If you’re looking for a comforting and aromatic meal that practically cooks itself, this Sunshine Coconut Chicken Curry is sure to become a favorite. It entices with warm spices, creamy coconut milk, and tender chicken, all simmered slowly to let the flavors mingle and bloom. Get ready for a dinner that’s as vibrant as it is effortless!
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts), cut into chunks
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tablespoons yellow curry powder
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 (13.5-ounce) can coconut milk
- 1 cup chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar or honey (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro or basil (for garnish)
Instructions
Begin by layering the onion, garlic, and ginger at the bottom of your slow cooker. Add your chicken pieces on top, and sprinkle them with the curry powder, turmeric, and ground coriander. This order helps distribute the seasonings evenly as everything cooks.
In a small bowl, whisk together the coconut milk, chicken broth, tomato paste, and brown sugar (if you prefer a lightly sweet touch). Pour this mixture over the chicken and vegetables. Gently stir to ensure the flavors are well combined, but don’t worry about being too thorough—low and slow heat will do most of the work.
Cover your slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours. The chicken should be fork-tender, and the sauce beautifully thickened. Season with salt and pepper right before you serve.
Ladle the curry over steamed rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice, and sprinkle with fresh cilantro or basil for a burst of color and bright flavor.
This Sunshine Coconut Chicken Curry brings you all the comfort of a classic curry but is perfect for anyone who needs a hand-off approach to cooking. Its mild yet fragrant profile makes it great for families or those watching their spice levels, and using lean chicken keeps it relatively light. Feel free to tweak the spice mix, swap chicken for tofu for a vegetarian version, or add chopped vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini if you’re craving a veggie boost. Enjoy the flexibility and let your slow cooker do all the heavy lifting—your cozy weeknight dinner is served!
Nathaniel Lee is an avid cook, drawing on his decades of home cooking and fine dining experience. He is a contributing chef at Mashed, and his recipes and contributions have been featured in Tasting Table, Edible Arrangements, Insanely Good Recipes, and The Daily Meal.
