This Slow Cooker Chicken Korma is a cozy, easy-to-make dish that combines tender chicken with a rich, aromatic blend of spices, coconut milk, and tomatoes. Perfect for busy days, this recipe lets the slow cooker do all the work, allowing the flavors to fully infuse the chicken. With simple ingredients like yogurt, garlic, ginger, and a vibrant korma spice mix, this dish is packed with flavor and is a great weeknight meal. Serve it with basmati rice, naan, or a sprinkle of fresh coriander for a complete and satisfying meal.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• For the Marinade:

  • 175g full-fat Greek yogurt

  • 1 tbsp garam masala

  • 1 tbsp ground cumin

  • 1 tbsp ground coriander

  • ¼ tsp mild or medium curry powder

  • 2 tsp turmeric, divided

  • 1 tsp chili powder

  • 1 tsp chili flakes

  • Zest of 1 lemon

• For the Base:

  • 1 kg boneless, skinless chicken thighs, halved

  • Salt and pepper to season

  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped

  • 1 shallot, finely chopped

  • 6 cloves garlic, minced

  • 2-inch piece of fresh ginger, minced

  • 1 tbsp olive oil

  • 4 tbsp tomato paste

  • 400 ml full-fat coconut milk

Directions

1. Marinate the Chicken: Mix the yogurt with spices and lemon zest in a bowl. Add the chicken, season with salt and pepper, and coat well. Marinate for at least 30 minutes or overnight in the fridge.

2. Brown the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet or slow cooker. Brown the chicken on all sides in batches, then set aside.

3. Sauté Aromatics: In the same pan or slow cooker, add more oil if needed. Sauté onions, shallots, garlic, and ginger until golden and fragrant.

4. Build the Sauce: Add the reserved marinade, tomato paste, turmeric, and coconut milk. Stir well and bring to a simmer.

5. Slow Cook: Return the browned chicken to the slow cooker and mix it with the sauce. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours, until the chicken is tender.

6. Serve: Garnish with fresh coriander and serve with basmati rice or naan.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 535 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 12g

• Protein: 39g

• Fat: 36g

  • Saturated Fat: 10g

  • Monounsaturated Fat: 15g

  • Polyunsaturated Fat: 8g

• Cholesterol: 210mg

• Sodium: 325mg

• Potassium: 790mg

• Fiber: 2g

• Sugar: 5g

• Vitamin A: 742 IU

• Vitamin C: 8mg

• Calcium: 88mg

• Iron: 4mg

The Essence of Korma

Korma is a traditional South Asian dish that is known for its creamy texture and complex flavor profile. It can be made with various meats, such as chicken, lamb, or beef, and is typically cooked in a yogurt-based sauce that is spiced with ingredients like garam masala, ginger, garlic, and turmeric. The use of coconut milk in this particular recipe gives the sauce a smooth and creamy texture, adding a touch of sweetness that balances the spices.

What makes korma particularly delightful is the marriage of savory and mildly sweet flavors, making it a great dish for those who appreciate a well-balanced curry without an overwhelming level of heat. The slow cooker version enhances these qualities, ensuring that the chicken is cooked to perfection while absorbing all of the flavor from the spices and sauce.

The Convenience of Slow Cooking

Slow cooking is a game-changer when it comes to preparing meals. The slow cooker offers a set-it-and-forget-it method of cooking that requires minimal hands-on time. For this recipe, marinating the chicken beforehand ensures that the flavors start developing even before it hits the slow cooker. After browning the chicken and sautéing the aromatics, everything is combined into the slow cooker and allowed to cook on low heat for several hours. The result is tender, juicy chicken that has absorbed the full depth of the flavors from the marinade and sauce.

One of the greatest benefits of using a slow cooker is the convenience it provides. You can set the dish up in the morning or the night before and let it cook while you go about your day. When you return, you’ll have a delicious, flavorful meal waiting for you with minimal additional effort. This makes it an excellent choice for busy individuals or families who want a home-cooked meal without the time commitment.

Flavorful Aromatics and Spices

At the heart of this Slow Cooker Chicken Korma are the vibrant spices and aromatic ingredients that infuse the dish with its distinctive flavor. The blend of garam masala, ground cumin, ground coriander, and turmeric creates a base that is both earthy and aromatic. These spices are complemented by the slight heat from chili powder and chili flakes, which can be adjusted depending on your preferred level of spice.

The ginger and garlic provide depth and warmth to the dish, adding layers of flavor that enhance the overall profile. The sautéed onions and shallots bring a natural sweetness to the dish, balancing the richness of the coconut milk and the tanginess of the yogurt marinade. These ingredients are crucial to creating the signature flavor of Chicken Korma, and when combined, they create a dish that is both comforting and satisfying.

The Role of Coconut Milk and Tomato Paste

Coconut milk and tomato paste are the backbone of the sauce in this recipe. Coconut milk not only contributes to the creamy texture of the dish but also adds a subtle sweetness that complements the spices. The richness of the coconut milk pairs wonderfully with the spices, creating a luscious, velvety sauce that coats the chicken.

Tomato paste, on the other hand, deepens the flavor and adds a slight acidity to the dish, which helps to balance the richness of the coconut milk. The combination of coconut milk and tomato paste results in a well-rounded, flavorful sauce that perfectly complements the tender chicken.

Marinating the Chicken for Flavor Infusion

A key step in this recipe is marinating the chicken. Marinating allows the flavors from the yogurt and spices to penetrate the chicken, ensuring that every bite is infused with the aromatic, tangy, and spicy flavors. The yogurt acts as a tenderizer, helping to break down the proteins in the chicken and making it even more tender once cooked.

The marination process also provides an opportunity to develop the depth of flavor in the chicken. The lemon zest adds a burst of freshness, while the turmeric contributes a warm, earthy undertone that complements the other spices. Allowing the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for maximum flavor) is essential for achieving the full potential of the dish.

Serving Suggestions

To complete your meal, serve the Slow Cooker Chicken Korma with fluffy basmati rice or soft naan bread. The rice helps soak up the rich sauce, while the naan provides a perfect vehicle for sopping up any leftover sauce. You can also garnish the dish with fresh coriander for an added burst of freshness and color.

If you’re looking to make the meal even more indulgent, you can pair it with a side of raita—a yogurt-based sauce that provides a cooling contrast to the spices in the korma. A simple salad of cucumber and tomato can also work well to add a refreshing crunch to the meal.

Health Benefits of the Ingredients

While Chicken Korma is often considered a comfort food, it also offers a number of health benefits. Chicken, being a lean source of protein, provides essential amino acids that are important for muscle repair and overall body function. The coconut milk adds healthy fats, particularly medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which are known for their potential to support metabolism and energy levels.

The spices used in the dish also offer various health benefits. Turmeric, for instance, contains curcumin, a compound that has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Ginger and garlic have long been used for their digestive and immune-boosting properties, while cumin and coriander are known for their ability to aid in digestion and promote overall well-being.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Chicken Korma is a dish that combines convenience, flavor, and health benefits in one satisfying meal. The slow cooker ensures that the chicken turns out tender and juicy, while the aromatic spices and creamy sauce make each bite a flavorful experience. Whether you’re preparing it for a busy weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this dish is sure to impress.

With its balance of savory, sweet, and slightly spicy flavors, Chicken Korma is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can come together to create a meal that is both comforting and exciting. The ability to adjust the spice levels according to your preference makes it a versatile dish that can cater to a variety of tastes. So, if you’re looking for a hassle-free yet delicious meal, this Slow Cooker Chicken Korma is a must-try recipe that will quickly become a staple in your meal rotation.