Weeknights, right? They sneak up on you faster than you can say ‘What’s for dinner?’ That’s why I live and breathe the slow cooker. Seriously, I must have made this Slow Cooker Chicken And Sweet Potato Curry a hundred times now, especially when soccer practice runs late or I just can’t face a giant pile of pots and pans. It’s honestly magic. You toss everything in at 8 AM, and when you walk through the door, you’re hit with this incredible, warm aroma. The best part is that creamy coconut milk base perfectly balances the earthy sweetness of the potatoes and that savory chicken. It’s pure comfort food disguised as a five-minute prep job—my go-to for keeping the family happy without wrecking my evening!
Why This Slow Cooker Chicken And Sweet Potato Curry Is Your New Weeknight Favorite
I’m telling you, once you make this Slow Cooker Chicken And Sweet Potato Curry your regular rotation, you’ll wonder how you ever managed those chaotic evenings before! It truly is the definition of a win-win meal. It tastes like you spent hours blooming spices, but the effort involved is laughably small.
Seriously, what’s not to love? Check out why this recipe wins every time:
- Minimal Prep Time: We’re talking 15 minutes max before you lock the lid and walk away. I can usually get this ready while the coffee is still brewing in the morning!
- Set-It-And-Forget-It Ease: This is the hero feature. Low and slow cooking means the chicken stays unbelievably tender and the sweet potatoes melt right into the sauce. No rushing necessary.
- Flavor Development: Letting those spices soak into the coconut milk for six hours? That’s where the depth comes from. The flavors mingle beautifully.
- Healthy-ish Comfort: It feels rich and decadent thanks to the coconut milk, but it’s packed with veggies. You can check out more of my favorite healthy meals right here: healthy dinner recipes for weight loss.
It’s the perfect solution for busy days when you still want something truly delicious on the table.
Gathering Ingredients for Slow Cooker Chicken And Sweet Potato Curry
Okay, this is the fun part—getting everything ready so that the slow cooker can do its absolute best work! Because the prep is so fast, paying close attention to how you chop things really makes a difference in the texture later on. Trust me; I’ve learned this from experience when I tried to rush measuring the spices!
When you’re gathering your haul, think about balance: you need the savory chicken, the sweet potato, the aromatics to kick things off, and that rich, luxurious liquid base. For a creamy result in our Slow Cooker Chicken And Sweet Potato Curry, you simply cannot skimp on the full-fat coconut milk. That stuff adds body no light version can match. If you ever want to compare different creamy dishes, you can check out my thoughts on lentil curry with coconut milk for more creamy inspiration!
Key Components for the Slow Cooker Chicken And Sweet Potato Curry
- You need about two pounds of boneless, skinless chicken. I usually cut mine into nice, even 1-inch pieces. Breasts work fine, but thighs give you a better result if you’re looking for ultimate tenderness.
- Peel those two large sweet potatoes and cube them up—aim for pieces roughly the same size so they all cook evenly.
- Chop up one big onion and get three cloves of garlic minced. Don’t forget the fresh ginger! I like to grate about a tablespoon of that zingy root.
- The liquid gold: one 13.5-ounce can of that full-fat coconut milk and one cup of regular chicken broth.
- Don’t forget a little splash of brown sugar—just a tablespoon—to help deepen the overall flavor profile.
Spice Blend for Depth of Flavor
This is where we build the curry magic! We aren’t using a huge amount of spices, but they have to be good quality. You’ll need two tablespoons of curry powder—get your favorite blend! Then, we add one teaspoon of ground cumin and half a teaspoon of turmeric. The turmeric is crucial, not just for color, but it has a wonderful, slightly earthy note that pairs unbelievably well with the inherent sweetness of the sweet potato. It just gives the whole dish that warm, authentic background hum.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Slow Cooker Chicken And Sweet Potato Curry
It’s genuinely almost unbelievable how straightforward the process is for our Slow Cooker Chicken And Sweet Potato Curry. You basically just need two bowls and the insert of your Crock-Pot. Remember, since we aren’t searing or sauteing anything first, the layering is important for how everything melds together over those long cooking hours. Follow these steps, and you’ll have the richest curry without ever dirtying a heavy pan!
Loading the Slow Cooker Base Ingredients
First things first, get all your solids stacked up in the slow cooker insert. Toss in the chicken pieces—remember, one-inch chunks—the peeled and cubed sweet potatoes, the chopped onion, minced garlic, and that lovely fresh ginger you grated earlier. That aromatic base is sitting right at the bottom, ready to soak up flavor. Don’t mix it up super hard yet; just get everything settled in there nicely.
