Slow Cooker Chicken Korma (High Protein) (Print Version)
Slow cooker chicken korma packed with protein and rich spiced sauce. An easy, hands-off dinner ready when you are.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 240 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 255 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Indian
Dietary: Halal
# Ingredients:
→ Tender Protein Base
01 -
2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 2-inch chunks
02 -
1 cup plain full-fat Greek yogurt
03 -
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
→ Golden Aromatics & Paste
04 -
1 large yellow onion, finely diced
05 -
4 garlic cloves, minced
06 -
1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
07 -
2 tbsp ghee or unsalted butter
08 -
1/4 cup raw cashews, blended into paste with 3 tbsp water
→ Warm Korma Spice Blend
09 -
2 tsp ground cumin
10 -
2 tsp ground coriander
11 -
1 tsp garam masala
12 -
1/2 tsp ground turmeric
13 -
1/2 tsp ground cardamom
14 -
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
15 -
Salt and pepper to taste
→ Silky Finishing Sauce
16 -
1 cup canned crushed tomatoes
17 -
3/4 cup full-fat coconut milk
18 -
2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
# Instructions:
01 -
In a large bowl, combine 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thigh chunks with 1 cup plain full-fat Greek yogurt and 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice. Toss well to coat every piece. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for deeper flavor penetration.
02 -
Add 1/4 cup raw cashews and 3 tbsp water to a blender or small food processor. Blend until completely smooth with no lumps remaining. This creamy cashew paste is the secret to a rich, velvety sauce in your Slow Cooker Chicken Korma Recipe (High Protein).
03 -
Heat 2 tbsp ghee in a skillet over medium heat. Add 1 large finely diced yellow onion and cook for 6-8 minutes until golden. Stir in 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger, cooking for another 2 minutes until fragrant and softened.
04 -
Add the Warm Korma Spice Blend directly to the skillet with the aromatics: 2 tsp ground cumin, 2 tsp ground coriander, 1 tsp garam masala, 1/2 tsp turmeric, 1/2 tsp cardamom, and 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper. Stir constantly for 60 seconds to bloom the spices and build deep, complex flavor.
05 -
Transfer the toasted onion-spice mixture into your slow cooker. Add the marinated chicken thighs along with all the yogurt marinade, the blended cashew paste, and 1 cup canned crushed tomatoes. Season generously with salt and pepper. Stir everything together to combine evenly.
06 -
Cover and cook your Slow Cooker Chicken Korma Recipe (High Protein) on LOW for 4 hours, or until the chicken is completely tender and cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F. Avoid lifting the lid during cooking to maintain consistent heat and moisture.
07 -
Once cooking is complete, pour in 3/4 cup full-fat coconut milk and stir gently to incorporate. This final addition creates the signature silky, creamy sauce that makes this Slow Cooker Chicken Korma Recipe (High Protein) so irresistible. Let it rest on the WARM setting for 10 minutes.
08 -
Ladle your Slow Cooker Chicken Korma Recipe (High Protein) into bowls and finish with 2 tbsp freshly chopped cilantro. Serve hot over basmati rice, with warm naan, or alongside cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option. Each serving delivers an impressive high-protein, flavor-packed meal.
# Notes:
01 -
🍗 Cooking Tip: Don't skip sautéing the onions and blooming the spices before adding them to the slow cooker. This extra 10-minute step dramatically deepens the flavor of the korma sauce compared to dumping everything in raw.
02 -
🥡 Storage Advice: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months. The flavors actually intensify overnight, making this dish taste even better the next day.
03 -
🔄 Substitution Tips: Swap chicken thighs for boneless chicken breasts if you prefer leaner protein, but reduce cook time to 3 hours on LOW to prevent drying out. Coconut cream can replace coconut milk for an even richer, thicker sauce.
04 -
🍽️ Serving Suggestion: Boost the protein content further by serving alongside a side of lentils or chickpeas. A dollop of extra Greek yogurt on top adds a cool, tangy contrast to the warm spices and makes for a beautiful presentation.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
6-quart slow cooker
02 -
cutting board
03 -
chef's knife
04 -
small blender or food processor
05 -
measuring cups and spoons
06 -
skillet (optional for sautéing aromatics)
07 -
grater or microplane
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 520 kcal
Total Fat: 28 g
Total Carbohydrate: 16 g
Protein: 52 g