Jamie Oliver’s Slow Cooker Chicken Curry Recipe

Jamie Oliver’s Slow Cooker Chicken Curry is the perfect recipe for anyone looking to enjoy a deeply flavorful, comforting, and easy-to-make dish that’s effortlessly prepared while you go about your day. With minimal prep time and maximum flavor, it’s a must-try for busy food lovers!

What Is Jamie Oliver’s Slow Cooker Chicken Curry

Jamie Oliver’s Slow Cooker Chicken Curry is a rich, aromatic dish made with tender chicken, a variety of spices, and vegetables, all cooked together slowly in a slow cooker. The magic of this recipe lies in the long, slow cooking process, which allows the ingredients to meld together, creating a curry that is deeply flavorful, spicy, and satisfying.

It’s perfect for busy days when you want a delicious homemade meal with little hands-on time. The dish is well-loved for its simplicity, flexibility, and comforting nature, making it a great option for family dinners or casual gatherings.

Jamie Oliver’s Slow Cooker Chicken Curry Recipe

Ingredients Needed

To prepare Jamie Oliver’s Slow Cooker Chicken Curry, you’ll need a few essential ingredients that bring together a balance of spice, richness, and depth of flavor. Here’s a list of what you’ll need:

• Chicken thighs (boneless, skinless): These provide a juicy, tender texture when slow-cooked and absorb the curry’s flavors beautifully.
• Onions: Adds sweetness and a base of flavor.
• Garlic cloves: Essential for aromatic depth.
• Ginger: Brings a fresh, zesty punch to the dish.
• Spices (e.g., turmeric, cumin, coriander, garam masala): These form the heart of the curry’s flavor profile, giving it warmth, depth, and complexity.
• Chopped tomatoes: Adds acidity and a rich base to the curry sauce.
• Coconut milk: Provides creaminess and a slightly sweet contrast to the spices.
• Green chili (optional): For an extra kick of heat.
• Coriander leaves: For garnish and a fresh herbal flavor.
• Salt: To season and balance the dish.
• Vegetables (optional, e.g., carrots, bell peppers, or peas): Add variety and extra texture to the curry.

Equipment Needed

To make Jamie Oliver’s Slow Cooker Chicken Curry, here’s what you’ll need:

• Slow cooker: The star of the show! It allows the curry to cook slowly, ensuring the chicken becomes tender and the flavors develop.
• Frying pan (optional): If you prefer to brown the chicken or sauté the onions and garlic before adding them to the slow cooker for extra depth of flavor, you’ll need this.
• Chopping board and knife: For prepping all the vegetables, garlic, and ginger.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: For stirring and mixing ingredients together.

How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Slow Cooker Chicken Curry?

Making Jamie Oliver’s Slow Cooker Chicken Curry is a straightforward process, ideal for busy individuals or families who want a delicious meal without spending too much time in the kitchen. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Prepare the Ingredients: Start by chopping the onions, garlic, and ginger. If you are using fresh vegetables, chop them as well. Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces.
2. Sauté (Optional): If you prefer a deeper flavor, heat a little oil in a frying pan. Sauté the onions until softened, then add the garlic, ginger, and spices (turmeric, cumin, coriander, and garam masala). Cook for a few minutes until the spices become fragrant.
3. Transfer to the Slow Cooker: Add the sautéed ingredients to the slow cooker, along with the chopped tomatoes, chicken, coconut milk, and any vegetables you are using.
4. Set the Slow Cooker: Cover and cook on low for about 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, depending on your slow cooker. The chicken should be tender, and the curry sauce should have thickened and developed deep flavors.
5. Season and Serve: Once the curry is done cooking, check for seasoning and add salt to taste. If you like a spicier curry, you can add more chili at this stage. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve over rice or with naan bread for a complete meal.

Expert Tips

• Use Bone-In Chicken: While boneless chicken thighs work great, using bone-in chicken can add even more depth of flavor to the curry. The bones release collagen as they cook, making the sauce richer and more velvety.
• Customize the Vegetables: Feel free to throw in any extra vegetables that you enjoy, like spinach, peas, or cauliflower. It’s a great way to sneak in some extra nutrition and variety.
• Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a milder curry, reduce the amount of chili or omit it entirely. On the other hand, if you like things spicy, add extra chili or a dash of cayenne pepper.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Slow Cooker: For best results, make sure there’s enough space in the slow cooker for the ingredients to cook evenly. If you’re making a larger batch, it might be better to cook in two smaller slow cookers.
• Make it Ahead: This curry can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge. In fact, the flavors deepen and improve after sitting overnight, making it an excellent dish for meal prepping.

