Coconut Curry Chicken Crock Pot

This Coconut Curry Chicken Crock Pot recipe is a delightful blend of flavors that will transform your meal into something extraordinary. Perfect for busy weekdays or cozy weekends, this dish offers an easy and delicious way to enjoy the comforts of homemade curry. With its creamy coconut base and aromatic spices, it’s sure to impress both family and friends alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavorful Delight: The combination of coconut milk and spices creates a rich sauce that elevates the chicken to new heights.
• Easy Preparation: With minimal prep work, this recipe allows you to set it and forget it while the slow cooker does all the heavy lifting.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve over rice, cauliflower rice, or with naan for a complete meal that caters to everyone’s preferences.
• Nutritional Goodness: Packed with protein from the chicken and healthy fats from coconut milk, it’s a satisfying choice for any meal.
• Ideal for Meal Prep: This dish stores well in the refrigerator, making it perfect for leftovers or meal prepping for the week ahead.

Tools and Preparation

To make your Coconut Curry Chicken Crock Pot experience seamless, gather these essential tools. Having the right equipment ensures efficient cooking and easy clean-up.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow Cooker
• Large Skillet
• Serrated Knife
• Cutting Board
• Mixing Bowl

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow Cooker: The star of this recipe! It allows the chicken to cook slowly, absorbing all the wonderful flavors while remaining tender.
• Large Skillet: Perfect for searing the chicken before adding it to the slow cooker, which enhances flavor through caramelization.
• Serrated Knife: Ideal for removing skin from chicken easily without damaging the meat.

Ingredients

This Slow Cooker Coconut Curry Chicken is one of the best curries you’ll ever have! It’s not too spicy but has tons of flavor!

For the Chicken

• 6 bone-in skin-on chicken thighs (skin removed, about 2 and 1/2 pounds)
• salt and pepper

For the Sauce

• 1 teaspoon oil
• 2 13.5-oz cans coconut milk (lite coconut milk is great too)
• 2 tablespoons dried basil leaves
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 3/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1 & 1/2 tablespoons yellow curry powder
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (or 3/4 teaspoon)

For the Aromatics

• 1 large red onion (chopped)
• 8 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 jalapenos (seeded and finely chopped)

For Thickening

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon cold water

For Garnish

• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger (grated or minced)
• 1/3 to 1/2 cup fresh cilantro (chopped)

How to Make Coconut Curry Chicken Crock Pot

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Remove the skin from each chicken thigh using your fingers and a serrated knife.
2. Season each thigh with salt and pepper.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 teaspoon oil.
2. When the oil is hot, add three chicken thighs without crowding them.
3. Cook for about 2 minutes until nicely browned on one side, then flip to brown the other side for an additional 1-2 minutes.
4. Remove seared chicken onto a plate and repeat with remaining thighs.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker

1. In your slow cooker, combine coconut milk, dried basil leaves, salt, pepper, yellow curry powder, and chili powder to taste. Stir well.
2. Add chopped red onions, minced garlic, and finely chopped jalapenos.
3. Place browned chicken thighs into the mixture and stir to combine.

Step 4: Cook in Slow Cooker

1. Cover your slow cooker and cook on high for 4-5 hours or on low for 6-8 hours.

Step 5: Final Touches

1. Once cooked, carefully remove chicken from the slow cooker onto a plate or cutting board; let cool briefly.
2. Add grated ginger to the slow cooker contents.
3. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with cold water until smooth; add this mixture back into your slow cooker and stir well.
4. Shred the cooled chicken by removing bones and any tough bits; return shredded meat back into slow cooker.
5. Stir everything together again; cover and cook for an additional 10 minutes.

Step 6: Serve

Season with additional salt and pepper if needed, then stir in fresh cilantro just before serving. Enjoy your Coconut Curry Chicken over rice or with naan!

How to Serve Coconut Curry Chicken Crock Pot

Serving Coconut Curry Chicken from the crock pot is a delightful experience that brings warmth and flavor to your dining table. Here are some creative ways to enjoy this savory dish.

