Description
A hands-off slow cooker recipe delivering tender, juicy chicken thighs in a rich, creamy coconut curry sauce with balanced spices. Perfect for easy weeknight dinners with minimal prep.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 can (13.5 oz) full-fat coconut milk
- 2 tablespoons curry powder
- 4 large garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 medium yellow onion (about 150g), diced
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 cup (240ml) low sodium chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon fish sauce (optional)
- ½ teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)
- ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Lime wedges for serving
Instructions
- Peel and dice the onion, mince the garlic, grate the ginger, chop the cilantro, and slice lime wedges for serving.
- Optional: Brown the chicken thighs in a skillet with a tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.
- In a small bowl, whisk together coconut milk, curry powder, minced garlic, grated ginger, diced onion, tomato paste, chicken broth, brown sugar, fish sauce, and red chili flakes.
- Place the chicken thighs at the bottom of the slow cooker. Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the chicken and gently stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours, or until the chicken is tender and easily shredded with a fork.
- Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve the chicken and sauce over rice or with warm naan bread. Garnish with fresh cilantro and a wedge of lime.
Notes
Browning the chicken before slow cooking is optional but adds extra flavor. Adjust chili flakes to control spice level. Use full-fat coconut milk for best creaminess. If sauce is too thin after cooking, remove chicken and reduce sauce on high for 15-20 minutes. If too thick, stir in a splash of chicken broth. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 4 days. Freeze with caution as coconut milk texture may change.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 to 5 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Indian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approxima
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 390
- Fat: 24
- Saturated Fat: 18
- Carbohydrates: 10
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 28
Keywords: slow cooker, coconut curry chicken, easy dinner, tender chicken, creamy sauce, weeknight meal, crockpot chicken, curry recipe