Jamie Oliver’s Slow Cooker Chicken Curry is a delicious and effortless meal that packs a punch of flavor without requiring hours of hands-on cooking. The slow-cooked chicken is incredibly tender, the curry sauce is rich and fragrant, and the convenience of a slow cooker makes this dish ideal for busy days or weeknight dinners.

With minimal effort and a short list of ingredients, you’ll have a comforting, satisfying meal that everyone will love. Whether you’re cooking for family or meal prepping for the week, this dish will quickly become a go-to favorite!.

Easy Recipe Variations For Jamie Oliver’s Slow Cooker Chicken Curry

Jamie Oliver’s slow cooker chicken curry is a flavorful, comforting dish that’s easily customizable to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. While the recipe itself is already quite simple and versatile, there are many variations you can try to add a personal twist to it. Here are a few ideas:

1. Spicy Chicken Curry: If you love a bit of heat, add some finely chopped fresh chilies or extra curry powder. You can also stir in a spoonful of chili paste or use a spicy curry blend for an added kick.
2. Vegetarian Twist: Replace the chicken with chickpeas or paneer for a delicious vegetarian version. You could also toss in some extra vegetables, such as bell peppers, sweet potatoes, or spinach, to make the curry even heartier.
3. Coconut Curry: For a rich and creamy texture, swap some of the chicken broth with coconut milk. This will create a luscious, aromatic curry that pairs beautifully with the spices.
4. Mango Chicken Curry: Add a couple of ripe mangos to the curry for a sweet and tangy contrast to the savory flavors. You can either blend the mangoes into a smooth puree or chop them into chunks for a more rustic, fruity touch.
5. Curry with Peas and Carrots: For a more traditional take, stir in some frozen peas and carrots during the last 30 minutes of cooking. These vegetables add color and sweetness to the curry and are a nice complement to the chicken.
6. Lentil Chicken Curry: Add red or green lentils to the curry to make it even more filling. Lentils absorb the spices beautifully and become tender in the slow cooker, making them a great addition.
7. Korma-style Chicken Curry: If you’re craving a mild and creamy curry, try adding ground almonds or cashews for richness. A bit of yogurt stirred in toward the end of cooking will give it that distinctive Korma flavor.
8. Tropical Chicken Curry: Add some diced pineapple or papaya to bring in a tropical sweetness that works perfectly with the curry spices. The natural sugars from the fruit balance out the heat and create an exotic, vibrant dish.

Best Practices To Store Leftovers

When it comes to storing leftovers from your slow-cooked chicken curry, there are a few things you should keep in mind to preserve the flavor and texture of your dish:

1. Cool It Quickly: After serving your chicken curry, make sure to cool the leftovers quickly. Ideally, within two hours of cooking, you should store it in the refrigerator. This helps prevent bacterial growth and maintains the curry’s quality.
2. Use Airtight Containers: Store your leftover curry in airtight containers to prevent it from absorbing any unwanted odors from other foods in the fridge. Glass containers are a great option as they won’t stain or absorb smells as plastic might.
3. Refrigerate for Up to 3-4 Days: Chicken curry will last in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. If you don’t plan to eat it within this time, consider freezing it for later use.
4. Freezing Leftovers: Slow cooker chicken curry freezes wonderfully, allowing you to enjoy it weeks after making it. Let the curry cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Be sure to label the container with the date for easy reference. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat thoroughly before serving.
5. Reheating: To reheat your curry, you can either use the stovetop or microwave. If using the stovetop, gently simmer the curry on low heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s heated through. For the microwave, heat it in short bursts, stirring in between to ensure even heating. You may need to add a bit of water or broth if the curry has thickened too much.
6. Keep the Accompaniments Separate: If you plan on storing rice or other accompaniments with the curry, it’s best to store them separately. This prevents the rice from becoming soggy and allows both the curry and rice to retain their best texture when reheated.

What Goes Well With Slow Cooker Chicken Curry?

