Creamy Chicken Korma Recipe: A Simple Slow Cooker Win

Aromatic spices dance through this mouthwatering slow cooker chicken korma, creating a culinary masterpiece that transports you straight to the vibrant streets of India.

Tender chicken pieces nestle in a rich, creamy sauce that’s both comforting and exotic.

the slow cooker works its magic, infusing every bite with deep, complex flavors that melt in your mouth.

Fragrant cardamom, warming cinnamon, and gentle ginger blend seamlessly in this foolproof recipe.

Each spoonful promises a delightful journey through traditional Indian cuisine without hours of complex preparation.

This korma transforms ordinary weeknight dinners into a celebration of taste and simplicity.

Prepare to savor an incredible meal that will become a permanent favorite in your recipe collection.

Korma Ingredient List for the Slow Cooker

• Chicken Thighs: Tender cut of meat that absorbs marinade and becomes incredibly flavorful during slow cooking.

• Yogurt: Creamy base that tenderizes chicken and adds rich, tangy flavor.
• Spices: Blend of aromatic seasonings that infuse the chicken with deep, complex taste.

• Onions, Garlic, Ginger, Shallots: Foundational ingredients that create a robust and fragrant base for the sauce.

• Lemon Zest: Bright citrus element that adds a fresh, zesty undertone to the dish.
• Tomato Paste: Concentrated tomato flavor that deepens the sauce's complexity.
• Coconut Milk: Creamy liquid that provides a smooth, rich texture to the korma.

• Turmeric: Warm, earthy spice that adds golden color and subtle depth to the sauce.

Steps for Rich, Creamy Chicken Korma

Step 1: Create Flavor-Packed Marinade

Whisk together yogurt and a vibrant blend of spices in a large mixing bowl.

The spices will dance together, creating an aromatic symphony that promises an incredible meal.

Make sure to blend thoroughly so every spice gets its moment to shine.

• Plain yogurt
• Garam masala
• Ground cumin
• Ground coriander
• Turmeric
• Salt
• Black pepper

Step 2: Embrace Chicken Preparation

Completely coat chicken thighs in the marinade, ensuring each piece is generously covered.

For maximum flavor intensity, let the chicken rest in the marinade overnight in the refrigerator.

If time is limited, a minimum 30-minute marination will still deliver delicious results.

Step 3: Develop Golden Exterior

Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.

Sear chicken pieces until they develop a beautiful golden-brown crust.

This crucial step locks in juices and creates depth of flavor that transforms the entire dish.

Step 4: Awaken Aromatic Base

In the same skillet, sauté a medley of aromatics until they become translucent and fragrant.

• Onions
• Garlic
• Fresh ginger
• Shallots

Step 5: Merge Ingredients in Slow Cooker

Transfer sautéed aromatics to the slow cooker.

Stir in remaining ingredients, creating a luxurious sauce that will envelope the chicken.

• Remaining marinade
• Lemon zest
• Tomato paste
• Additional turmeric
• Coconut milk

Step 6: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover and cook on low setting for 6 hours or high setting for 3 hours.

Allow the slow cooker to transform ingredients into a creamy, tender masterpiece without lifting the lid.

Step 7: Final Touch

Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve over fluffy basmati rice.

Enjoy the rich, complex flavors of your homemade chicken korma.

Tips for Flavorful Indian-Style Korma at Home

• Let chicken soak in yogurt mix overnight for deeper, more complex flavors that will elevate your korma from good to extraordinary.
• Always brown chicken before slow cooking to lock in juices and create caramelized edges that add incredible depth to the dish.
• Adjust spice quantities based on personal heat tolerance by reducing or increasing chili powder and ginger for a personalized korma experience.
• Opt for bone-in chicken thighs for richer taste and more tender meat that falls apart beautifully after slow cooking.
• Stir in extra coconut milk or cream during the last hour of cooking to achieve a silkier, more luxurious sauce texture.

Store and Reheat Chicken Korma Without Losing Quality

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before storing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer cooled chicken korma to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, label with date, and freeze for up to 3 months. Flat storage saves space and helps even freezing.
• Place portions in microwave-safe dish, cover with damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.
• Pour chicken korma into a saucepan, add splash of water or coconut milk to prevent drying. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Gentle reheating maintains sauce consistency and prevents scorching.

What to Serve With Chicken Korma for a Full Meal

• Pair with Saffron-Infused Basmati Rice: Create a fragrant base that complements the creamy korma's rich flavors, absorbing the delicious sauce perfectly.
• Match with Crisp Indian Pale Ale: Select a hoppy beer with citrus notes that cuts through the dish's richness and enhances the spice complexity.
• Serve alongside Cucumber Mint Raita: Provide a cool, refreshing counterpoint that balances the korma's warmth and adds a tangy brightness to each bite.
• Complement with Garlic Naan Bread: Offer a soft, slightly charred flatbread ideal for soaking up the luxurious sauce and providing textural contrast.

