A blue bowl filled with rice, creamy easy curry recipe, sautéed spinach, and naan bread, with a fork on the side. Another bowl, naan pieces, and a small bowl of spinach are nearby on a gray background.

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.

A close-up of a ladle scooping thick, orange-brown Slow Cooker Chicken Curry with chunks of chicken from a slow cooker—an easy curry recipe perfect for cozy nights.

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

A blue bowl filled with white rice, creamy orange Slow Cooker Chicken Curry, sautéed greens, and cilantro garnish. A fork rests along the bowl’s edge; another bowl and glass are blurred in the background.

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

Top-down view of Slow Cooker Chicken Curry ingredients: raw diced chicken, broth, cream, spices, tomato paste, ginger, garlic cloves, and whole red onions—everything you need for an easy curry recipe all laid out on a white surface.

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.

Split image: Left side shows raw ingredients—onion, garlic, tomato paste, and spices—being added to a food processor for an easy curry recipe. Right side shows the blended reddish-brown paste, perfect for Slow Cooker Chicken Curry.

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.

Raw, diced chicken pieces and a thick, brownish-orange sauce sit side by side in a black slow cooker, ready to become a flavorful Slow Cooker Chicken Curry—an easy curry recipe perfect for busy days.

A hand with red nail polish pours cream into a slow cooker filled with a rich brown curry containing potatoes and mushrooms—an easy curry recipe perfect for making Slow Cooker Chicken Curry at home.

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.

A blue bowl filled with creamy orange Slow Cooker Chicken Curry, garnished with black sesame seeds and herbs, with a silver spoon resting inside—a perfect easy curry recipe for any occasion.

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.

A person with red nail polish and a small wrist tattoo stirs a thick, brown Slow Cooker Chicken Curry with chunks of meat and herbs in a black slow cooker against a white background, showcasing an easy curry recipe.

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.

A blue bowl with white rice, creamy orange slow cooker chicken curry, sautéed greens, and naan bread, garnished with herbs; a fork rests on top. Nearby, extra naan and greens complete this inviting and easy curry recipe on a rustic wooden board.

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

📌 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!

You might also like my Coronation Chicken Curry.