Slow Cooker Chicken Korma

Chicken Korma is a dish that beautifully balances warmth and creaminess. With its origins in Mughlai cuisine, it is known for its rich, mildly spiced sauce made from yogurt, nuts, and fragrant spices. Cooking it in a slow cooker allows all the flavors to meld perfectly, creating a deeply satisfying meal with minimal effort.

This slow cooker version is perfect for busy days when you want a delicious homemade curry without spending hours in the kitchen. Pair it with fluffy basmati rice or soft naan to soak up every last bit of the sauce. Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal-prepping for the week, this Chicken Korma is sure to become a favorite!

Full Recipe

Ingredients

For the Chicken Korma:

1.5 lbs (700g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into chunks
1 onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1-inch piece ginger, grated
1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
1 cup plain yogurt (or Greek yogurt)
2 tablespoons ground almonds (optional, for creaminess)
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 tablespoons vegetable oil or ghee
1 teaspoon garam masala
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
½ teaspoon ground turmeric
½ teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Salt and black pepper to taste

For Garnish & Serving:

¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
¼ cup slivered almonds (optional)
Cooked basmati rice or warm naan bread

Instructions

Prepare the Base: In a small bowl, mix the garam masala, cumin, coriander, turmeric, chili powder, cinnamon, salt, and pepper.
Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the oil or ghee in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and ginger, sautéing for another minute until fragrant.
Slow Cook: Transfer the onion mixture to the slow cooker. Add the chicken, coconut milk, yogurt, ground almonds, tomato paste, and spice mix. Stir well to coat the chicken evenly.
Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and the sauce is rich and creamy.
Final Touch: Adjust seasoning if needed. Stir well before serving and garnish with fresh cilantro and slivered almonds.
Serve: Enjoy your korma with steamed basmati rice or warm naan bread.

Prep Time: 10 minutes Cooking Time: 6 hours (slow cooker) Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes Servings: 4 Calories per serving: ~350 kcal

Slow Cooker Chicken Korma – A Creamy and Aromatic Indian Classic

Chicken Korma is a beloved dish known for its rich, creamy texture and aromatic blend of spices. Originating from Mughlai cuisine, this mild yet flavorful curry has been enjoyed for centuries. While traditional korma requires slow simmering on the stovetop, using a slow cooker allows the flavors to deepen while making the cooking process effortless. This dish is perfect for those who love Indian flavors but prefer a milder, creamier curry.

What Makes Chicken Korma Unique?

Unlike fiery Indian curries, korma is known for its velvety sauce made from yogurt, coconut milk, and ground nuts like almonds or cashews. The use of warming spices like garam masala, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, and turmeric gives it an irresistible aroma without overpowering heat. This balance of creaminess and spice makes it a great option for those who prefer mild yet flavorful dishes.

Another key characteristic of korma is its luxurious texture. Many traditional versions use ground nuts to add richness, while modern variations often include coconut milk for an extra layer of creaminess. This dish is not only satisfying but also incredibly comforting, making it a staple in Indian cuisine.

Why Use a Slow Cooker for Chicken Korma?

A slow cooker is one of the best tools for making chicken korma because it allows the ingredients to cook slowly, enhancing the depth of flavor. Here’s why the slow cooker method works so well:

Tender, Juicy Chicken: Cooking chicken over low heat for several hours ensures it stays moist and absorbs all the flavors of the spices and sauce.
Hands-Off Cooking: Unlike traditional stovetop methods that require stirring and monitoring, a slow cooker lets you add everything and walk away.
Deeper Flavors: Spices and aromatics blend together beautifully over time, creating a richer, more well-rounded curry.
Perfect for Meal Prep: Since slow cooker recipes require minimal active cooking time, they’re ideal for batch cooking and meal prepping.

History and Origins of Chicken Korma

Chicken Korma has its roots in Mughlai cuisine, a royal style of cooking that dates back to the Mughal Empire in India. The word “korma” comes from the Urdu word “qorma,” meaning “to braise” or “to slow cook.” Originally, korma was prepared with meats like lamb or chicken, slow-cooked in a sauce made with yogurt, cream, and a blend of ground nuts.

