Steam curls up from the valve and your stomach starts talking back. You catch that familiar valve hiss as the pressure cooker gets going and you know dinner's on its way. There's that little float valve jumping, telling you the sealing ring is doing its job tight.

The kitchen fills with sweet warmth and spices, kinda wrapping you up like a cozy blanket. It's like the broth depth growing inside that pot is holding all these flavors together just right. You spot the creamy coconut milk mingling with the cashews and spices that got blended up real smooth.
It9s that moment you feel you9ve done something good for yourself. Knowing when the natural release finally happens, and you lift the lid, you see that tender chicken just hanging out in the rich sauce you made. This slow cooker chicken korma is comfort in a bowl, and dang, it9s gonna stick with you.
Why This Recipe Works Every Single Time
- You get tender chicken that falls apart but still holds together nice, thanks to that slow cook time.
- The soaked cashews blended with broth make a creamy base without any cream needing to be added.
- Using a sealing ring keeps the pressure sealed so all those spices get locked in good and real.
- The mix of turmeric, cinnamon, and garam masala makes the flavors deep but balanced, never overpowering.
- Cooking low and slow avoids dry chicken and lets the coconut milk blend perfectly, making it smooth and rich.
Your Simple Ingredient Checklist
- 2 lbs raw chicken breast, cut into bite sized pieces 7a href="https://www.hrrecipes.com/cheesy-kielbasa-hashbrown-casserole-dump-meal/" title="Cheesy Kielbasa Hashbrown Casserole Dump Meal Recipe" style="color:#4a90e2;">this is your protein superstar.
- ¾ cup raw cashews, soaked in hot water for at least 30 minutes 7a href="https://www.hrrecipes.com/mozzarella-stuffed-rosemary-parmesan-soft-pretzels-2/" title="Mozzarella Stuffed Rosemary Parmesan Soft Pretzels Recipe" style="color:#4a90e2;">they add creaminess when blended.
- 1.5 cups chicken broth 7a href="https://www.hrrecipes.com/easy-marinated-cheese-appetizer-with-salami-green-olives/" title="Easy Marinated Cheese Appetizer with Salami & Green Olives" style="color:#4a90e2;">helps create that broth depth for the sauce.
- 2 tablespoon tomato paste 7gives a slight tang and color to your korma.
- 3 teaspoon chopped fresh ginger 7fresh zing that lifts the whole dish.
- 2 teaspoon raw honey 7balances spices with a little sweetness.
- 2 teaspoon garam masala 7key spice blend for true korma flavor.
- 1 teaspoon each of ground cumin, turmeric, and cinnamon 7these spices build the warm aroma.
- 1 teaspoon salt 7don9t skip it, it brings everything alive.
- 1 can full fat coconut milk 7divided for mixing and finishing the sauce rich.
- ½ medium yellow onion, diced 7adds gentle sweetness and texture.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced 7for that savory kick.
- Optional stuff 7 ½ cup raisins for a sweet bite, ¼ cup fresh cilantro for garnish, and ⅓ cup almonds sliced or chopped for crunch.
Walking Through Every Single Move
First, start by draining those soaked cashews you left in hot water for a bit. Toss 'them in a blender with the chicken broth and blend until it9s a creamy smooth mix. This step is the base for your korma that makes it real cozy and thick.