Creating the Flavorful Liquid Mixture
Now, grab a separate bowl! This is a huge pro tip—you don’t want clumps of curry powder floating around in your final dish. In that bowl, whisk together your curry powder, cumin, turmeric, the full can of coconut milk, the chicken broth, and the little bit of brown sugar we added for balance. Whisk this until it looks smooth and uniformly colored. Pour this entire liquid mixture over the chicken and vegetables in the slow cooker. Give it a very gentle stir just to make sure everything gets coated.
Cooking the Slow Cooker Chicken And Sweet Potato Curry
Time does the work for us now! Secure the lid. For that true ‘I cooked all day’ flavor, set it to LOW and let it go for six to eight hours. If you’re running short on time, HIGH will get it done in three to four hours. Either way, you’re looking for the chicken to be fully cooked and those sweet potatoes to be fork-tender. Before you decide it’s done, sprinkle in your salt and pepper to taste; taste testing is easier once it’s piping hot!
Final Touches and Serving the Slow Cooker Chicken And Sweet Potato Curry
When everything is soft, you have a fun choice! If you like a thicker sauce clinging to the meat, take two forks and give the chicken a little shred right there in the pot. It marries the sauce beautifully. If you prefer chunks, skip that part! Next, serve the Slow Cooker Chicken And Sweet Potato Curry immediately. Don’t forget that mandatory sprinkle of fresh, chopped cilantro over the top. That pop of green really cuts through the richness of the sauce. If you are looking for slow cooker pork ideas while you wait, I have a great recipe for slow cooker brown sugar balsamic pork you might love!

Tips for Perfect Slow Cooker Chicken And Sweet Potato Curry Results
Listen, even with the easiest recipes, sometimes things need a little tweak based on what your slow cooker likes or what ingredients happen to be on sale. I’ve messed around with this Slow Cooker Chicken And Sweet Potato Curry enough times now to know the little tricks that take it from good to absolutely amazing. Building trust means knowing when to intervene!
It’s super important to remember that slow cookers vary wildly on how hot they run. Don’t be afraid to peek (but not too often!).
Achieving the Right Curry Consistency
Sometimes, after that long, slow cook, you might find the sauce is just a little thinner than you prefer. This is completely normal, especially if you used very large sweet potatoes that didn’t break down much. Don’t stress out! The fix is super simple. For a thicker sauce in your Slow Cooker Chicken And Sweet Potato Curry, just pop the lid off for the last 30 minutes of cooking time while the setting is on HIGH. Letting that steam escape allows the liquid to evaporate naturally. It thickens right up without needing cornstarch slurry drama!
Chicken Cut and Tenderness in Slow Cooker Chicken And Sweet Potato Curry
If you’re using chicken breasts, they are leaner, which is great, but they can get a little dry if you happen to cook them longer than necessary. I always feel like chicken thighs are the MVP for anything slow-cooked—they are basically impossible to dry out, and they add so much richer flavor to the curry base. Now, if you must use breasts, just make sure you’re hitting that 3-4 hour mark on HIGH or the early end of the LOW setting. If you need other easy ways to handle chicken, I have a guide on easy shredded chicken recipes that might give you some backbone for future meals!
Serving Suggestions for Your Curry
This beautiful, savory curry is honestly begging to be served over something that can soak up all that incredible coconut broth. You don’t want any of that sauce going to waste, trust me!
My absolute favorite way to enjoy this rich dish is spooned generously over fluffy Basmati rice. Cooking rice seems simple, but getting that perfect, separate-grain texture takes practice! If you want to nail your rice game, check out my tips on how to cook basmati rice recipe before you start dinner.
If you skip the rice, you absolutely must have some warm naan bread on the side. It’s perfect for scooping up any last bits of sweet potato and chicken from the bowl. It makes the whole meal feel so much more satisfying!

Storage and Reheating Guidelines for Slow Cooker Chicken And Sweet Potato Curry
I always make a big batch because leftovers are even better the next day! Store your Slow Cooker Chicken And Sweet Potato Curry in an airtight container, and it keeps perfectly fine in the fridge for about three to four days. When you’re ready for round two, the stovetop is my preference.
Just reheat slowly over medium-low heat, giving it a good stir now and then until it’s steaming hot all the way through. If you’re in a massive rush, the microwave works, but keep the power level around 70% so it doesn’t boil and toughen the chicken up too much. It maintains its creamy texture beautifully!
