Slow Cooker Basil Chicken in Coconut Curry Sauce

Ingredients

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

  • salt and pepper 

  • 1 teaspoon oil 

  • 2 (13.5 ounce) cans coconut milk (lite coconut milk is great too) 

  • 2 tablespoons dried basil leaves 

  • 2 teaspoons salt 

  • 3/4 teaspoon pepper 

  • 1 and 1/2 tablespoons yellow curry powder

  • 1/2 or 3/4 teaspoon chili powder 

  • 1 large red onion, chopped 

  • 8 cloves garlic, minced 

  • 2 jalapeños, seeded and finely chopped 

  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch** 

  • 1 tablespoon COLD water 

  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated or minced 

  • 1/3 to 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

Instructions

  1. Remove the skin from the chicken using your fingers and a serrated knife. Salt and pepper each thigh.

  2. Heat a large skillet to medium-high heat. Add 1 teaspoon oil (or you can use nonstick spray).

  3. When the oil is hot, add 3 chicken thighs. Don't put them too close together, you want to avoid steaming.

  4. Cook for about 2 minutes, until nicely browned on the bottom. Then flip the chicken over to brown the other side for about 1-2 minutes.

  5. Remove the chicken to a plate.

  6. Repeat searing process with the other 3 chicken thighs. If there is still enough grease in the pan then you don't need to add more oil.

  7. Meanwhile, in a crock pot combine coconut milk, basil, 2 teaspoons salt, 3/4 teaspoon pepper, yellow curry, and chili powder (to taste). Stir to combine.

  8. Add the chopped red onions, garlic, and jalapenos.

  9. Add the browned chicken and stir to combine.

  10. Cook on high for 4-5 hours, or on low for 6-8 hours.

  11. Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and transfer to a plate or cutting board. Let cool for a couple minutes.

  12. Add the ginger to the slow cooker.

  13. In a small bowl, combine cornstarch and 1 tablespoon COLD water. Stir until it's not lumpy. Add this to the crock pot and stir.

  14. Shred the chicken, removing the bones and any tough bits. It should just be falling apart.

  15. Return the meat to the slow cooker and stir. Return the lid and cook for another 10 minutes.

  16. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in the cilantro.


    Serve with rice, cauliflower rice, or naan.

    Note:
    If your curry is not thickening up the way you want it to, you can add another tablespoon of cornstarch. Be sure to liquify it with another tablespoon of cold water before adding!

    Recipe by The Food Charlatan

FoodKathleen SmithFoodComment