Jamie Oliver’s Slow Cooker Chicken Curry is a hearty and flavorful dish that brings together tender chicken, aromatic spices, and a rich sauce, all cooked slowly to perfection. Using a slow cooker allows the flavors to develop fully, making it a perfect option for a hassle-free dinner.

What is Jamie Oliver Slow Cooker Chicken Curry?

Jamie Oliver’s Slow Cooker Chicken Curry is a rich, flavorful curry that combines chicken with a blend of spices, tomatoes, and coconut milk, slowly cooked to create a tender and fragrant dish. The slow-cooking method allows the chicken to absorb the spices deeply, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth texture. The dish is easy to prepare, making it an excellent choice for those who want to enjoy a homemade curry without spending hours in the kitchen.

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Why You Should Try This Recipe

Hands-off cooking: The slow cooker does all the work while you focus on other tasks.
Rich in flavor: The slow cooking process allows the spices to infuse into the chicken fully.
Great for meal prep: Make a large batch and store leftovers for easy future meals.

Healthy and nutritious: Packed with lean protein and flavorful spices, it’s a wholesome meal.
Customizable: Easily adjust the level of heat or add more vegetables to suit your taste.
Perfect for any occasion: Serve it at family dinners, gatherings, or casual meals.

Ingredients Needed to Make Jamie Oliver Slow Cooker Chicken Curry

Chicken thighs (800g / 1.75 lbs): Boneless and skinless, providing tender, juicy pieces of chicken.
Onion (1 large): Chopped finely to add sweetness and depth to the curry.
Garlic cloves (3): Minced for aromatic flavor.

Fresh ginger (1-inch piece): Grated to add warmth and a subtle spice.
Curry powder (2 tbsp): A blend of spices that forms the base of the curry’s flavor.
Ground cumin (1 tsp): Adds earthiness to the curry.

Ground coriander (1 tsp): Provides a fresh, citrusy note.
Tomatoes (400g / 14 oz can): Crushed or chopped, adding richness to the sauce.
Coconut milk (400ml / 14 oz can): Creamy and mild, balancing the spices and adding a luxurious texture.

Chicken stock (250ml / 1 cup): Enhances the flavor and keeps the curry moist.
Fresh coriander (a handful): Chopped for garnishing and added freshness.
Salt and pepper: To taste.

Equipment

Slow cooker
Knife and chopping board
Grater

Wooden spoon
Measuring spoons

Instructions to Make Jamie Oliver Slow Cooker Chicken Curry

Prepare the ingredients: Start by chopping the onion, mincing the garlic, and grating the ginger. Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces if they’re not already prepared.

Sauté the aromatics: In a pan, heat a little oil over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, and ginger, cooking for about 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Add the spices: Stir in the curry powder, ground cumin, and ground coriander, cooking for another minute to release the aromas of the spices.
Transfer to the slow cooker: Pour the sautéed onion and spice mixture into the slow cooker. Add the chicken thighs, tomatoes, and chicken stock. Stir to combine.

Add the coconut milk: Pour in the coconut milk and stir everything together, ensuring the chicken is fully submerged in the liquid.
Set the slow cooker: Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and the sauce has thickened.
Season and garnish: Once the cooking time is complete, season the curry with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in the fresh coriander and serve.

Jamie Oliver Slow Cooker Chicken Curry Recipe

What Goes Well With Jamie Oliver Slow Cooker Chicken Curry

Steamed basmati rice: A simple and fragrant side that absorbs the curry’s rich sauce.
Naan bread: Perfect for scooping up the flavorful sauce.
Mango chutney: Adds a sweet and tangy contrast to the spicy curry.

Raita: A cooling yogurt-based side that balances the heat.
Papadums: Crispy and light, these make a great appetizer alongside the curry.
Lime wedges: A squeeze of lime adds brightness and acidity to the dish.

Expert Tips for Making the Best Jamie Oliver Slow Cooker Chicken Curry

Brown the chicken first: For added flavor, sear the chicken thighs in a hot pan before transferring them to the slow cooker.
Use whole spices: If you have whole cumin or coriander seeds, toast and grind them for a fresher, more intense flavor.
Don’t rush the cooking time: Cooking low and slow ensures the chicken becomes tender and absorbs all the flavors.

Add vegetables: Include vegetables like potatoes, carrots, or bell peppers to make the curry even heartier.
Adjust the heat: If you prefer a spicier curry, add a chopped chili or more curry powder.

Easy Variations of Jamie Oliver Slow Cooker Chicken Curry

Vegan option: Swap the chicken for tofu or chickpeas and use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock.

Make it spicier: Add red chili flakes or fresh chili for an extra kick of heat.
Add spinach: Stir in a few handfuls of fresh spinach at the end of cooking for added greens.
Coconut-free: If you prefer, you can replace the coconut milk with heavy cream or yogurt for a different texture and flavor.

Use bone-in chicken: For more flavor, you can use bone-in chicken thighs. Just increase the cooking time slightly to ensure they cook through.

Best Practices to Store Jamie Oliver Slow Cooker Chicken Curry

Refrigerate leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freeze for later: This curry freezes well. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Portion control: Freeze individual portions for easy, grab-and-go meals.
Reheat gently: Reheat the curry on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a little water or stock if the sauce has thickened.

Best Practices to Reheat Jamie Oliver Slow Cooker Chicken Curry

Stovetop method: Reheat the curry over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Microwave reheating: Heat in a microwave-safe dish in 1-minute increments, stirring in between to ensure even heating.
Add liquid if needed: If the curry has thickened after refrigeration, add a splash of water or stock while reheating to adjust the consistency.

How Can I Make Jamie Oliver Slow Cooker Chicken Curry Healthier?

Use less coconut milk: Swap half the coconut milk for a low-fat alternative or light coconut milk to reduce calories.

Increase the vegetables: Add extra vegetables like cauliflower, spinach, or zucchini to boost the nutritional content.
Choose leaner cuts of chicken: Use skinless chicken breasts for a leaner option, though thighs will provide more moisture and flavor.
Reduce the oil: Sauté the onions and garlic with minimal oil to keep the fat content lower.

Nutrition Value (per serving):

Calories: 350
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 10g

Carbohydrates: 12g
Sugar: 5g
Protein: 28g

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs in slow cooker chicken curry?

Yes, you can use chicken breasts instead of thighs. However, chicken breasts tend to cook faster and may become slightly drier. To prevent this, check the doneness earlier, and if possible, use boneless chicken thighs for more tender and juicy results.

How do I thicken the sauce in Jamie Oliver Slow Cooker Chicken Curry?

If the sauce is too thin, you can thicken it by removing the lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking, allowing excess liquid to evaporate. Alternatively, stir in a slurry of cornstarch and water or a spoonful of yogurt to reach your desired consistency.

Can I make Jamie Oliver Slow Cooker Chicken Curry in advance?

Yes, this curry can be made in advance. Cook the curry fully, then refrigerate it for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. The flavors often deepen and improve after being stored, making it even more delicious when reheated.

What vegetables can I add to slow cooker chicken curry?

You can add vegetables like bell peppers, sweet potatoes, spinach, or cauliflower to the curry. Simply add them during the cooking process—harder vegetables at the beginning and delicate ones like spinach closer to the end.

Final Words

Jamie Oliver’s Slow Cooker Chicken Curry is a delicious, flavorful dish that’s both comforting and easy to make. The slow cooker does most of the work, leaving you with tender chicken and a rich, aromatic sauce infused with spices.

Enjoy the depth of flavors and the simplicity of this hands-off cooking method!

Jamie Oliver Slow Cooker Chicken Curry Recipe