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Home » Recipes » 4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Chicken Curry ( Even My Kids Love It!)

4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Chicken Curry ( Even My Kids Love It!)

Filed Under: Dinner, Slow Cooker and Freezer Meals February 16, 2024

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crock pot chicken curry in a bowl topped with cilantro, and on top of rice

This Chicken Curry Crock Pot Recipe quickly became a hit with my family. It was submitted by one of mThis Chicken Curry Crock Pot Recipe quickly became a hit with my family. It was submitted by one of my YouTube subscribers and turned out to be the best chicken curry recipe we had ever tasted! It’s rich, flavorful, and comes together effortlessly in the slow cooker. It’s a fantastic option if you’re looking for a healthy slow cooker meal that’s full of flavor but light on effort.

This dish is almost a shortcut with very simple ingredients. With just a few affordable staples like boneless skinless chicken, salsa, curry powder, and cream cheese, this dish is incredibly easy to make. And a huge plus—it’s made in a one pot slow cooker, so cleanup is minimal!

I just love slow cooker recipes! Whether you serve it with white rice, brown rice, or naan bread, it’s a budget-friendly chicken curry that’s sure to impress. We’ve even made it with a side of sweet potatoes for extra nutrients and flavor—and it pairs perfectly with the warm, spiced curry sauce.


🛒 Ingredients:

  • ½ an onion, chopped (optional)
  • 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts sliced in half OR 4 boneless skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 cup of salsa
  • 3 tablespoons curry powder
  • 4 ounces cubed cream cheese
  • 3 cups cooked white rice (for serving)

Optional additions:

  • 1 small sweet potato, peeled and diced, added at the beginning for extra texture and nutrition
  • Substitute or add brown rice instead of white for a healthier base

🍛 Instructions:

  1. Place sliced chicken breasts or thighs in the bottom of your slow cooker.
  2. Top the chicken with salsa and curry powder.
  3. Cover and cook on low for 3 hours, or until the chicken is fully cooked through and tender.
  4. Add cream cheese to the slow cooker, mix well, and shred the chicken directly in the pot. (You can also remove and shred in a bowl using a hand mixer.)
  5. Serve hot over white or brown rice, with naan on the side.

This chicken curry recipe also works great as meal prep and can be doubled to serve a larger family. It’s easy, cozy, and hits the spot every time!

Instant Pot Instructions:
To make this chicken curry recipe in the Instant Pot, start by placing ½ a chopped onion (if using) and 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts or 4 chicken thighs into the pot. Add 1 cup of salsa and 3 tablespoons of curry powder on top. Lock the lid and set to Pressure Cook (Manual) on high pressure for 10 minutes. Once the cook time is complete, allow a natural release for 5 minutes, then do a quick release. Carefully remove the lid, add 4 ounces of cubed cream cheese, and stir until melted. Shred the chicken with two forks or a hand mixer directly in the pot. Serve over brown rice or sweet potatoes for a healthy, one-pot meal!

Dairy-Free Option:
If you’re looking for a dairy-free alternative to cream cheese you can make a coconut chicken curry recipe, using coconut milk. It still gives the slow cooker curry that creamy texture and rich flavor, while keeping it completely non-dairy. Simply replace the 4 ounces of cream cheese with about ½ cup of full fat coconut milk. Add it at the same point in the recipe—after the chicken is cooked and shredded. Stir it in until well combined for a creamy, flavorful finish that’s just as satisfying. This swap works perfectly whether you’re using the slow cooker or Instant Pot version, and it pairs beautifully with both brown rice and sweet potatoes.


🍚 Serving Suggestions:

  • Over steamed brown rice for a healthier option
  • With roasted sweet potatoes on the side for extra fiber and nutrients
  • With a side salad or naan for a well-rounded meal

🌟 Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

  • Made with simple pantry staples
  • Great for busy weeknights
  • Minimal cleanup with one pot convenience
  • Easily customizable—add sweet potato chunks for a veggie boost
  • A healthy slow cooker dinner packed with flavor

📝 Final Thoughts:

There’s something so comforting about a warm bowl of slow cooker chicken curry after a long day. This one’s rich, slightly creamy, and totally satisfying. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned home chef, this crock pot chicken curry recipe is one to keep in rotation.

It’s hearty, simple, and adaptable—plus, it feels like a little indulgence without being heavy. Add it to your meal plan next week, especially if you’re looking for a flavorful healthy slow cooker dinner that doesn’t take hours in the kitchen

FOR MORE INEXPENSIVE SLOW COOKER RECIPES CHECK OUT THESE VIDEOS:

  • 3 New Slow Cooker Recipes
  • Inexpensive and Easy in the Slow Cooker
  • All New Recipes for Slow Cooker Season

MORE SLOW COOKER RECIPES TO TRY:

  • Crock Pot Italian Sausage – So easy, my mother in law taught me this!
  • Mississippi Pot Roast (A family Fav!)
  • Money Saving Poor Man’s Stew
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crock pot chicken curry in a bowl topped with cilantro, and on top of rice

Slow Cooker Chicken Curry


  • Author: Maria
  • Total Time: 3 hours 5 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x
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Description

This shocking combo of chicken, salsa, cream cheese, and curry powder was shared with me by a Youtube subscriber. It quickly became a family favorite and rivals the restaurant!


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/2 an onion, chopped (optional)
  • 2 large chicken breasts sliced in half or 4 boneless skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 cup of salsa
  • 3 tablespoons curry powder
  • 4 ounces cubed cream cheese
  • 3 cups cooked white rice (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Place sliced chicken breasts in the bottom of a slow cooker.
  2. Top the chicken breasts with 1 cup of salsa and 3 tablespoons of curry powder.
  3. Cook on low for 3 hours until the chicken is fully cooked through.
  4. Add cream cheese to the slow cooker, mix, and shred the chicken at the same time. You can also shred the chicken in a separate bowl with a hand mixer.
  5. Serve over warm rice and enjoy!
  • Prep Time: 5
  • Cook Time: 180

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Maria Ronan is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Links on this site may include affiliate links to Amazon and its affiliate sites on which the owner of this website will make a referral commission. Thank you for supporting Meals With Maria! My videos and website are for entertainment purposes only. Any information related to food, food safety, cooking, recipes, etc. are my opinions only. Maria Ronan is not liable and/or responsible for any advice, services, or product you obtain through this video and website.

Tagged With: chicken, crock pot, crockpot, curry, low ingredient, slow cooker

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Welcome to Meals with Maria! I’m Maria, a passionate home cook and mom on a mission to help you make everyday healthy meals simple, and holiday indulgence special. As a wife and mother of three boys, I know how important it is to balance nourishing your family with meals that are easy to prepare and budget-friendly — while still savoring the joy of holiday treats and meals out. Read More…

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