Coconut Curry Chicken

Name: Slow Cooker Coconut Curry Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 3 h
Total time: 3 h 10 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Thai-inspired
Ingredients: 1 medium onion, diced; 1 red bell pepper, diced; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 lb baby carrots; 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces; salt, to taste; black pepper, to taste; 1 tbsp brown sugar; 1 tbsp curry powder; 2 tbsp soy sauce; 3 tbsp red curry paste; 1 tsp ground ginger; 1/2 tsp turmeric; 1 (13.5 oz) can coconut milk; 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes; 1 lb potatoes, diced; cooked rice, for serving; naan bread, for serving

This slow cooker coconut curry chicken is a dump-and-go dinner that combines tender chicken thighs, vegetables, and Thai-inspired curry spices in one pot. It requires minimal prep and adapts easily to pantry staples.

🌍Thai-inspired 🏷️Coconut curry 🏷️Chicken curry 🏷️Chicken thighs 🏷️Easy recipe Weeknight dinner

🏷️

🏷️Dump and go

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TikTok

Total

3h 10m

Servings

4

Difficulty

Easy

Est. Cost

$32–$53

Recipe Source

View original recipe

From TikTok

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Ingredients

1 medium onion, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 tsp garlic powder
1 lb baby carrots
1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
salt, to taste
black pepper, to taste
1 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp curry powder
2 tbsp soy sauce
3 tbsp red curry paste
1 tsp ground ginger
1/2 tsp turmeric
1 (13.5 oz) can coconut milk
1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakesoptional
1 lb potatoes, dicedoptional
cooked rice, for servingoptional
naan bread, for servingoptional

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Instructions

1
To the insert of a slow cooker, add the diced onion and diced red bell pepper.
2
Add the garlic powder, baby carrots, and bite-sized chicken thighs.
3
Season everything with salt and pepper to taste.
4
In a separate measuring cup or bowl, combine the brown sugar, curry powder, soy sauce, red curry paste, ground ginger, and turmeric.
5
Pour in the can of coconut milk and whisk until the sauce is smooth.
6
Pour the sauce over the ingredients in the slow cooker.
7
Stir everything together until the chicken and vegetables are fully coated in the sauce.
8
Sprinkle in the crushed red pepper flakes, if using.
9
Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 6 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and the carrots are tender.
10
Serve hot, optionally over a bed of rice and with naan bread for dipping.

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Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Cut chicken thighs into uniform bite-sized pieces so they cook evenly in the slow cooker.
Brown sugar balances the savory curry and soy sauce; don't skip it or reduce the amount.
Stir halfway through cooking if your slow cooker has hot spots, and check doneness at the 4-hour mark.
Taste and adjust salt and black pepper at the end; slow cooking mutes seasoning slightly.

Substitutions

Red bell pepper → green bell pepper or poblano (similar texture, slightly different flavor profile)
Brown sugar → honey or maple syrup (1 tbsp equivalent sweetness and depth)
Curry powder → garam masala or Thai red curry paste (1 tsp garam masala or 1.5 tsp curry paste; adjust to taste)

Storage & make-ahead

Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days; reheat on the stove or microwave, adding water if the sauce has thickened.

Equipment

Slow cooker (4–6 quart capacity)

Common Questions

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, but thighs stay moister during the long cook. Reduce cooking time by 30–45 minutes if using breasts to prevent drying out.

Do I need coconut milk for this recipe?

The recipe title references coconut curry, but the ingredient list provided does not include coconut milk. Add 1–1.5 cans (13.5 oz each) for authentic coconut curry flavor and creamier sauce.