Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Lentil Curry with Vegetables (No Coconut Milk)
Experience the rich, aromatic taste of Indian-style curry without all the fuss. This incredible slow cooker chicken lentil curry, crafted without coconut milk, is the ultimate comforting dish you’ve been searching for. It brings together succulent pieces of chicken, hearty lentils, and a vibrant medley of fresh vegetables, all simmering together in one convenient crockpot. This one-pot wonder is your perfect solution for those hectic weeknights when you crave something healthy, incredibly tasty, and effortlessly easy to prepare. Plus, with a few simple tweaks, it’s a breeze to make it vegetarian, too!
If you’re constantly seeking more uncomplicated and delicious crockpot creations, be sure to explore some of my other favorites. You can find my Easy Slow Cooker Cassoulet with Chicken and Sausage here, my comforting Slow Cooker Pork Stew with Vegetables here, or dive into any of these 19 Easy Slow Cooker Boneless Chicken Thighs Recipes for even more inspiration!
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Imagine this: a warm, deeply satisfying, and intensely flavorful chicken lentil curry, brimming with healthy vegetables, lean protein, and wholesome fats. What could possibly be better than that, especially on a chilly evening or after a long day?
Well, allow me to introduce you to a recipe where you literally toss all the ingredients into your slow cooker, switch it on, and then simply forget about it. That is, until the incredibly enticing aromas begin to gracefully waft through your entire house, signaling that a delicious meal is just around the corner. This “set it and forget it” convenience is truly what elevates this dish from simply good to absolutely revolutionary for busy home cooks.
And if that weren’t enough to convince you, consider the added benefit that this is a complete one-dish meal. All the essential protein from the chicken and lentils, along with a rainbow of nutritious vegetables, are perfectly combined in one pot. This means you don’t need to stress about preparing multiple side dishes; simply add a piece of crusty bread or warm naan to soak up every last drop of the glorious curry goodness, and your healthy, hearty dinner is served!
I’ve experimented with countless slow cooker recipes over the years, and I’ll be honest, many of them tend to be a bit bland or lack that vibrant spark. Perhaps it’s the extended cooking time that sometimes mutes flavors? I’m not entirely sure of the exact reason, but I know many people share this experience, despite there being plenty of truly excellent slow cooker meals out there.
However, this particular chicken curry recipe, featuring robust lentils, sweet onions, crunchy carrots, tender cauliflower, and fresh spinach, undeniably DELIVERS on flavor. Each ingredient contributes to a complex and utterly delicious profile that stands out from the crowd of mediocre crockpot dishes. It’s a testament to how simple ingredients, when combined thoughtfully, can create something truly spectacular.
This is it, my friends – the super flavorful, healthy, and easy-to-make dish that will become the star of your weekly menu planning dreams. It’s the kind of meal that makes you look forward to dinner without dreading the prep or cleanup.
Essential Ingredients for Your Slow Cooker Curry
To embark on the culinary journey of making this absolutely amazing slow cooker lentil curry with chicken and vegetables, you’ll need a selection of fresh, wholesome ingredients. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and accessibility, relying on pantry staples and readily available produce to create a truly unforgettable meal. Gathering these components is the first easy step towards a rewarding cooking experience:
Key Ingredients & Smart Substitutions
Understanding the role of each ingredient and knowing how to make smart substitutions can greatly enhance your cooking flexibility. Here’s a detailed look at the core components of this slow cooker chicken lentil curry:
- Boneless Chicken: You have the flexibility to use either boneless chicken breast or boneless chicken thighs for this recipe. Chicken breasts offer a leaner option, while thighs tend to be more forgiving and stay exceptionally tender and moist during the long slow cooking process, imparting a richer flavor. For those seeking a meat-free alternative, simply omit the chicken entirely, and proceed to make this a delicious and robust vegetarian lentil curry.
- Lentils: The best choices for this recipe are regular brown lentils or green lentils. These varieties hold their shape well during extended cooking, providing a pleasant texture to the curry. Red lentils, on the other hand, cook much quicker and tend to break down significantly, potentially becoming too mushy for the desired consistency in this particular dish. Lentils are a fantastic source of plant-based protein and fiber, making this meal incredibly nutritious.
- Vegetables: Onions and garlic are absolutely non-negotiable for building the foundational flavor of any good curry, providing aromatic depth. Beyond these essentials, you can stick to the suggested carrots, cauliflower, and spinach, which add color, texture, and a wealth of nutrients. However, feel free to get creative! Substitute kale for spinach for a slightly different green, or omit other veggies and replace them with alternatives like diced bell peppers, sweet potatoes, or even zucchini. This recipe is also wonderfully adaptable for using frozen cauliflower and spinach, making it an excellent option for utilizing what you already have on hand and reducing food waste.