Next, you dump that blended cashew mixture into your slow cooker. Then add tomato paste, chopped ginger, honey, garam masala, cumin, turmeric, and cinnamon. Give it a good stir so all those flavors get to know each other.
Now, add your chicken breast pieces to the pot. Stir well so each piece gets coated in that creamy spicy sauce. This part you gotta make sure everything is mixed good for max flavor.
Cover up with the lid and set the slow cooker on low. Let it cook for 6-7 hours or if you9re tight on time, high for 3-4 hours. While it cooks, you9ll hear the valve hiss and know that sealing ring is trapping all the yum inside.
When the cooking time is almost up, wait for that natural release. It9s tempting to open early but trust me, this lets the chicken absorb all the steam and stay juicy. After that, check if seasoning needs a little tweak. Maybe a pinch more salt or honey.
Serve it up hot over rice or alongside warm naan bread. Garnish with cilantro and sprinkle almonds on top if you feel like it. You9re ready to dig into some comforting, creamy korma goodness.
Quick Tricks That Save Your Time
- Use pre-cut chicken breast chunks from your grocery store so you don9t gotta chop a ton.
- Swap fresh onion for frozen diced onion when you9re in hurry, it works real good and saves prep.
- Toast your almonds quickly in a pan while the korma cooks for that fresh crunch without extra hassle.
The Flavor Experience Waiting for You
You9re gonna notice the warm spices coming through first, with garam masala and cumin leading that parade. The cinnamon adds a subtle sweetness that kinda sneaks up and comforts your taste buds like a soft hug.
Then the coconut milk and cashews create a creamy texture that almost melts in your mouth. It9s not heavy but rich, like it9s wrapping y all in something smooth and tender.
And the chicken itself is juicy and perfectly tender, catching all those flavors like a sponge. The occasional raisins pop with bursts of sweetness and cilantro brings the fresh pop that cuts through the richness. It9s a dang well-rounded dish you9ll wanna make again.
Smart Storage That Actually Works
If you got leftovers, let the korma cool a bit before moving it into airtight containers. This keeps it fresh and stops the sauce from getting watery.
Pop those containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. When you warm it back up, low heat9s best so the coconut milk doesn9t break apart. Stir it gently while warming to keep it smooth.
You can freeze portions too for longer storage. Just cool it fully and use freezer-safe bags or containers. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge then warm gently on the stove or in your pressure cooker pot without pressure.
For best flavor, reheat only what you plan on eating so it doesn9t lose that creamy texture from multiple reheats. Keeping that sealing ring and proper lid usage when reheating keeps moisture locked in real good.
Common Questions and Real Answers
- Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast? Yeah, you totally can. Just keep in mind thighs might cook a bit quicker and are fattier, making it even juicier.
- What9s the best way to soak cashews fast? Hot water for about 30 minutes works good. If short on time, you can use boiling water and soak for 15 minutes but it9s better slow.
- Can I skip the raisins and almonds? For sure. They9re optional and just add texture and sweetness if you want extra.
- How do I know when the slow cooker is at sealing ring tightness? You9ll hear that valve hiss and see the float valve pop up. That means the pressure is holding well.
- Is honey necessary or can I use something else? Honey adds a balance but you can swap with maple syrup or skip if you want less sweetness.
- Can I make this recipe in a pressure cooker instead of slow cooker? Yup! Just reduce cooking time to about 15-20 minutes on high pressure and let natural release happen for tender results.
For related recipes, check out our Cheesy Kielbasa Hashbrown Casserole Dump Meal Recipe for a quick and easy option using kielbasa, or explore Mozzarella Stuffed Rosemary Parmesan Soft Pretzels featuring cheesy, herbed treats perfect for snacks. Also, don9t miss our Easy Marinated Cheese Appetizer with Salami & Green Olives as a savory delight to complement your meals.


Slow Cooker Chicken Korma with Coconut Milk
Equipment
- 1 Slow cooker
- 1 Blender
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 lbs raw chicken breast cut into bite sized pieces
- ¾ cup raw cashews soaked in hot water for at least 30 minutes
- 1.5 cups chicken broth
- 2 tablespoon tomato paste
- 3 teaspoon chopped fresh ginger
- 2 teaspoon raw honey
- 2 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 can full fat coconut milk divided
- ½ medium yellow onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ½ cup raisins optional
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro for garnish
- ⅓ cup almonds sliced or chopped, optional
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper optional
Instructions
Instructions
- Drain soaked cashews and blend with chicken broth until creamy.
- Pour mixture into slow cooker and stir in tomato paste, ginger, honey, garam masala, cumin, turmeric, cinnamon, salt, and crushed red pepper (if using).
- Add chicken breast pieces to the pot and stir to coat completely.
- Cover and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours. After cooking, stir in reserved coconut cream and adjust salt if needed. Add raisins if using.
- Serve hot over rice or with naan. Garnish with cilantro and chopped almonds if desired.



