This dish may look humble, but… if my blog were a basketball team, this recipe would be in the starting five. It’s called 5 Minute Slow Cooker Curry because the prep time is LITERALLY five minutes (I timed myself). Load everything into a slow cooker and turn it on. Then, six hours later, revel in effortless curry!
Not only is this slow cooker curry crazy lazy as far as prep is concerned, but guess what else takes five minutes? The clean-up! It’s my strategy to clean the kitchen as I go, but sometimes when I’m in a massive rush it all ends up piled in the sink. There’s simply no danger of that with this recipe. Only a single spoon is needed during prep for the tomato paste, and after the curry is finished cooking simply store the leftovers in the fridge and then wash the slow cooker insert. You’re good to go! If you need yet another reason to give this slow cooker curry a shot, know that it’s extremely versatile. Of course, there’s always a vegetarian version possible, full of even more delicious veggies like cauliflower and carrots. If you’re making the version below but don’t have butternut squash on hand, then sweet potato would be a great substitute. Want to add a few handfuls of spinach? Be my guest. Want to serve it with a squeeze of lemon instead of cilantro? By all means. 🙂
True, this curry relies on frozen and canned ingredients to clock in at its ridiculously short prep time, which are less optimal than fresh, locally-gorwn, seasonal vegetables of course! But on those days when the quickest of quick is the only kind of homemade meal that your schedule can accommodate, this recipe is there to the rescue.
- 1-2 lbs butternut squash*
- 3 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1 16-oz bag frozen pearl onions
- 1 16-oz bag frozen peas
- 1 13.5-oz can coconut milk
- 1 6-oz can tomato paste
- 1 tbsp curry powder
- 2 tsp salt, or to taste
- Load the ingredients (in the order listed above) into the slow cooker.
- Cook on high for six hours, then stir thoroughly with a fork to break up the chicken and serve warm, topped with chili flakes, coconut flakes and cilantro if desired.
The Comments
Shannon Peterson
I love that you added butternut squash – I’m always looking for ways to incorporate it into more dishes as it’s one of my favorites!
Grok Grub
Shannon PetersonMe too… I think it’s so underrated! 🙂
Hali
Looks delicious, wish we didn’t have allergies so we could try it!
Grok Grub
HaliWhat allergies, specifically?
Rosie
This looks wonderful and I love that it is so quick.
Rosie
Ajuli Tulsyan
Looks yummy! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Lee Anne
Oh my gosh this looks SO good! Thanks for sharing! Adding to my recipe list!
xoxo
Lee Anne
Grok Grub
Lee AnneYay! Let me know how it goes. 🙂
Tia
This looks so good and I love the simplicity of how to prepare it. Can’t wait to give it a try in my own kitchen 🙂
Grok Grub
TiaThanks! Yep, simplicity is key on those busy, busy, busy days.
Tara
My husband would LOVE this recipe. He always wants me to make curry but I hate all the work that comes along with my recipe! This recipe would be fast and easy!
Grok Grub
TaraI love curries too but was searching for an “everyday” recipe (not literally, but one without the hassle). Ended up having to write one myself! 😛
Mary
Are you somehow “cheating” with the squash? It takes me about 30 minutes to struggled through peeling, coring, and chopping a butternut squash. Is there a shortcut I am missing?
Grok Grub
MaryYes, I am cheating with the squash, and I totally forgot to mention that! It’s yet another hack. I’ve updated the recipe notes to answer your question.
Laura Adney | Have Need Want
This sounds delicious! I don’t eat chicken but could definitely see this as a vegetarian dish!
xo, Laura
http://www.have-need-want.com
Grok Grub
Laura Adney | Have Need WantYep, would be fantastic just loaded up with vegetables. 🙂
Ashleigh
This recipe looks amazing and delicious! Thank you for sharing!
Loriel
I love how easy this is. I think it would make a great summer meal because of how quick it is to put together and how you don’t have to do anything else! Hallelujah!
Grok Grub
LorielTotally! I can’t stand slaving over a hot stove in the summer.
Megan Stevens
Excellent, love it! Sharing tomorrow!
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Elizabeth Nash
Looks yummy but I thought peas were against Whole 30?
Fresh Planet Flavor
Elizabeth NashYou’re so right! I have removed the Whole 30 tag.