- Chicken Broth: The choice of broth significantly impacts the overall flavor. Use whatever you have available – whether it’s bouillon diluted with water, store-bought canned broth, or even better, homemade frozen chicken broth. Homemade bone broth will add an extra layer of richness and nutritional benefits to your curry, but any quality chicken broth will work beautifully. For a vegetarian version, simply swap chicken broth for vegetable broth.
Choosing the Right Curry Powder: Hot or Mild?
The flavor profile of your curry largely hinges on your choice of curry powder. I personally keep both a hot curry powder and a mild curry blend in my pantry, ready for any craving. In our household, we lean towards the hot curry powder because we genuinely enjoy a good kick of spice in our meals. However, the beauty of cooking at home is that you can tailor it exactly to your preference! If you prefer a milder taste, opt for a mild blend. If you like it fiery, go for the hot. Don’t be afraid to adjust to your family’s palate. This is the brand I frequently purchase and highly recommend for its consistent quality.
A Curry Without Coconut Milk? Absolutely!
A quick search online might lead you to believe that most Indian curries inherently contain coconut milk, giving them a creamy, rich texture. However, this is a common misconception! While coconut milk is a staple in many South Indian curries, particularly in coastal regions, it is actually used in only a portion of the country’s vast culinary landscape. In reality, a significant number of authentic Indian curries do not include coconut milk at all. They achieve their incredible depth of flavor and luscious consistency through various other ingredients like yogurt, ground nuts, tomatoes, or simply by simmering vegetables and spices until the flavors meld perfectly.
This particular chicken lentil curry is a prime example of a dish that is so intensely flavorful and satisfying, you absolutely won’t miss the coconut milk. The combination of aromatic spices, savory chicken, earthy lentils, and tender vegetables creates a hearty, comforting, and deeply spiced sauce that needs no additional creaminess. It’s a wonderfully healthy option that proves you don’t need high-fat additions to achieve a truly delicious curry experience.
Effortless Steps to Make Your Chicken Lentil Curry
The sheer simplicity of the cooking process is truly one of the most appealing aspects of any slow cooker meal, and this curry is no exception. It’s designed to minimize your active time in the kitchen, allowing you to focus on other tasks while your delicious dinner cooks itself. Here’s how you bring this flavorful dish to life with minimal effort:
- Step 1: Prep and Load. Begin by cutting all your ingredients into the appropriate sizes. Then, simply add everything – yes, *everything* – to the bowl of your crockpot. Follow the order listed in the detailed recipe card below, but make sure to hold back the fresh or frozen spinach for now. The best part? You don’t even need to stir it at this stage. Just layer them in, and you’re good to go.
- Step 2: Set It and Forget It. Once all ingredients (except spinach) are in, securely place the lid on your slow cooker. Turn it on and let it cook for approximately 3.5 hours on the HIGH setting or about 5.5 hours on the LOW setting. This hands-off cooking period is where all the magical flavors meld and the ingredients become wonderfully tender.
- Step 3: The Final Touch. In the last 30 minutes of cooking, carefully remove the lid and add your fresh or thawed frozen spinach to the slow cooker. Give it a gentle stir to ensure it’s submerged in the hot curry. If you were cooking on low, now is the time to turn your cooker up to high for this final half-hour to ensure the spinach wilts perfectly and becomes incorporated.
And that’s truly all there is to it! Once you’ve completed these simple steps, you are free to go about your day, tackle your to-do list, or simply relax. It’s mostly an “out of sight, out of mind” situation, allowing you to forget about dinner until, BAM! – a sudden, wonderful, and unmistakable aroma fills your home. That’s when you’ll exclaim, “What is that amazing smell? Oh, right – dinner!” It’s a delightful moment of anticipation leading to a deeply satisfying meal.
Expert Recipe Tips for Perfect Curry Every Time
Achieving a consistently delicious slow cooker chicken lentil curry is straightforward, but a few expert tips can elevate your results and ensure a perfect meal every time. Pay attention to these nuances for the best texture and flavor:
Tip 1: Consistent Vegetable Sizing. While absolute uniformity isn’t strictly necessary for a slow cooker dish, it’s highly recommended to cut all your vegetables into small enough pieces. The goal is to ensure they can be easily scooped up with a spoon or fork alongside the chicken and lentils, and that they cook evenly to a tender, edible consistency. Aim for bite-sized pieces to enhance the overall eating experience.