With Rice

• Steamed Jasmine Rice: The fragrant rice perfectly absorbs the rich coconut curry sauce.
• Brown Rice: For a healthier option, brown rice adds a nutty flavor and is more filling.
• Cauliflower Rice: A low-carb alternative that pairs well with the curry’s spices.

With Bread

• Naan: Soft and pillowy naan is ideal for scooping up the curry and adds an authentic touch.
• Crusty Baguette: A slice of fresh baguette can be used to soak up the delicious sauce.

Topped with Fresh Herbs

• Fresh Cilantro: Sprinkling chopped cilantro on top enhances the dish’s freshness.
• Green Onions: Sliced green onions provide a nice crunch and vibrant color.

How to Perfect Coconut Curry Chicken Crock Pot

To ensure your Coconut Curry Chicken is always a hit, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic, ginger, and herbs elevate the flavors significantly.
• Adjust Spice Levels: Modify chili powder based on your heat preference; start with less if unsure.
• Sear Chicken Well: Browning the chicken thighs not only adds depth of flavor but also improves texture.
• Let It Rest: Allowing the chicken to rest after cooking helps enhance its juiciness before shredding.
• Experiment with Veggies: Adding vegetables like bell peppers or spinach can increase nutrition and flavor.
• Store Properly: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container to keep them fresh for up to 3 days.

Best Side Dishes for Coconut Curry Chicken Crock Pot

Pairing side dishes with Coconut Curry Chicken enhances your meal. Here are some excellent options:

1. Basmati Rice: Fluffy basmati rice provides a classic base that complements the curry perfectly.
2. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies roasted until tender add color and nutrients to your plate.
3. Quinoa Salad: A refreshing quinoa salad with lemon dressing offers a light contrast to the curry’s richness.
4. Cucumber Raita: This cooling yogurt-based dip balances the spice of the curry beautifully (consider dairy-free options).
5. Mango Chutney: A sweet and tangy mango chutney gives an extra flavor boost to each bite.
6. Lentil Soup: A warm lentil soup can be served as an appetizer, providing additional protein and fiber.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Coconut Curry Chicken in a crock pot, there are some common pitfalls. Avoiding these will ensure your dish turns out flavorful and delicious.

• Boldly skip the browning step: Skipping the browning of chicken can lead to a lack of depth in flavor. Always sear your chicken before adding it to the slow cooker for richer taste.
• Boldly neglect seasoning adjustments: Not adjusting salt and spices can result in bland curry. Taste as you go and adjust seasonings according to your preference.
• Boldly ignore cooking times: Cooking for too long or too short can affect texture. Follow the recommended cooking times for tender, juicy chicken.
• Boldly use low-quality coconut milk: Using subpar coconut milk can ruin the creaminess of your curry. Opt for high-quality brands to enhance the flavor.
• Boldly forget about fresh herbs: Skipping fresh herbs like cilantro at the end can make your dish taste flat. Always add fresh herbs just before serving for bright flavor.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Will last for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Coconut Curry Chicken Crock Pot

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag.
• Good for up to 3 months in the freezer.

Reheating Coconut Curry Chicken Crock Pot

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and reheat covered for about 20-25 minutes or until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, covering loosely; heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Place in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through, about 5-7 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to serve Coconut Curry Chicken Crock Pot?

Serve this delicious curry over rice, cauliflower rice, or with naan bread for a complete meal.

Can I customize my Coconut Curry Chicken Crock Pot?

Absolutely! You can add vegetables like bell peppers or spinach to boost nutrition and flavor.

How spicy is Coconut Curry Chicken Crock Pot?

This recipe is mild but you can adjust spice levels by increasing chili powder or adding more jalapenos according to your preference.

What can I substitute for coconut milk?

You can use almond milk or other non-dairy alternatives, but they may alter the flavor and creaminess of the dish.

How do I thicken my Coconut Curry Chicken sauce?

If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the curry during the last few minutes of cooking.

Final Thoughts

This Coconut Curry Chicken Crock Pot recipe is not only easy to prepare but also packed with flavor. The versatility allows you to customize it with your favorite vegetables or spices. Give it a try and enjoy a comforting meal that fits perfectly into any weeknight dinner!