Slow Cooker Chicken Curry
, Updated Jul 27, 2025
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Slow Cooker Chicken Curry – super easy, packed with flavor and mild enough for the whole family to enjoy. A truly no-fuss recipe that requires minimal prep and no browning. I guarantee that this delicious chicken curry in a rich creamy sauce will become a your favorite fakeaway!

I seem to have reawakened my love affair with my slow cooker. It was feeling a little neglected of late, what with that interloper the Instant Pot taking top spot in my affections.
And how can you help but LOVE your slow cooker when it can produce such a delicious chicken curry with almost ZERO effort? It is so convenient and energy efficient too.

Why You Will Love This Recipe
- It is the EASIEST chicken curry you will ever make
- No oil or butter – healthier and suitable for Slimming World and Weight Watchers
- Gluten free and dairy free (depending on cream added)
- Mild and creamy – perfect for kids and curry-phobes, but you can make it spicier if you like it hot!
- Prep ahead – this recipe is suitable as freezer ‘dump bag’ slow cooker meal

Here’s What You Will Need
I wanted to create a chicken curry recipe that requires very little work without sacrificing the flavor and I think I have hit the jackpot with this crock pot one! Here’s what you will need:
- A mini chopper to blend the curry paste (this is one of the most used kitchen gadgets I own) and a 6.5L slow cooker
- For the homemade curry paste: 2 red onions, 5-6 garlic cloves, Tomato purée (paste), Garam Masala, ground cumin, turmeric, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, brown sugar and chicken broth
- Skinless chicken thighs. You can also use skinless chicken breasts if you like but thighs are more tender
- Double cream or coconut cream for an indulgent version or a lighter plant-based alternative for a slimming-friendly option
- Cilantro (coriander) to garnish

How to Make Crockpot Chicken Curry
Make the curry paste
- Put the fresh ginger, onions, garlic, spices, salt, sugar or sweetener, tomato paste and chicken stock in a mini food chopper and process until you have a smooth paste. If you don’t have a food processor you can finely dice the onions, mince the garlic and use a ginger paste. Alternatively use a store-bought curry paste.

Slow Cooker Instructions
- Dump the diced chicken into your slow cooker, add the paste and mix well. Easy peasy!
- Cook on the HIGH setting for 3 hours or LOW for 5 hours. Stir in the cream (or soy cream / coconut cream) and heat through.


Stovetop Cooking Instructions
- Heat a little oil or ghee in a pan and briefly brown the chicken over high heat. Add the curry paste and stir until fragrant.
- Stir in one cup (250ml) chicken stock and bring to a rolling boil then reduce heat to a gentle simmer. Cook for 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally, or until the sauce is reduced. If the pan looks a bit dry, stir in some hot water.
Serving suggestions
Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve over pilau rice with my easy two ingredient flatbreads to complete your meal. Add side dishes like Dal Makhani for an Indian-style feast!
Pair with a glass of ice-cold beer is probably the best pairing with this curry though I prefer a glass of Sauvignon Blanc myself.

Recipe Tips
- HOW TO THICKEN THE CURRY It is true that some slow cooker recipes are a bit watery and bland. This one is not because I have added very little liquid to it to begin with. If you need to thicken your curry further, the easiest way is to stir in some cornstarch slurry and allow the sauce to bubble for a few minutes until it thickens.
- SHOULD I BROWN THE CHICKEN? I usually advise you to sear or brown meat before making curries or stews. In this recipe there’s no need to do that – the curry paste will infuse the chicken with lots of flavor and the slow cooking will keep it tender and succulent.
- STORING AND FREEZING: Leftovers will keep in the fridge for up to three days. If you wish to freeze then portion into suitable containers, label and transfer to the freezer as soon as the curry has cooled down. Use within three months.

Prepping Ahead
Make the curry paste and marinate the chicken overnight (in the fridge) then start the curry recipe the following day.
You can also make a “dump bag” for the freezer. Mix the chicken with the paste and transfer to a sturdy ziplog bag, expelling all air before sealing.
Label the bag with the date and any instructions such as cooking time etc. Defrost overnight in the fridge before cooking in the crock pot. Use all the dump bags within 3 months.

Chicken Curry Variations
- If you prefer a spicier curry then blend one or two jalapeño peppers and their seeds in your curry paste. Alternatively up the cayenne pepper or swap for hot madras curry powder. Garnish with dried chilli flakes when serving.
- SLIMMING WORLD CHICKEN CURRY: Replace the cream with natural fat-free yogurt. One portion is approximately 330 calories (if you are making the lighter version) without any sides.