Chicken curry is a deliciously rich and flavorful dish, and pairing it with the right sides can elevate the meal even further. Here are some great options to serve alongside your slow-cooked chicken curry:

1. Rice: The classic pairing for curry is steamed white rice, which soaks up the sauce beautifully. If you want to add some texture, try basmati or jasmine rice for their fragrant qualities. For a healthier option, brown rice or quinoa works well too.
2. Naan Bread: Soft, pillowy naan bread is perfect for scooping up the curry. You can serve traditional butter naan, or try garlic naan or even whole wheat naan for a different flavor.
3. Raita: A cooling yogurt-based side dish, raita helps balance out the heat of the curry. You can make a simple cucumber raita with yogurt, cucumbers, and a bit of cumin, or a more flavorful version with mint, cilantro, and spices.
4. Chutney: Sweet and tangy chutneys, such as mango or lime chutney, are a great way to add an extra layer of flavor to your meal. The acidity of the chutney complements the richness of the curry.
5. Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables like cauliflower, carrots, or bell peppers make a great accompaniment to chicken curry. Their natural sweetness contrasts with the spice of the curry.
6. Cabbage Slaw: For something crunchy, serve a light cabbage slaw on the side. A slaw with vinegar-based dressing will add a refreshing contrast to the deep flavors of the curry.
7. Poppadoms: Crispy poppadoms are a great way to add texture to your meal. These can be served as a snack before the curry or as a crunchy accompaniment to scoop up the curry.

Conclusion

Jamie Oliver’s slow cooker chicken curry is a wonderfully versatile dish that can be adapted to suit a wide range of tastes. Whether you prefer a spicier kick, a more creamy flavor, or a vegetarian option, this recipe offers endless possibilities. By using some simple substitutions and additions, you can tailor it to fit your cravings and dietary preferences.

When it comes to storing leftovers, following best practices ensures that your curry stays fresh and flavorful for days to come. Whether you choose to reheat it, freeze it, or enjoy it with some delicious sides like rice, naan, or chutney, your slow-cooked chicken curry is sure to be a satisfying and comforting meal each time.

Experiment with different variations, sides, and storage methods to truly make this recipe your own and enjoy the amazing flavors of homemade slow-cooked curry!

FAQs

What Ingredients Are Used In Jamie Oliver’s Slow Cooker Chicken Curry?

Jamie Oliver’s slow cooker chicken curry typically includes boneless chicken thighs, onions, garlic, ginger, garam masala, turmeric, ground coriander, chili powder, tinned tomatoes, and coconut milk. Optional ingredients may include fresh coriander for garnish and lemon or lime juice for brightness.

Do I Need To Brown The Chicken Before Adding It To The Slow Cooker?

Browning the chicken before adding it to the slow cooker is optional but recommended. It helps to seal in the flavor and adds depth to the final dish. However, Jamie’s recipe is designed to be easy, so you can skip this step if short on time.

How Long Should I Cook The Curry In The Slow Cooker?

Cook the curry on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. This allows the chicken to become tender and for the spices to develop a rich flavor throughout the dish.

Can I Use Chicken Breasts Instead Of Thighs In The Recipe?

Yes, you can substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts. However, keep in mind that breasts may dry out more quickly in a slow cooker. Chicken thighs are preferred for their tenderness and flavor.

Is Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Curry Recipe Suitable For Freezing?

Absolutely. The curry freezes well.

Let it cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Defrost in the fridge overnight and reheat thoroughly before serving.

Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-free?

Yes, Jamie’s slow cooker chicken curry is naturally dairy-free, especially if you use coconut milk as directed. Just ensure that none of your spice mixes contain dairy additives.

What Can I Serve With The Chicken Curry?

Jamie Oliver often recommends serving the curry with fluffy basmati rice, naan bread, and a simple cucumber yogurt raita or fresh coriander chutney for balance and freshness.

Can I Adjust The Spice Level Of The Curry?

Yes, the spice level can be easily adjusted. Reduce or omit the chili powder for a milder version, or add fresh chilies or extra chili powder if you prefer it hot.

How Can I Thicken The Curry If It’s Too Watery After Cooking?

If the curry is too runny, remove the lid for the last 30 minutes of cooking on high to allow excess liquid to evaporate. Alternatively, stir in a spoonful of cornflour mixed with a little water to help thicken it quickly.

Are There Vegetarian Alternatives For This Recipe?

Yes, you can substitute the chicken with chickpeas, lentils, or hearty vegetables like sweet potatoes, cauliflower, or butternut squash. Adjust cooking times accordingly, and add the vegetables based on how long they take to become tender.