Slow-Cooked Spiced Chicken with Creamy Yogurt Sauce
This delicious slow-cooked dish brings together the rich and aromatic flavors of spices, garlic, and ginger with tender chicken thighs. Cooked to perfection in a crockpot, it's a hearty meal that can be adjusted to suit your heat preference by selecting your favorite curry powder. The addition of creamy Greek yogurt adds a delightful tang, making this dish luxurious and satisfying. Serve it over fluffy steamed rice or your choice of pasta for a complete meal that your family will love. Perfect for busy weeknights, this warming dish is also great for meal prep and tastes even better the next day!
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Tomato paste
1/3 cup (none)
Garlic cloves
4 (chopped)
Curry powder
2 tablespoons (none)
Fresh ginger
1 tablespoon (grated)
Ground cumin
1 teaspoon (none)
Water
3/4 cup (none)
Medium onion
1 (peeled and chopped)
Boneless skinless chicken thighs
2 lbs (about 10 pieces)
Salt
1 1/2 teaspoons (divided)
Black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (none)
Greek yogurt
1/2 cup (plain, whole-milk)
Scallions
2 (thinly sliced)
Instructions
1
In a large 4- to 6-quart slow cooker, combine the tomato paste, chopped garlic, curry powder, grated ginger, ground cumin, and water. Whisk together until smooth.
2
Add the chopped onion to the mixture and stir well to ensure even distribution.
3
Place the boneless skinless chicken thighs on top of the mixture. Season with 1 teaspoon of salt and black pepper to taste.
4
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 7 to 8 hours or on high heat for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
5
About 15 minutes before serving, gently stir in the plain Greek yogurt and an additional ½ teaspoon of salt to integrate the flavors.
6
When ready to serve, dish the curried chicken over bowls of rice or pasta, and garnish with thinly sliced scallions.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Slow-Cooked Spiced Chicken?
It is a hearty, aromatic dish featuring chicken thighs cooked in a crockpot with spices, garlic, ginger, and a creamy Greek yogurt finish.
What cut of chicken should I use?
The recipe calls for 2 lbs of boneless skinless chicken thighs, which is approximately 10 pieces.
Can I cook this on high heat?
Yes, you can cook it on high heat for 3 to 4 hours until the chicken is tender.
How long does it take to cook on low heat?
On low heat, the chicken should cook for 7 to 8 hours.
What size slow cooker is recommended?
A large 4- to 6-quart slow cooker is recommended for this recipe.
When do I add the Greek yogurt?
The Greek yogurt should be stirred in about 15 minutes before serving to integrate the flavors.
What type of yogurt should I use?
The recipe suggests using 1/2 cup of plain, whole-milk Greek yogurt for a creamy and tangy result.
Is this recipe spicy?
The heat level can be adjusted based on the specific curry powder you choose to use.
What should I serve with this chicken?
This dish is best served over fluffy steamed rice or your choice of pasta.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 12 ingredients including the garnish and seasonings.
What spices are used in the base?
The base uses curry powder, grated fresh ginger, ground cumin, and chopped garlic.
Do I need to brown the chicken first?
No, the chicken is placed directly into the slow cooker on top of the spice and tomato paste mixture.
What garnish is recommended?
The dish is garnished with thinly sliced scallions.
How do I prepare the ginger?
The fresh ginger should be grated before being added to the slow cooker.
Is salt added all at once?
No, the salt is divided; 1 teaspoon is added at the start and 1/2 teaspoon is added with the yogurt.
What liquid is used for the sauce?
The sauce is created using 3/4 cup of water mixed with tomato paste and spices.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
While the recipe specifies thighs for tenderness, breasts can be used, though they may be less juicy.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Yes, it is excellent for meal prep and the flavors often improve the next day.
What is the first step of the instructions?
The first step is to whisk together the tomato paste, garlic, curry powder, ginger, cumin, and water in the slow cooker.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
The recipe requires 4 garlic cloves, chopped.
Should the onion be cooked before adding?
No, the chopped onion is added raw to the spice mixture before the chicken.
Can I use powdered ginger?
The recipe specifically calls for fresh ginger for the best flavor, though powdered can be a substitute in a pinch.
How do I know the chicken is finished cooking?
The chicken is done when it is tender enough to easily shred with a fork.
What type of onion is best?
A standard medium onion, peeled and chopped, is used for this dish.
How much curry powder is used?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of curry powder.
What is the amount of tomato paste required?
You will need 1/3 cup of tomato paste.
Is black pepper included?
Yes, 1/4 teaspoon or black pepper to taste is used to season the chicken.
Is this a good dish for busy weeknights?
Yes, because it is prepared in a slow cooker, it requires minimal active time.
What does the yogurt add to the dish?
The yogurt adds a delightful tang and makes the sauce luxurious and satisfying.