Fun Add-Ins or Protein Swaps for Korma

• Lean Protein Korma: Swap chicken thighs with skinless chicken breast for a lower-fat version that maintains the recipe's rich flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Korma Delight: Replace chicken with firm tofu, paneer, or mixed vegetables like cauliflower, carrots, and green peas for a plant-based alternative.
• Gluten-Free Comfort: Ensure all spices and ingredients are certified gluten-free, and substitute regular yogurt with coconut or almond milk yogurt for sensitive diets.
• Keto-Friendly Adaptation: Use full-fat coconut milk, increase nuts like almonds for healthy fats, and serve over cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice to keep carbohydrates low.

FAQs

• What makes chicken korma different from other curry dishes?

Chicken korma is known for its mild, creamy sauce made with yogurt and nuts, offering a gentler flavor profile compared to spicier Indian curries. It focuses on rich, smooth textures and subtle spice blends.

• Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken thighs?

Yes, but chicken thighs are recommended because they’re more tender and flavorful. Chicken breasts can dry out more easily in slow cookers, so if using them, reduce cooking time and watch carefully to prevent overcooking.

• Is this dish spicy?

Traditional chicken korma is mild and creamy, not hot. The spices like turmeric and garam masala provide warmth and depth without intense heat. If you want more kick, you can add extra chili powder or fresh green chilies.

• Do I need special equipment to make this recipe?

A slow cooker is ideal, but you can adapt this recipe to a Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot. The key is low, slow cooking to develop rich flavors and tenderize the chicken.

What Makes This Chicken Korma So Cozy

• Marinating chicken overnight infuses intense, layered spices that transform an ordinary meal into a restaurant-worthy experience.
• Slow cooker method requires minimal hands-on preparation, letting busy home cooks enjoy a gourmet Indian dish without complex techniques.
• Easily adaptable recipe allows personalization with preferred protein or vegetarian alternatives, making it perfect for diverse dietary preferences.
• One-pot cooking approach reduces cleanup time, using the same skillet for browning chicken and sautéing aromatics, creating a stress-free culinary adventure.

The Best Slow Cooker Chicken Korma Recipe

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4.6 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent slow cooker chicken korma delivers a rich, creamy journey through North Indian cuisine with tender meat melting in delicate spices. Warm, fragrant layers of flavor promise a comforting meal you’ll savor with each delightful bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

• 1 kg (2.2 pounds) chicken thighs, halved

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 tablespoon garam masala
• 1 tablespoon cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon curry powder, mild or medium
• 1 tablespoon coriander
• 2 teaspoons turmeric, separated
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon chili flakes
• Zest of 1 lemon

Additional Ingredients:

• 175 grams (6.2 ounces) full-fat Greek yogurt
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 1 shallot, finely chopped
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 inch piece ginger, minced
• 1 tin, 400 milliliters (13.5 fluid ounces) full-fat coconut milk
• 4 tablespoons tomato paste

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Instructions

1. Craft a vibrant marinade by whisking yogurt with aromatic spices in a large mixing bowl, ensuring even distribution for maximum flavor infusion.
2. Thoroughly coat chicken thighs in the spiced yogurt mixture, allowing the proteins to absorb the complex flavor profile. For optimal taste development, refrigerate and marinate for at least 30 minutes, preferably overnight.
3. Create a rich caramelized exterior by searing marinated chicken pieces in a hot skillet until golden brown on all surfaces. This technique locks in moisture and enhances depth of flavor.
4. In the same skillet, gently sweat onions, garlic, ginger, and shallots until translucent and fragrant, developing a robust aromatic foundation for the sauce.
5. Transfer the caramelized aromatics to the slow cooker, incorporating remaining marinade, lemon zest, tomato paste, turmeric, and velvety coconut milk. Carefully nestle seared chicken pieces into the liquid mixture.
6. Configure the slow cooker to low temperature (6 hours) or high temperature (3 hours). Maintain a sealed lid throughout cooking to preserve heat and moisture, allowing flavors to meld seamlessly.

Notes

• For maximum flavor penetration, create small cuts in the chicken thighs before coating with marinade, allowing spices to seep deeper into the meat.
• Swap yogurt with coconut yogurt or cashew cream to make the recipe suitable for lactose-intolerant or vegan diners without compromising rich, creamy texture.
• Adjust heat by reducing or increasing chili powder and adding fresh green chilies, ensuring the dish caters to different spice tolerance levels.
• Toast whole spices before grinding to release more intense, complex aromatics and develop a more robust flavor profile in the chicken korma.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 hours (or up to 6 hours)
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Indian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 564
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 36 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 19 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 40 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg