This Chicken Dhansak is a curry that has it all, chicken thighs, butternut squash, and chana dal prepared in the slow cooker it’s a delicious feast for the senses.

To make Chicken Dhansak in the slow cooker, combine 500 g chicken thighs, 280 g butternut squash, and 180 g chana dal with spices and cook on high for 6 hours. This method ensures that the flavors meld beautifully, creating a rich, comforting dish that’s perfect for any day of the week.

Hey, don’t just take my word for it. Check out the full recipe and see how easy it is to whip up this culinary delight yourself!

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What can I substitute for chana dal if I don’t have it on hand?

If you don’t have chana dal on hand, a good substitute is split yellow peas or red lentils. Use the same amount, 180 g, for the recipe. These alternatives will slightly alter the texture but will still absorb the flavors well and contribute to the dish’s heartiness.

Can I make this Chicken Dhansak recipe in an Instant Pot too?

Yes, it is possible to make this Chicken Dhansak recipe in an Instant Pot. To adapt it, use the sauté function for the initial frying of vegetables and spices, then add all ingredients and cook on high pressure for 20 minutes, followed by a natural release.

Slow Cooker Chicken Dhansak Ingredients

• 500 g (1.1 lb) chicken thighs, skinless and boneless, cut into thirds
• 150 g (0.75 cups) potato, 1 medium white potato, peeled and diced into 1-2cm cubes
• 280 g (2 cups) butternut squash, about ⅓ of a large squash, peeled and diced into 1-2cm cubes
• 190 g (1.25 cups) onion, 1 large white onion, peeled and diced into 1-2cm cubes
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• ½ lemon, juice only
• 1 tin chopped tomatoes
• 1 tin (435g) pineapple chunks, including the juice
• 180 g (1 cup) chana dal, dried
• 1 chicken stock cube
• 4 tbsp tomato puree
• 1 tsp soft brown sugar
• 2 tbsp vegetable or light olive oil
• 425 ml (0.9 pt) water
• 1½ tsp salt
• 1½ tbsp green cardamom pods

Spice Mix:

• 1 tbsp dried coriander leaf
• 1 tbsp garam masala
• 2½ tsp chilli powder
• 2 tsp cumin
• 1½ tsp fenugreek
• 1½ tsp ground or freshly minced ginger
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp celery salt
• 1 tsp onion powder

How To Make Slow Cooker Chicken Dhansak

1. Prepare the Vegetables: In a medium heat frying pan, add 2 tbsp of oil. Then, add 150 g (0.75 cups) diced potato, 190 g (1.25 cups) diced onion, and 280 g (2 cups) diced butternut squash. Cook for 2-3 minutes.
2. Spice Things Up: Introduce the minced garlic and the entire spice mix to the pan. Stir thoroughly to ensure the vegetables are well-coated with the spices. Allow the mixture to cook for a few more minutes to enhance the flavors.
3. Sweat the Vegetables: Add 75ml of water to the pan, continuing to cook for 3 minutes until the water has evaporated, softening the vegetables slightly and making the onions translucent. Transfer this mixture to your slow cooker.
4. Combine and Cook: To the slow cooker, add the chicken thighs, the remaining water, chana dal, and all other ingredients listed (except for the lemon juice). Stir to mix well, ensuring the dal and vegetables are submerged. Cook on high for 6 hours or on low for 7-8 hours.
5. Final Touch: Once cooked, stir the dhansak gently. The lentils should be soft and integrated into the sauce, with the vegetables tender. Squeeze in the juice of half a lemon, give it one last stir, and it’s ready to be served.

Recipe Tips

• Extend Cooking Time for Tenderness: Allowing the Dhansak to cook on a low setting for an additional hour can lead to meat that is exceptionally tender and flavors that are more deeply infused throughout the dish, resulting in a more satisfying culinary experience.
• Rinse Chana Dal Before Use: Thoroughly rinsing chana dal before adding it to the curry helps in removing any dust or impurities, ensuring that the lentils cook evenly and absorb the flavors of the curry more effectively.
• Balance Tomato Acidity with Sugar: If the acidity from the tomatoes is too pronounced, adding a small amount of sugar can help balance the flavors, making the curry more palatable and enjoyable by reducing the sharpness of the tomatoes.
• Transform Leftovers into a Pie: Utilizing leftover Dhansak as a filling for a pie, topped with mashed potatoes and baked until golden, offers a creative way to repurpose the curry, providing a delightful and comforting meal option the following day.

Recipe Variations

• Add More Vegetables: Incorporating additional vegetables such as spinach, kale, or bell peppers increases the nutritional value significantly, making the dish richer in vitamins and minerals, and introducing a variety of textures and flavors that complement the base recipe well.
• Use Lamb Instead of Chicken: Substituting chicken with lamb not only alters the flavor profile to a more robust and deeper taste but also introduces a different texture to the dish, making it a hearty option for those who prefer red meat.
• Incorporate Coconut Milk: By adding coconut milk, you can achieve a creamier and richer texture in the Dhansak, which introduces a subtle sweetness and tropical flair to the dish, enhancing its overall depth of flavor.
• Increase the Heat: For those who enjoy spicy food, adding extra chili powder or fresh chilies can significantly elevate the heat level, making the dish more stimulating and enjoyable for spice enthusiasts.

What to Serve With Chicken Dhansak

Try to serve your Chicken Dhansak with basmati rice, naan bread, cucumber raita, mango chutney, and a simple green salad. These sides complement the flavors and add a refreshing contrast.

How To Store Chicken Dhansak

In The Fridge:

Store Chicken Dhansak in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Ensure it cools to room temperature before refrigerating to maintain freshness.

In The Freezer:

Chicken Dhansak can be frozen for up to 3 months. Place it in a freezer-safe container, leaving some space for expansion. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

How To Reheat Chicken Dhansak

Reheat your Chicken Dhansak in a microwave for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through, or on the stovetop over medium heat until hot throughout. For best results, add a little water to prevent drying out.

Check out More Slow Cooker Recipes:

• Slow Cooker Curried Prawns
• Slow Cooker Katsu Curry
• Slow Cooker Chicken Kebab