Aromatic Slow Cooker Chicken Korma with Coconut Cream
Indulge in the rich, comforting flavors of this Aromatic Slow Cooker Chicken Korma. Perfectly tender chicken thighs are infused with a delightful blend of spices and simmered to perfection in a luscious coconut cream sauce. This dish combines the warmth of Indian spices with the creamy goodness of coconut, offering an irresistible culinary experience. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity: you can either brown the chicken beautifully in the slow cooker or opt for convenience by skipping that step. It's a fantastic meal for busy weeknights, providing hours of hands-off cooking time while your home fills with tantalizing aromas. Garnished with fresh cilantro, yogurt, and tomatoes, this dish is not just a meal; it's an experience best enjoyed with warm chapatis.
4
Servings
550
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
oil
2 tablespoons (for frying)
chicken thighs
2 pounds (8 thighs) (boneless, skinless, cut into cubes)
onions
2 (finely chopped, plus extra for garnish)
green chili
1-2 (seeded and finely chopped)
fresh gingerroot
1 inch (peeled and finely chopped)
korma curry paste
5 tablespoons (for flavor)
coconut cream (or coconut milk)
1 cup (for a creamy sauce)
chicken stock
1 1/4 cups (for moisture)
ground almonds
2 tablespoons (for texture)
fresh cilantro
1 small bunch (torn into pieces, plus extra for garnish)
plain yogurt
3/4 cup (for serving on top)
tomatoes
2 (diced, for garnish)
salt and pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
Instructions
1
Preheat your slow cooker if needed. In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in batches, browning each piece until golden (about 5-7 minutes). Once browned, transfer the chicken to the slow cooker.
2
In the same skillet, add the chopped onions, green chili, fresh ginger, and korma curry paste. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onions are soft and the mixture is aromatic.
3
Pour in the coconut cream or coconut milk, followed by the chicken stock and ground almonds. Stir well to combine, then tear half the cilantro into the sauce along with a pinch of salt and pepper. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil, then remove from heat.
4
Carefully pour the sauce over the browned chicken in the slow cooker. Stir to ensure the chicken is well coated with the sauce.
5
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to low. Cook for 6-8 hours, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
6
When ready, give your korma a good stir. Serve it hot in bowls, topped with spoonfuls of yogurt, diced tomatoes, extra raw onions, and the remaining torn cilantro. Enjoy the korma with warm chapatis for a complete meal.
Nutrition Information
30g
Fat
20g
Carbs
37.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Aromatic Slow Cooker Chicken Korma?
It is a rich and comforting Indian-inspired dish featuring tender chicken thighs simmered in a luscious coconut cream and almond sauce with aromatic spices.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 550 calories.
What is the recommended cooking time in the slow cooker?
The dish should be cooked on the low setting for 6 to 8 hours.
Is it necessary to brown the chicken before slow cooking?
Browning the chicken for 5-7 minutes adds flavor and color, but you can skip this step for a more convenient hands-off experience.
Can I substitute coconut milk for coconut cream?
Yes, you can use 1 cup of coconut milk as a substitute for coconut cream for a slightly lighter sauce.
What kind of chicken is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken thighs cut into cubes for maximum tenderness.
What are the primary spices used in the sauce?
The primary flavor comes from 5 tablespoons of korma curry paste combined with fresh ginger and green chili.
Is this chicken korma spicy?
Korma is generally mild and creamy, but you can adjust the heat by using 1 or 2 seeded green chilies.
Why are ground almonds added to the sauce?
Ground almonds are used to provide a unique texture and help thicken the creamy sauce.
What should I serve with chicken korma?
This dish is best enjoyed with warm chapatis, but it also pairs well with basmati rice or naan bread.
What are the suggested garnishes?
Garnish the korma with fresh cilantro, spoonfuls of plain yogurt, diced tomatoes, and extra raw onions.
Does this recipe contain dairy?
The main sauce uses coconut cream, but it is served with plain yogurt which contains dairy.
How much protein is in one serving?
Each serving provides 37.5 grams of protein.
What is the fat content of this dish?
There are 30 grams of fat per serving.
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, though chicken thighs are recommended as they remain more succulent during the long slow-cooking process.
How do I prepare the fresh ginger?
Peel and finely chop about 1 inch of fresh gingerroot before sautéing it with the onions.
What size should the chicken pieces be?
The chicken thighs should be cut into bite-sized cubes.
Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
Yes, you can sauté the aromatics and mix the sauce components before adding them to the slow cooker.
What if I don't have korma curry paste?
You should use a mild curry paste, though korma paste is specific to the flavor profile of this traditional dish.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it is an excellent meal prep option as the flavors often improve after sitting overnight.
How many carbohydrates are in this meal?
Each serving contains 20 grams of carbohydrates.
Do I need to add salt and pepper?
Yes, salt and pepper should be added to the sauce mixture to taste before cooking.
Can I use frozen chicken?
It is safest to completely thaw the chicken before placing it in the slow cooker to ensure even cooking.
What type of oil is used for frying?
The recipe suggests 2 tablespoons of oil, such as vegetable or canola oil, for browning the chicken and onions.
How do I handle the fresh cilantro?
Tear half of the cilantro into the sauce before cooking and save the rest for a fresh garnish at the end.
Is there a substitute for ground almonds?
If you have a nut allergy, you can omit them, though the sauce will be slightly thinner; alternatively, use ground cashews.
Can I add vegetables to this korma?
Yes, vegetables like peas, potatoes, or cauliflower can be added to the slow cooker along with the chicken.
How much chicken stock is required?
The recipe requires 1 1/4 cups of chicken stock.
Can I use a high setting on the slow cooker?
While low is recommended for 6-8 hours, you can cook it on high for 3-4 hours if you are short on time.