Mughal chefs were known for their luxurious dishes that combined Persian and Indian influences. Korma, being one of these dishes, was often served at royal banquets with saffron-infused rice or warm, fluffy naan bread. Over time, different regions of India developed their own variations of korma, using local ingredients and spices. Today, korma is enjoyed worldwide, with many adaptations catering to different dietary preferences.

The Key Ingredients That Make This Dish Special

While every household and restaurant may have slight variations in their korma recipe, a few essential ingredients remain consistent:

Chicken: Boneless, skinless thighs are preferred for their tenderness, but chicken breasts can also be used.
Yogurt: Helps tenderize the chicken and adds creaminess to the sauce.
Coconut Milk: Gives the dish its signature smooth texture and slightly sweet undertone.
Ground Nuts: Traditionally, almonds or cashews are blended into the sauce to thicken it and add richness.
Spices: Garam masala, cumin, coriander, turmeric, and cinnamon create a balanced and fragrant flavor profile.
Aromatics: Onion, garlic, and ginger form the base of the sauce, providing depth and warmth.

These ingredients come together to create a dish that is both rich and well-balanced, with each bite bursting with flavor.

Serving Suggestions for Chicken Korma

Chicken Korma is a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are some serving ideas to elevate your meal:

Basmati Rice: The light and fluffy texture of basmati rice makes it the perfect companion for soaking up the creamy sauce.
Naan Bread: Soft, pillowy naan is great for scooping up the korma sauce and makes for a satisfying meal.
Jeera (Cumin) Rice: Adding cumin seeds to rice enhances its aroma and complements the spices in the korma.
Roti or Paratha: These whole wheat Indian flatbreads offer a slightly crisp, chewy texture that contrasts nicely with the creamy curry.
Side of Pickles or Chutney: A spoonful of mango chutney or pickled vegetables adds a tangy contrast to the dish.

Variations and Customizations

One of the best things about this slow cooker chicken korma recipe is how easily it can be customized. Here are some variations you can try:

Vegetarian Korma: Swap chicken for paneer, tofu, or mixed vegetables like cauliflower, carrots, and potatoes.
Vegan Korma: Use coconut yogurt instead of dairy yogurt and replace the chicken with chickpeas or tofu.
Spicier Korma: Add a diced green chili or extra chili powder for a more intense heat.
Nut-Free Korma: If you have a nut allergy, omit the ground almonds and use extra coconut milk or a cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce.
Dairy-Free Korma: Stick to coconut milk and skip the yogurt, or use a plant-based yogurt alternative.

How to Store and Reheat Chicken Korma

This dish is perfect for leftovers, and the flavors continue to develop as it sits. Here’s how to store and reheat it properly:

Refrigeration: Store the chicken korma in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezing: This dish freezes well! Let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. It will keep for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Warm in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water or coconut milk if needed. Alternatively, microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between to prevent overheating.

Health Benefits of Chicken Korma

While Chicken Korma is known for its indulgent taste, it also offers several nutritional benefits:

High Protein: Chicken provides a good source of lean protein, which helps with muscle growth and repair.
Rich in Healthy Fats: The use of nuts and coconut milk adds healthy fats that support heart health.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Spices like turmeric and cumin are known for their anti-inflammatory benefits.
Gut-Friendly: The yogurt in korma contains probiotics that support digestion and gut health.

By making small modifications like using less oil, opting for low-fat yogurt, or adding more vegetables, you can create a healthier version of this classic dish without sacrificing flavor.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Chicken Korma is a fantastic dish that brings the essence of traditional Indian cooking into a modern, convenient format. With its creamy, mildly spiced sauce and tender chicken, it’s a dish that’s perfect for both special occasions and everyday meals. The slow cooker does all the hard work, allowing you to enjoy a flavorful, restaurant-quality curry with minimal effort.

Whether you serve it with rice, naan, or flatbreads, this dish is sure to be a hit with family and friends. Plus, with its versatility and ability to be customized to different dietary needs, Chicken Korma is a recipe worth adding to your regular meal rotation. Try it once, and it just might become your new favorite curry!

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