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Slow Cooker Chicken and Sweet Potato Curry

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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 7 hours
Total Time 7 hours 25 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 302
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Protein and Base
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs thighs stay juicier in the slow cooker than breasts
  • 2 medium sweet potatoes peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil for searing the chicken
Aromatics and Vegetables
  • 1 large yellow onion diced
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 inch fresh ginger grated
  • 2 cups frozen peas no need to thaw
Spices and Liquids
  • 2 tablespoons curry powder preferably a blend with turmeric and coriander
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika adds depth to the curry flavor
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) coconut milk full-fat for richness
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with their juices
  • 2 cups chicken broth low-sodium preferred
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup balances the acidity of the tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon salt plus more to taste
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper

Method
 

Prep and Sear
  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels, then season lightly with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken in batches until golden on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per side—this builds a fond that translates into richer flavor in the slow cooker.
  2. While the chicken sears, dice the onion, mince the garlic, grate the ginger, and cube the sweet potatoes. Set everything aside.
Layer and Combine
  1. Pour the chicken broth into your slow cooker to deglaze any bits if you're using the same pot, or just start fresh in the crock. Add the curry powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and maple syrup to the bottom, stirring briefly to distribute.
  2. Layer the sweet potatoes, onion, garlic, and ginger on top of the spices. Place the seared chicken pieces in a single layer on top of the vegetables.
  3. Pour the coconut milk and diced tomatoes (with juices) over everything. Do not stir—this layering method helps the flavors meld without breaking down the sweet potatoes too early.
Cook and Finish
  1. Cover and cook on low for 7 hours. The chicken will be fork-tender and the sweet potatoes will have softened but still hold their shape.
  2. About 30 minutes before serving, add the frozen peas to the slow cooker. They just need to heat through; overcooking makes them mushy and dulls the color.
  3. Before serving, taste and adjust seasoning with a pinch more salt or a squeeze of lime if you want brightness. Spoon over warm basmati rice or serve with crusty sourdough.

Notes

Add a splash of coconut milk at the end if you want it creamier, but I leave mine light so the spices shine through. For the sweet potatoes, use the orange-fleshed variety if you can find them—they sweeten up the sauce more than the purple or white kinds.