetness. Use full-fat coconut milk for best results, but lite coconut milk is a lighter option (though the sauce will be a bit thinner). Can't find coconut milk? Heavy cream or cashew cream are good backups, but will affect taste.

Ground Almonds (Almond Meal)

Ground almonds thicken the sauce and give a lovely nutty undertone. Almond meal or finely ground blanched almonds work great. For a nut-free version, try sunflower seed flour or omit entirely—the sauce will be less thick but still flavorful.

Garam Masala

This signature blend of warming Indian spices adds depth, fragrance, and gentle heat. Use a good-quality store-bought garam masala, or make your own if you’re feeling adventurous! In a pinch, curry powder can be an OK substitute, but the flavor profile will shift.

Greek Yogurt

Stirring in yogurt at the end brings gentle tang and extra creaminess—just be sure to use full-fat Greek yogurt for extra richness. If needed, use dairy-free yogurt to make the dish completely lactose-free.

Instructions for Slow Cooker Chicken Korma

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Sauté Aromatics

For maximum flavor, start by heating the oil or ghee in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion, garlic, and ginger. Sauté for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onion is translucent and fragrant. This step is optional but really boosts the flavor!

Layer Ingredients in the Slow Cooker

Transfer the sautéed aromatics to your slow cooker. Top with the chicken thigh pieces, ground almonds, coconut milk, tomato paste, garam masala, coriander, turmeric, cinnamon, salt, pepper, brown sugar, and golden raisins (if using).

Mix and Set

Stir everything together in the slow cooker until well combined and the chicken is well coated in the flavorful sauce. Cover with the lid.

Cook Low and Slow

Cook on LOW for 4-5 hours or until the chicken is incredibly tender and the flavors have melded. You can also cook on HIGH for 2-2.5 hours if you’re short on time, but low and slow yields the juiciest results.

Finish With Yogurt

Once cooking is complete, turn off the slow cooker. Let the curry cool for 5 minutes, then stir in the Greek yogurt (this keeps it from curdling). Taste and adjust salt as needed.

Serve and Garnish

Spoon the chicken korma over fluffy basmati rice and sprinkle generously with chopped cilantro. Serve hot and enjoy every creamy, aromatic bite!

Recipe Variations

Make It Vegetarian

Substitute the chicken with cauliflower florets, chickpeas, or cubed paneer cheese for a hearty vegetarian korma. Just reduce the cook time to 3 hours on LOW to avoid mushy veggies.

Nut-Free Korma

Omit the ground almonds or replace them with equal amounts of sunflower seed meal or simply leave them out. The sauce will be slightly less thick but still deliciously creamy!

Add Veggies

For extra nutrition, toss in a handful of baby spinach, frozen peas, or diced carrots during the last hour of cooking. This adds color, texture, and a boost of vitamins.

Turn Up the Heat

Love spicy curries? Add a diced jalapeño or 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper when mixing ingredients. Adjust the warmth to your taste!

Dairy-Free Version

Use a non-dairy yogurt (like coconut or almond-based) for stirring in at the end, and double-check that your coconut milk is unsweetened and dairy-free for a 100 percent dairy-free meal.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Korma with fluffy steamed basmati rice or warm naan bread to soak up all that luscious sauce. For a complete meal, add a side of cucumber raita, a crisp green salad, or sautéed green beans. Garnish with plenty of fresh cilantro and scatter a few toasted almonds or extra golden raisins on top for a little crunch and sweetness!

Storage and Reheating

Leftover chicken korma keeps beautifully! Store any cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply microwave until piping hot or warm gently in a covered saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water or coconut milk if needed. This curry also freezes well for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as above.

Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker Chicken Korma (FAQ)

Q: Can I make Slow Cooker Chicken Korma with chicken breasts instead of thighs?
A: Yes! You can swap in boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Just note that breasts can be a bit drier, so check for doneness a bit earlier and avoid overcooking.

Q: Is this recipe spicy?
A: Slow Cooker Chicken Korma is typically mild and family-friendly. If you love some heat, feel free to add chili peppers or cayenne to bump up the spice level!

Q: Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can assemble all ingredients in the slow cooker insert and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, pop it in and start cooking—so easy!

Ready to enjoy an ultra-creamy, flavor-packed Indian favorite without any fuss? This Slow Cooker Chicken Korma is sure to become a new staple in your kitchen. Don’t forget to leave a comment and star rating if you give it a try—I love hearing how it turns out in your home!