This Crock Pot Chicken Vindaloo is a bold and spicy recipe, which uses garam masala and fresh ginger for authentic flavor. It’s the ultimate comfort food recipe, ready in about 5 hours and 15 minutes.
Crock Pot Chicken Vindaloo Ingredients
- 1 tbsp garam masala
- 2 tsp ground coriander
- 2 tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp ground mustard
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp sea salt
- ½ medium onion, chopped
- 4-inch piece fresh ginger, chopped
- 6 cloves garlic, chopped
- 2 red hot chili peppers, de-seeded and chopped*
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- ½ cup pureed tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- ¼ cup white wine vinegar
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 4 Yukon gold potatoes, skinned and cut into 1-inch chunks
- 1.5 lbs chicken breast
- 1 tbsp arrowroot starch (optional)
- Fresh chopped cilantro for garnish (optional)
How To Make Crock Pot Chicken Vindaloo
- Blend the sauce ingredients: Combine all spices, ginger, garlic, chili peppers, tomato paste, pureed tomatoes, vinegar, and chicken broth in a food processor. Pulse until a smooth paste forms, scraping down sides as needed.
- Layer ingredients in slow cooker: Place potato chunks at the bottom of the slow cooker. Add chicken on top, followed by chopped onion. Pour the blended sauce over everything.
- Cook until tender: Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours, or until chicken is cooked through and tender enough to shred easily.
- Thicken the sauce (optional): For a thicker sauce, mix arrowroot starch with water and stir into the slow cooker. Cook an additional 15 minutes until thickened.
- Serve and garnish: Serve hot, topped with fresh cilantro if desired.

Recipe Tips
- Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? Yes, thighs stay juicier and add more flavor to the dish.
- How spicy is this vindaloo? It’s moderately spicy; add extra chili peppers or cayenne for more heat.
- Can I prep this the night before? Yes, blend the sauce and chop ingredients ahead to save time in the morning.
- What can I substitute for white wine vinegar? Apple cider vinegar or lemon juice works well for similar acidity.
What To Serve With Crock Pot Chicken Vindaloo
This dish pairs well with Indian-inspired sides:
- Steamed basmati rice or jasmine rice
- Warm naan bread or roti
- Cucumber raita or yogurt sauce
- Mango chutney
How To Store Crock Pot Chicken Vindaloo
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freeze: Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently before serving.
Crock Pot Chicken Vindaloo Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 310 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Protein: 29 g
- Fat: 9 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, substitute chickpeas or tofu for chicken and use vegetable broth.
Can I skip the potatoes?
Yes, but they help thicken the dish and balance the spice level.
Can I cook this on high instead of low?
Yes, cook on high for about 3 hours, but low heat develops deeper flavor.
Try More Recipes:
- Crock Pot Chicken Teriyaki With Broccoli
- Crock Pot Chicken Stir-Fry With Frozen Vegetables
- Crock Pot Chicken Spaghetti
Crock Pot Chicken Vindaloo
Course: DinnerCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy6
servings15
minutes5
hours310
kcalA spicy and aromatic Indian-style chicken vindaloo made easily in the slow cooker with bold spices and tender potatoes.
Ingredients
1 tbsp garam masala
2 tsp ground coriander
2 tsp turmeric
1 tsp ground mustard
½ tsp cinnamon
½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp sea salt
½ medium onion, chopped
4-inch piece fresh ginger, chopped
6 cloves garlic, chopped
2 red hot chili peppers, de-seeded and chopped
1 tbsp tomato paste
½ cup pureed tomatoes (canned or fresh)
¼ cup white wine vinegar
1 cup chicken broth
4 Yukon gold potatoes, skinned and cut into 1-inch chunks
1.5 lbs chicken breast
1 tbsp arrowroot starch (optional)
Fresh chopped cilantro for garnish (optional)
Directions
- Blend spices, ginger, garlic, peppers, tomato paste, tomatoes, vinegar, and broth into a smooth paste.
- Place potatoes at the bottom of slow cooker, followed by chicken and onion. Pour sauce on top.
- Cook on low 4-5 hours until chicken is tender.
- Optional: Mix arrowroot starch with water and stir in to thicken sauce; cook 15 minutes more.
- Serve hot, garnished with cilantro.
