Wholesome & Easy this Slow Cooker Chicken Curry delivers a healthy, flavour-packed midweek dinner that’s as effortless as it is delicious. Just set it, forget it, and come home to a wonderfully balanced and comforting meal!

A white bowl filled with rice, vegetables, and a healthy chicken curry dish cooked in the slow cooker is placed on a white surface next to a striped cloth and another bowl containing more vegetables. the slow cooker chicken curry is in the background

When life gets busy, but you want a delicious, comforting meal that’s both nourishing and easy to prepare, a slow cooked Indian chicken curry is a fantastic choice. But this slow cooker recipe isn’t just about convenience; It also has a powerhouse of health benefits, perfect for those seeking a balanced diet in an easy meal.

This healthy chicken curry is a great addition to your meal rotation. It’s full of blood sugar-balancing ingredients, gut-friendly, budget-conscious, and time-saving. What’s not to love? Whether you’re new to slow cooker recipes or a seasoned pro, this dish will quickly become a household favourite, like it is in our house.

A white bowl filled with rice, vegetables, and a healthy slow cooker chicken curry is placed on a white surface next to a striped cloth.

Why You Should Add This Healthy Chicken Curry to Your Meal Plan

One of the biggest challenges for anyone trying to eat healthily is finding both budget-friendly and easy to prepare recipes. This slow cooker Indian chicken curry ticks both boxes, making it a perfect addition to your weekly meal plan. Here are some other reasons why I love this recipe:

Nutrient-Dense and Low in Calories

If you’re watching your calorie intake but don’t want to compromise on flavour, this healthy chicken curry is an excellent choice. With its lean protein content and vegetables, this dish is packed with nutrients while being relatively low in calories. It makes a satisfying meal thanks to the fibre-rich pulses, that won’t leave you feeling hungry or deprived, making it easier to stick to a healthy eating plan.

This low-calorie chicken curry is also a great option for those looking to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight. The high protein content helps to build and repair tissues, while the fibre keeps you feeling full for longer.

A black slow cooker bowl filled with chicken curry and a ladel with a scoop of slow cooked chicken curry

Adaptable to Different Dietary Needs

Another reason why this slow cooker chicken curry is such a great addition to your meal plan is its adaptability. Whether you’re following a low-fat, low-carb, or gluten-free diet, this recipe can be easily modified to suit your needs.

Low-Fat: By using lean chicken breast and minimal rapeseed oil, this curry is naturally low in fat.
Low-Carb: To make this dish low-carb, simply serve it with cauliflower rice instead of traditional basmati rice. This will reduce the overall carb content while still providing a satisfying and delicious meal.
Gluten-Free: The recipe is naturally gluten-free, as it uses whole ingredients and no wheat-based thickeners. Just be sure to check your spice paste to ensure they don’t contain any hidden gluten.

Blood Sugar Balancing Benefits

One of the standout features of this healthy chicken curry is its potential to help manage blood sugar levels. This crockpot Indian curry is packed with ingredients that release energy slowly, keeping you satisfied and energised.

The combination of lean protein from the chicken breast, low glycemic index (GI) ingredients like tomatoes, and fibre-rich vegetables and pulses creates a dish that can help prevent blood sugar spikes and keep you feeling fuller for longer.

Ideal for Meal Prep and Freezing

This slow cooker Indian chicken curry is perfect for meal prepping and freezing, making it an ideal choice for busy weeks. You can easily double the recipe, portion it out, and store it in the freezer for a quick and healthy meal whenever you need it.

Simply thaw and reheat your curry for a stress-free dinner that’s ready in minutes. This is especially handy for those days when you don’t have the time or energy to cook but still want something homemade and nutritious. Plus, the flavours of the curry only get better with time, making it even more delicious when reheated.

What you will need to make slow cooker Indian curry chicken

Ingredients for healthy chicken curry on a chopping board including chicken breasts, white onion, chopped tinned tomatoes, jar of chickpeas, red lentils, curry paste and 2 green peppers

Lean Chicken Breasts

High in protein, low in fat, and a great source of essential amino acids, chicken breasts help build and repair tissues.

Buy free range or higher welfare if you can

White Onion

Onions are rich in antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory properties, contributing to heart health and boosting the immune system.

