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Slow Cooker Coconut Curry Chicken

Slow cooker coconut curry chicken cooks in a creamy coconut milk and tomato sauce until the chicken is tender enough to shred. Curry powder, ginger, garam masala, lime juice, and cilantro give the sauce a bright, aromatic finish.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 5 hours 25 minutes
Total Time 5 hours 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Indian
Calories: 430
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 yellow onion medium, thinly sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tbsp ginger freshly grated
  • 2 lb chicken thighs boneless, skinless
  • 1 can (13.5 oz) full-fat coconut milk well shaken
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juices
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 2 tbsp curry powder
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 0.5 tsp ground turmeric
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch
  • 2 tbsp water cold
  • 1 tsp garam masala
  • 1 tbsp lime juice fresh
  • 0.25 cup cilantro fresh, chopped

Equipment

  • 1 6-quart slow cooker

Method
 

  1. Arrange the onion, garlic, and ginger in the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker.
  2. Place the chicken thighs on top in an even layer.
  3. Whisk together the coconut milk, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, curry powder, cumin, turmeric, salt, and black pepper.
  4. Pour the mixture over the chicken.
  5. Cover and cook on LOW for 4 to 5 hours or HIGH for 2 to 3 hours, until the thickest chicken thigh reaches 165°F.
  6. Transfer the chicken to a plate.
  7. Whisk the cornstarch and cold water until smooth.
  8. Stir the slurry and garam masala into the sauce.
  9. Cook uncovered on HIGH for 15 to 25 minutes, until the sauce thickens.
  10. Shred the chicken with two forks.
  11. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker.
  12. Stir in the lime juice and cilantro.

Notes

For the thickest sauce, whisk the cornstarch and cold water until completely smooth before stirring it in. Refrigerate leftovers for up to 4 days; freeze for up to 3 months. For a gluten-free option, check that the curry powder and garam masala are certified gluten-free.