Tip 2: Customize Your Spice Level. The curry powder and salt are foundational and non-negotiable spices in this recipe, forming the backbone of its flavor. However, don’t hesitate to experiment and make this dish truly your own! You can easily adjust the quantity of curry powder to make it spicier or milder according to your preference. Consider adding a pinch more cayenne if you love heat, or if you’re feeling adventurous, incorporate fresh or dried ginger for an extra layer of warmth and aromatic complexity. A little cumin or coriander could also add subtle yet delightful notes. Play around with the ratios to find your perfect balance!
Jami’s Top Tip: Mastering Slow Cooker Vegetables
Preventing Overcooked Veggies: Despite what some may claim, overcooking vegetables can absolutely happen in slow cooker dishes like this one. The risk is particularly high for delicate vegetables like cauliflower, which can turn mushy if left to cook for too long. This often occurs if the dish is left cooking significantly longer than the recommended 4 hours on high or 6 hours on low, or if your specific slow cooker tends to cook faster than average.
Know Your Appliance: If you’re aware that your slow cooker operates on the hotter side or cooks more quickly than standard times, it’s wise to be proactive. Begin checking the doneness of your vegetables at around the 3-hour mark (if cooking on high) or 5-hour mark (if cooking on low). The chicken pieces will typically be cooked through by this time. This early check allows you to gauge progress and add the spinach at precisely the right moment, ensuring it cooks for just the final 30 minutes without turning to mush.
The Golden Rule: Always test for the doneness of the vegetables according to your personal taste and preference. A perfectly cooked vegetable retains a slight bite and firm texture, enhancing the overall enjoyment of your curry. Don’t be afraid to pull the plug (or switch to “warm”) a little earlier if your veggies are perfectly tender to your liking.
Storage & Reheating for Convenient Meals
This slow cooker chicken lentil curry is not only delicious freshly made but also fantastic for meal prepping! It stores and reheats beautifully, making it an ideal choice for healthy lunches or quick dinners throughout the week. Here’s how to best store and reheat your leftovers:
- Refrigerator: To maintain its freshness and flavor, store any leftover curry in an airtight container. Properly stored, it will keep wonderfully in the fridge for 4-5 days. This makes it a fantastic option for batch cooking and enjoying throughout your busy week.
- Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy your curry again, you have a couple of easy options. For stovetop reheating, simply transfer your desired portion to a small saucepan and heat gently over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s heated through, usually 5-7 minutes. If you prefer the microwave, heat in 1-3 minute intervals, stirring gently between each interval, until piping hot. Add a splash of broth or water if it seems too thick.
- Freezer: This curry freezes exceptionally well, making it a dream for long-term meal prep. You can freeze individual portions for up to 3-4 months. For ultimate convenience and perfectly portioned meals, I highly recommend using these 1-cup Souper Cubes. They allow you to freeze precise portions that pop out easily, perfect for grabbing a healthy lunch or a quick dinner on those nights when cooking feels like too much effort.
Chicken, Vegetable, Lentil Curry FAQs
Absolutely, using precooked chicken is a fantastic way to save even more time! If you have cooked chicken (shredded or diced) stored in your freezer, simply defrost it thoroughly before adding it to the slow cooker. For best results and to prevent overcooking the chicken, incorporate it at the same time you add the spinach – during the last 30 minutes of the cooking cycle. This ensures the chicken warms through without becoming dry or tough.
Generally, lentils do not require soaking before cooking, and this recipe is no exception. Unlike some other legumes, lentils cook relatively quickly on their own. While soaking can indeed cut down the cooking time by about half in certain recipes, it’s not necessary for this slow cooker curry, as the extended cooking time naturally softens them to perfection. Just give them a good rinse before adding to remove any debris.
Yes, lentils are incredibly good for you and are a nutritional powerhouse! They are remarkably high in both protein and dietary fiber, while being very low in fat. This impressive nutritional profile makes them an excellent, healthy substitute for meat, especially for those looking to reduce their meat intake or increase plant-based protein. Beyond protein and fiber, lentils are also densely packed with essential micronutrients, including folate, iron, phosphorus, and potassium, contributing to overall health and well-being. (Source: Mayo Clinic)
Absolutely, transforming this into a vegetarian lentil curry is incredibly simple and yields an equally satisfying dish. To make it vegetarian, you’ll obviously omit the chicken entirely. Crucially, you’ll also need to substitute the chicken broth with an equal amount of high-quality vegetable broth to maintain a rich, savory base. The cooking time will remain largely the same, but it’s always a good idea to check the tenderness of the cauliflower and other vegetables. Use the tip of a knife to test for doneness at around the 3 to 3.5-hour mark when cooking on high, or 5 to 5.5 hours on low, to prevent them from becoming too soft.
