Curried Chicken Stew

This Curried Chicken Stew is a comforting, aromatic dish that combines tender chicken, sweet carrots, and hearty potatoes in a rich, flavorful broth made creamy by the coconut milk. The spices curry powder, turmeric, and cumin add a warm, spicy kick that perfectly balances the natural sweetness of the vegetables.

Perfect for a chilly day, this stew is not only delicious but also quick and easy to make. You can adjust the level of spiciness to suit your taste and add other vegetables like peas or bell peppers for variety. Serve it with a side of warm bread or rice for a complete, satisfying meal that the whole family will love.

Full Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken breast, diced

• 1 onion, chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 tablespoon curry powder

• 1 teaspoon turmeric

• 1 teaspoon cumin

• 1 cup carrots, chopped

• 1 cup potatoes, diced

• 1 cup coconut milk

• 3 cups chicken broth

• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 
  Directions:

1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onions and garlic, and sauté until translucent, about 3 minutes.

2. Add the diced chicken to the pot and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.

3. Sprinkle curry powder, turmeric, cumin, and grated ginger over the chicken, stirring to coat. Cook for another 2 minutes to release the flavors.

4. Add chopped carrots, potatoes, coconut milk, and chicken broth to the pot. Stir everything together.

5. Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the stew has thickened slightly.

6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

7. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro if desired.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: 350 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

Curried Chicken Stew: A Comforting Slow Cooker Twist on Classic Curry

If you’re looking to bring warmth, comfort, and a burst of flavor into your dinner rotation, Curried Chicken Stew offers an ideal fusion of rich spices and slow-cooked heartiness. This recipe, curated by Stacie Vaughan of Simply Stacie, is a beautiful hybrid between a traditional chicken stew and a curry-based soup. What makes it truly special is its ability to capture the depth of curry flavors while remaining incredibly easy to prepare perfect for busy families and curry lovers alike.

While traditional Indian curries typically lean on a thicker sauce base served with rice or naan, this stew offers a more brothy and spoonable alternative. With coconut milk adding creaminess and curry powder introducing complexity, it’s a unique and practical solution for chilly nights or hands-off cooking days thanks to the slow cooker method.

Background & Inspiration

Stacie’s inspiration for this recipe is deeply rooted in the constraints and creativity of rural living. She mentions living in a small community with limited access to ethnic grocery stores making complex international dishes difficult to prepare. However, this didn’t stop her from experimenting. After reviewing the cookbook Curry Cuisine, she explored several curry dishes and ultimately adapted a version from Better Homes & Gardens’ 2013 Low-Carb Cooking edition.

What stands out is her resourcefulness. Despite having access to only basic spices and ingredients, she managed to recreate the comforting taste of curry with simplicity and grace. This is a great example of how anyone regardless of location or culinary expertise can create global flavors at home using accessible ingredients and appliances like the slow cooker.

What Makes Curried Chicken Stew Special?

This dish isn’t just another stew it brings a distinctly exotic flair through the use of coconut milk, fresh ginger, and curry powder. These three elements give the broth a signature yellow tint and a balance of sweetness, spice, and warmth. Here’s what sets this stew apart:

• Curry Flavors Without Overpowering Heat: Curry powder adds a complex mix of turmeric, coriander, cumin, and more, without overwhelming heat making it family-friendly.

• Creamy Texture Without Dairy: Coconut milk provides the richness and body typically achieved with cream or butter, while remaining dairy-free.

• Aromatic Base: The combination of garlic, ginger, and onions offers a fragrant base that develops deeply in the slow cooker over time.

• Tender Chicken: Cooking on low heat for hours ensures the chicken becomes fork-tender, infusing every bite with flavor from the surrounding broth.

This stew can also be customized easily. Whether you want to throw in some potatoes, chickpeas, or leafy greens, the base recipe is flexible enough to accommodate your preferences.

Serving Suggestions

Though hearty and satisfying on its own, Curried Chicken Stew pairs beautifully with a variety of sides and additions depending on the occasion:

• Naan or Flatbread: Soft, warm naan is perfect for dipping and soaking up the flavorful broth.

• Steamed Rice or Basmati: For those who want a more filling meal, spooning the stew over a bed of rice makes it feel even more substantial.

• Salad on the Side: A fresh cucumber or tomato salad adds a cooling contrast to the rich stew.

• Crackers or Homemade Rolls: For a Western-style pairing, serve it with freshly baked bread or crunchy crackers.

It also makes an excellent lunch for meal preppers. Packed in a thermos or microwave-safe container, the stew keeps well and reheats easily, providing a nourishing midday meal that feels anything but boring.

Cooking Method: Why Slow Cooker Wins

One of the main appeals of this recipe is its use of a slow cooker, which not only simplifies the cooking process but enhances the flavors over time. The “low and slow” technique ensures that each ingredient has time to release its essence into the broth, resulting in a deep, layered flavor that stovetop cooking might not fully replicate in a short time frame.

However, if you’re short on time or don’t own a slow cooker, you can replicate the dish on the stovetop. A large stockpot or Dutch oven works well just simmer the stew on low for 3 to 4 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Storage, Leftovers & Reheating

Another advantage of this stew is its excellent storage and reheating qualities. When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, it stays fresh for up to three days. It makes an excellent candidate for meal prepping simply portion it out and enjoy it across multiple meals.

When reheating, you can choose the stovetop, microwave, or even pop it back into the slow cooker if you’re serving a larger amount. The stovetop is generally preferred, as it helps the stew maintain its original texture and flavor without becoming overly watery.

One note of caution: because the recipe contains coconut milk, it’s not guaranteed to freeze well. Dairy substitutes like coconut milk can sometimes separate upon thawing. If you’re curious, try freezing a small portion as a test run before freezing the whole batch.

Dietary Considerations and Modifications

This recipe caters to a wide audience by being naturally dairy-free and relatively low in carbohydrates, thanks to its focus on protein and vegetables. Here are a few suggested modifications:

• Make It Vegetarian: Substitute chicken with chickpeas or firm tofu for a plant-based version.

• Increase the Spice: Add a pinch of cayenne or a chopped chili if you prefer more heat.

• Add Vegetables: Spinach, kale, or bell peppers can boost the nutrition and add color.

• Low-Sodium Adaptation: Use low-sodium broth and reduce added salt for those monitoring sodium intake.

It’s a versatile base recipe that can evolve based on dietary needs or pantry availability.

Audience-Friendly & Family Approved

A major highlight of Stacie’s post is the mention that her daughter, who isn’t always an adventurous eater, actually liked the stew. That speaks volumes. The flavor of curry can sometimes intimidate children or those unfamiliar with it, but this particular recipe is a gateway mild enough for beginners but rich enough for seasoned curry fans.

Whether you’re cooking for a large family or just yourself, the stew scales well and keeps flavor integrity even when reheated.

Conclusion: 

In a world filled with fast food and instant meals, Curried Chicken Stew offers something far more valuable: time, aroma, and soul. As it simmers gently in the slow cooker, it transforms from a handful of humble ingredients into a luxurious, golden stew that’s hearty, nutritious, and full of flavor.

This dish is a beautiful example of how comfort food doesn’t have to be bland or repetitive. With minimal effort, you can enjoy the exotic flair of curry in a familiar, soup-style dish that warms both your belly and spirit. Whether you’re new to curry or already love the flavor profile, this stew deserves a permanent spot on your dinner rotation.