Description
This Slow Cooker Pumpkin Chicken Curry combines tender chicken thighs with warm spices, pumpkin purée, and creamy coconut milk for a comforting and flavorful fall-inspired dish. Perfect for busy days, this easy curry cooks low and slow to meld rich aromas and create a deliciously hearty meal served over rice.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into large chunks
- 1 cup canned pumpkin purée
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
- 1 (14 oz) can full-fat coconut milk
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Spices
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp curry powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
To Serve
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
- Cooked rice
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until soft and translucent. Add minced garlic and grated fresh ginger, and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add to Slow Cooker: Transfer the onion, garlic, and ginger mixture into the slow cooker base.
- Combine Ingredients: Add chicken chunks, pumpkin purée, curry powder, ground cumin, ground cinnamon, salt, and optional cayenne pepper into the slow cooker with the aromatics.
- Pour Coconut Milk & Stir: Pour the full-fat coconut milk over the ingredients and stir well to coat the chicken evenly with spices and pumpkin.
- Cook Slowly: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is tender and the flavors have fully developed.
- Adjust Seasoning & Serve: Stir the curry once again, taste, and adjust the salt if needed. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot over cooked rice.
Notes
- For a spicier curry, increase the cayenne pepper or add fresh chili.
- Use bone-in chicken thighs for more flavor if preferred.
- This recipe is great for meal prep; leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 4 days.
- Serve with naan or your favorite flatbread for a complete meal.
- Ensure to use full-fat coconut milk to achieve the curry’s rich and creamy texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Indian-inspired
Keywords: slow cooker chicken curry, pumpkin curry, crockpot chicken recipe, easy chicken curry, fall recipes, pumpkin chicken curry