Frequently Asked Questions About This Curry
I always get loads of questions about customizing this dinner because everyone has a slightly different preference, which is totally normal! Cooking should always be about what *you* love, right? Here are the top things people ask me about when it comes to making this easy comfort food.
Can I make this chicken curry spicier?
Oh, absolutely! If you like heat—and I certainly do sometimes—it’s ridiculously easy to ramp up the spice level. You have two great options here. You can certainly add extra curry powder, but for a sharper kick, toss in about 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper right when you mix your liquids together. If you want flavor *and* heat, finely mince up a small jalapeño or serrano pepper and throw it in with the garlic and onion in Step 1. Just be sure to taste as you go, because you can always add more heat later, but you can’t take it out!
What is the best type of chicken for this slow cooker recipe?
This is a great question because the answer depends on what texture you’re after when the cooking is done! If you use boneless, skinless chicken breasts, they cook super fast and are naturally leaner. They shred beautifully, but you truly must watch the clock so they don’t dry out, even in the moisture of the curry. For guaranteed moist meat that practically dissolves in your mouth, I highly recommend chicken thighs. They have a bit more fat, which helps them stay incredibly tender over those long, low cooking hours. Either works, but thighs are my personal favorite for deep comfort food!
Can I freeze the Slow Cooker Chicken And Sweet Potato Curry?
Yes, leftovers freeze really well, which is fantastic for when you need lunch later in the week! Just let the curry cool completely first, then scoop it into freezer-safe, airtight containers. It freezes great for up to three months. Now, here is the one thing to keep an eye on: the sweet potatoes. Because they break down so much in the slow cooker, when you reheat them from frozen, they might get a little mushier than when they were first cooked. The chicken and sauce will be perfect, though! Just stir well after reheating.
Estimated Nutritional Snapshot of Slow Cooker Chicken And Sweet Potato Curry
Okay, let’s talk nutrition for a hot minute. I know so many of you are tracking macros or just curious about what you’re eating, and I totally get that! However, I have to give you a little shout-out about the numbers for this Slow Cooker Chicken And Sweet Potato Curry.
Because we all use different brands of coconut milk—some are thicker than others—and whether you choose chicken breasts versus fattier thighs totally changes things, I can’t give you one single, perfect number that’s accurate for *your* specific pot.
These estimates are just a ballpark guess, and they change based on everything from how much broth evaporates to the exact size of your sweet potatoes. So, please treat any numbers you see floating around out there as just a friendly starting point, not gospel truth! What matters most is that it tastes amazing and fills you up!
Share Your Slow Cooker Chicken And Sweet Potato Curry Success
That’s it! You’ve officially made one of the easiest, tastiest, slow cooker dinners out there. Now, the best part of sharing a recipe is hearing how *you* made it your own! I truly hope your house smells as amazing as mine does right now.
When you try this Slow Cooker Chicken And Sweet Potato Curry, don’t be shy! I love seeing photos, so snap one if you can. More importantly, please head down to the comments section below and let me know what you thought.
I’m dying to know: what side dish did you pair with your curry? Did you go traditional with rice, soak it all up with naan like I suggested? Let me know your perfect pairing!
Also, if you want to send a private note, have a suggestion, or just want to say hello, you can always reach out through my contact page here: Contact Me. Happy slow cooking, everyone!
Print
Slow Cooker Chicken and Sweet Potato Curry
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 min
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A simple, flavorful chicken and sweet potato curry made easily in a slow cooker.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 2 tablespoons curry powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 (13.5 oz) can full-fat coconut milk
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Place the chicken, sweet potatoes, onion, garlic, and ginger into the slow cooker.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the curry powder, cumin, turmeric, coconut milk, chicken broth, and brown sugar.
- Pour the liquid mixture over the chicken and vegetables in the slow cooker. Stir gently to combine.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and the sweet potatoes are tender.
- Shred the chicken slightly with two forks directly in the slow cooker, if desired.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro.
Notes
- Serve this curry over rice or with naan bread.
- For a thicker sauce, remove the lid for the last 30 minutes of cooking time on high setting.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Indian Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 12
- Sodium: 350
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 12
- Unsaturated Fat: 6
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 35
- Fiber: 6
- Protein: 40
- Cholesterol: 110
Keywords: slow cooker, chicken curry, sweet potato, coconut milk, easy dinner, comfort food