This versatile chicken lentil curry pairs beautifully with a variety of accompaniments. For a classic curry experience, serve it alongside fluffy basmati rice or warm, soft naan bread, perfect for soaking up all the flavorful sauce. You can also elevate it with traditional toppings such as a dollop of plain yogurt (Greek yogurt adds extra creaminess and tang), a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, or finely chopped parsley. Alternatively, if you prefer a heartier, stew-like meal, serve it simply with a side of crusty artisan bread. It’s also delicious with quinoa or even a light side salad to add some fresh contrast.
More Easy Slow Cooker Recipes To Try for Convenient Meals
If you’ve enjoyed the ease and flavor of this slow cooker curry, you’ll love exploring more of my favorite hands-off recipes designed to simplify your meal times without sacrificing taste. Here are a few more highly recommended slow cooker dishes that are perfect for busy schedules:
- Spiced Slow Cooker Whole Chicken (or Instant Pot)
- Slow Cooker Chicken Chili Recipe (with Stovetop Option)
- Slow Cooker Chicken Dinner with Vegetables
A Reader Favorite Comment:
“Mmmm, another hit! I turned to your archives when I brought home a giant package of chicken thighs and didn’t know what to do with them… I made mine a bit spicier than my family likes, so we just blended in some scoops of plain Greek yogurt to temper it, and they loved it. Love your recipes; thanks!” -Suz
I truly hope you and your family fall in love with this wholesome and flavorful slow cooker chicken lentil curry. It’s designed to be a comforting, easy, and healthy addition to your weeknight rotation. If you do make it, please be sure to come back and leave a recipe rating and a comment – I always appreciate hearing how much you enjoyed it and your valuable feedback!
Slow Cooker Chicken Lentil Curry with Vegetables
Equipment
- 4-7 quart slow cooker
Ingredients
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cups chopped carrots, about 3 large, peeled
- 1 small head cauliflower, cut into florets (or use frozen, see notes*)
- 6 cloves garlic, minced or pressed
- 1 pound dried brown or green lentils, rinsed thoroughly (about 1 ¼ cups)
- 1.5 pounds boneless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces (omit for vegetarian version)
- 1 ½ tablespoons hot or mild curry powder, adjust to taste for desired spice level
- 2 teaspoons turmeric, for color and health benefits
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper, to taste – omit if using hot curry powder or prefer less heat
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 4 cups chicken broth, preferably homemade bone broth (use vegetable broth for vegetarian)
- 1 to 2 teaspoons salt, depending on the sodium content of your broth (unsalted homemade may need 2 teaspoons)
- 3 to 4 cups chopped fresh spinach** (or 10oz. frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry)
- Optional toppings: chopped fresh parsley, a dollop of plain yogurt, for garnish and added flavor
Instructions
- Add all your prepped ingredients into the bowl of a 4 to 7-quart slow cooker in the order listed in the ingredients section. Do NOT add the spinach at this stage (also, if using frozen cauliflower, refer to the note below*). You don’t even need to stir the ingredients; simply layer them in.
- Cook on High for 4 hours. If you are available, stir the mixture halfway through the cooking time to ensure even distribution of flavors. Add the spinach at the 3 1/2 hour mark, stirring it in gently, then cover and continue cooking for the final 30 minutes. OR, you can cook on Low for 6-7 hours (again, stir halfway through if possible). When adding the spinach during the last 1/2 hour of cooking, remember to turn the cooker up to High for that final 30 minutes to ensure the spinach wilts effectively and integrates into the curry. (Refer to the detailed note below for managing cook times for optimal vegetable texture.)
- Once cooked to perfection, serve your flavorful chicken lentil curry immediately with a side of steamed rice, warm naan bread, or a slice of fresh artisan bread. Don’t forget the optional toppings like fresh parsley or a dollop of cooling yogurt for an extra burst of flavor and freshness.
Notes
- Fridge: Store this delicious curry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4-5 days. It’s excellent for planned leftovers!
- Freezer: This curry freezes beautifully. Divide it into individual portions and freeze for up to 3-4 months. It makes for quick, healthy, and convenient future meals.
Nutrition
This recipe has been lovingly updated and refined – it was originally published in January of 2015 and has been refreshed with new details and tips in 2021 and 2024 to ensure the best possible cooking experience for you.
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