Curry Paste

Curry paste, often made with turmeric, ginger, garlic, and other spices, adds a real depth of flavour over dry spices

I always use Patak’s curry paste as there are no added nasties and it’s gluten free
Choose any flavour paste you prefer.

Jar / Canned Chickpeas

Chickpeas are packed with fibre and protein, helping to regulate blood sugar levels, support digestive health, and keep you feeling full longer.

I love the Queen Chickpeas by Bold Bean Co.

Tinned Tomatoes

Tomatoes are a rich source of lycopene, an antioxidant linked to reduced risk of heart disease and cancer

They add a tangy base to the curry.

Dried Red Lentils

Lentils are a fibre powerhouse and provide plant-based protein, which supports digestive health and helps in maintaining stable blood sugar levels.

Bell Peppers

Bell peppers are high in vitamin C and antioxidants, promoting immune health and reducing oxidative stress in the body.

I love the slight sourness of green peppers in this curry recipe

Equipment Needed

Slow Cooker – I love the Sizzle & Stew Crockpot and you can read all about why I highly rate this product in my review

Spatula

Chopping Board & Sharp Kitchen Knife

How to Make Healthy Chicken Curry in the Slow Cooker

The ease of cooking with a slow cooker is a pure source of joy. All you need is to brown a few ingredients, add everything else in and then leave it to work its magic. Here is the step-by-step guide to make this easy chicken curry recipe:

If you have a Sizzle & Stew Crockpot you can do everything in the removable bowl. If not use a large frying pan.

A black slow cooker bowl filled with the browned onions

To start, add a little rapeseed or vegetable oil to the bowl/pan and gently fry the sliced onions.

A black slow cooker bowl filled with the browned cubed chicken and onions

Once they are golden brown add the chunks of diced chicken breast. Stir occasionally to brown the meat.

A black slow cooker bowl filled with the uncooked ingredients for healthy chicken curry. from timnned tomatoes, curry paste, chickpeas, lentils, cubed chicken and green pepper chunks.

Remove from the heat and either transfer the chicken and onion to your slow cooker bowl or just add the remaining ingredients.

A black slow cooker bowl filled with the uncooked tomato cuury based sauce, chickpeas, lentils, cubed chicken and onions with green pepper chunks.

Stir in the curry paste, then add the chickpeas, red lentils, and chopped bell peppers. Pour in the tinned tomatoes along with a can of water (using the tomato tin), and mix everything thoroughly.

a crockpot slow cooker with the timer set to 4 hours on a white kitchen counter

Set the slow cooker to either a high heat setting (4 hours) or a low heat and cook for 6-8 hours. This slow cooking method allows the flavours to meld together beautifully, while the chicken becomes tender and juicy.

A black slow cooker bowl filled with healthy chicken curry and a sprinkle of green corriander leaves

Before serving, gently stir the curry to mix all the ingredients together. Serve hot with your choice of brown rice, whole wheat naan, or a side of roasted vegetables.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

While this healthy chicken curry is a complete meal on its own, there are many ways to add to this Indian curry for an even more balanced and nutritious meal. Here are some serving suggestions that will turn this slow cooked Indian chicken curry into a feast:

Brown Basmati Rice: For a healthy and fibre-rich option, serve your curry with brown basmati rice. It has a nutty flavour that pairs beautifully with the spices in the curry and provides an extra boost of nutrients.
Whole Wheat Naan: Warm a whole wheat naan bread or roti for scooping up the curry and enjoying every last bit of sauce. You can make your own or pick some up from your local store.
Bombay Potatoes: A side of these delicious bombay potatoes are perfect for soaking up all those wonderful Indian spices in the sauce
Cucumber Raita: A cooling cucumber raita made with Greek yoghurt, mint, and cumin can balance the heat of the curry and add a refreshing element to the meal. It’s also a great way to incorporate some probiotic goodness into your diet.
Spicy Roasted Cauliflower: Roast some cauliflower florets with a sprinkle of cumin, garam masala and chilli powder for a spicy side that complements the flavours of the curry. This adds an extra serving of vegetables to your meal, boosting its health profile even further.

Diabetes Note

This slow cooker Indian chicken curry is an excellent choice for diabetes management, as it’s low in refined carbs and high in fibre and lean protein, helping to stabilise blood sugar levels and prevent spikes. And for a type 1 diabetic, it’s a carb count-free recipe!

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