Fuss-free Crockpot Recipes
Craving more cozy slow cooker dinners like this one? There’s loads of easy family-friendly recipes for your crockpot in the archives, here’s a small selection below to get you started:
- Easy Slow Cooker Chilli Con Carne (my kids LOVE this recipe!)
- Warm up with my uber-delicious Slow Cooker Chicken Soup
- Comfort food for the soul: Crock Pot Carne Guisada (Mexican Beef Stew)
- Freezer-friendly Slow Cooker Bolognese
- Level up dinner time with these Smothered Pork Chops
- Yummy Slow Cooker Chicken Chasseur
HAVE YOU MADE MY SLOW COOKER CHICKEN CURRY RECIPE? Be sure to rate the recipe and leave a comment – I LOVE hearing how it turns out in your kitchen. Don’t forget to tag me @supergolden88 on Instagram or @supergoldenbakes on TikTok so I can see your delicious creations!
📌 Save this recipe on Pinterest for later, and follow me for more comforting dinners that practically cook themselves. Your next family favorite is just a slow cook away!

Slow Cooker Chicken Curry
Video
Ingredients
- 2 red onions roughly chopped
- 5 cloves garlic
- 1 thump-sized piece fresh ginger
- 2 tbsp tomato purée (paste)
- 1 tbsp brown sugar or Sukrin Gold sweetener
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper
- 60 ml (¼ cup) chicken stock
- 2 lbs (900g) chicken thighs skinless & boneless, fat removed
- 5 tbsp heavy cream or fat free natural yoghurt
To serve
- Salt and pepper to season
- cilantro (coriander) to garnish
- red pepper flakes or onion seeds
- naan bread
- steamed rice or pilau
Instructions
- Make the curry paste. Put the onions, garlic, ginger, tomato paste, spices, seasoning and chicken stock in a mini food chopper and process until you have a smooth paste.2 red onions, 5 cloves garlic , 1 thump-sized piece fresh ginger, 2 tbsp tomato purée (paste), 1 tbsp brown sugar , 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp garam masala, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp turmeric, 1 tsp paprika, ½ tsp cayenne pepper, 60 ml (¼ cup) chicken stock
- Add the chicken and curry paste into the slow cooker and mix well.2 lbs (900g) chicken thighs
- Cook on HIGH for 3 hours or low for 5 without opening the lid. The chicken should be very tender at this point.
- Stir in the cream or yogurt and heat through.5 tbsp heavy cream
- Check the seasoning and garnish with fresh cilantro and onion seeds. Serve over steamed rice or pilau rice with naan bread.cilantro (coriander), Salt and pepper to season, red pepper flakes , naan bread, steamed rice or pilau
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information is always approximate, and will depend on quality of ingredients and serving sizes.



















looking forward to cooking this recipe later on today.Do you have a recipe book to buy
Hi Stephanie – I do have a cookbook that’s all about Air Fryer Baking. What type of cookbook are you after? I am considering publishing digital products.
sorry forgot to rate…
This curry is super delicious! Even my fussy 6 year old who claims to hate curry finished his portion and asked for more!
I’d like to double the amount of chicken so we can have leftovers, do I need to double all of the other ingredients too?
Hi Shannon, yes I would say double the ingredients xx
Every recipe I do of yours always turns out perfectly. But, I have this in the slow cooker now and it seems really dry? I added some water because the paste was drying out. I know you need less liquid in a slow cooker, but it’s hardly anything. Have I done something wrong? x
Hi Melanie, If it is really dry check the lid is on securely. You can add some water or broth if needed.
I know this is a slow cooker recipe but is there any other ways to cook it eg convection oven that whorls be quicker
Hi Ryan – I will take a look at the recipe and try to add instructions for you
Sounds like a nice curry, will try
Hi!
I feel stupid to ask. Double cream? You mean heavy cream or???
Thanks!
D.S.
Yes double cream = heavy cream
So Easy and wonderfully tasty. We love it
We had it for dinner tonight, we all loved it even my fussy 5 years old .
Very easy and great results. Six clear plates at the end says it all. I cooked using chicken thighs with bone in and removed them at the end. Then fat free yoghurt to finish.
Thanks for the lovely comment Richard it makes me so happy!