Slow-Cooker Chicken Pumpkin Curry.
Warm up your dinner with this easy Slow-Cooker Chicken Pumpkin Curry, featuring tender chicken thighs, sweet pumpkin puree, and a fragrant blend of curry spices slow-cooked to perfection. This comforting, nutritious dish is rich in flavor and perfect for cozy nights or meal prepping.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 to 8 hours (low) or 3 to 4 hours (high)
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Indian-inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 to 2 lbs chicken thighs (bone-in or boneless), cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 2 tablespoons curry powder blend (turmeric, cumin, coriander, and other spices)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon chili flakes or 1 fresh chili, chopped (optional)
Finishing Ingredients
- Juice of 1 lime
- Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
Optional Add-ins or Variations
- Bell peppers, spinach, or green beans (added near the end of cooking)
- Use chickpeas or tofu instead of chicken for a vegetarian version
- Swap pumpkin with butternut squash or sweet potatoes
- Swap coconut milk for light coconut milk or Greek yogurt for a lighter curry
- Prepare the ingredients: Chop the onion, mince the garlic and ginger, and measure out your pumpkin puree and curry spices. Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces if desired.
- Layer the slow cooker: Place the chopped onions at the bottom of the slow cooker, then add minced garlic and ginger, chicken pieces, pumpkin puree, curry powder, coconut milk, and chicken broth. Sprinkle in chili flakes or fresh chili if using, for desired heat.
- Cook low and slow: Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the chicken to become tender.
- Final touches: Before serving, stir in fresh lime juice and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped cilantro for a fresh, herbal finish.
- Serve: Serve with fluffy basmati rice, warm naan, or quinoa. Optionally top with yogurt and toasted pumpkin seeds for added texture and flavor.
Notes
- Use bone-in chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful meat.
- Toast curry powder briefly before adding to deepen its aroma.
- Adjust broth and coconut milk amount to achieve your preferred curry consistency.
- Add fresh herbs like cilantro and lime juice at the end to preserve their brightness.
- Taste and adjust seasoning before serving as slow cooking can mellow the spices.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
Keywords: slow cooker, chicken curry, pumpkin curry, crockpot recipe, easy dinner, comfort food, gluten free, cozy meal