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Are you ready to make a delicious meal with little effort? My Crockpot Coconut Curry Chicken recipe is simple and satisfying. You’ll only need a few key ingredients, and I’ll guide you through every step. This dish bursts with flavor and is perfect for busy days. Let’s create a hearty curry that warms you inside and out, starting right now!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Easy Preparation: This recipe requires minimal prep time, allowing you to enjoy a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Bold Flavors: The combination of coconut milk and red curry paste creates an aromatic and flavorful dish that tantalizes your taste buds.
- Versatile Ingredients: You can customize the vegetables and protein to suit your preferences, making it a flexible recipe for any occasion.
- One-Pot Wonder: Cooking in a crockpot means less cleanup afterward, giving you more time to relax and enjoy your meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
– 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
– 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 2 tablespoons red curry paste
– 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, sliced into strips
– 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for a gluten-free option)
– 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
– Fresh cilantro, for garnish
– Lime wedges, for serving
The main ingredients in this recipe create a rich and creamy dish. I love using chicken thighs because they stay juicy and tender while cooking. Coconut milk brings a lovely sweetness and creaminess, which blends perfectly with the spices. The red curry paste adds a kick of heat and depth of flavor.
Fresh ginger and garlic give the dish a bright, aromatic base. The red bell pepper and green beans add color and crunch. Onion adds sweetness and depth, making the curry even more satisfying. Don’t forget the soy sauce for that savory touch and turmeric for its warm color.
These ingredients work together to make a simple yet delicious meal. You can easily find them at your local store. Enjoy the process of cooking and savor the great flavors that develop in your crockpot!

Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Chicken
– Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel.
– Season them well with salt and black pepper.
– Lay the seasoned chicken flat at the bottom of the crockpot.
Making the Curry Sauce
– In a medium bowl, mix the coconut milk and chicken broth.
– Add red curry paste, grated ginger, minced garlic, and soy sauce.
– Sprinkle in ground turmeric for a warm color.
– Whisk the mix until it is smooth and well combined.
Combining Ingredients
– Pour the coconut curry sauce over the chicken in the crockpot.
– Layer sliced red bell pepper, green beans, and onion on top.
– Gently stir everything to coat the veggies in the sauce.
Cooking Timings
– Set the crockpot to low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
– Check the chicken for doneness; it should be tender and fully cooked.
Shredding and Serving
– After cooking, use two forks to shred the chicken in the sauce.
– Stir the chicken well to soak in the tasty sauce.
– Serve over rice or quinoa, and add fresh cilantro and lime juice on top.
Tips & Tricks
Ingredient Substitutions
– You can use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free option. This keeps the dish tasty and safe for those with gluten issues.
– For vegetables, you can swap the green beans for snap peas or broccoli. Both add crunch and color. Red bell peppers can be replaced with yellow or orange ones for a sweet twist.
Cooking Tips
– To keep the chicken tender, do not overcook it. Use the low setting for best results. This helps the chicken soak in the flavors.
– If you like it spicier, add more red curry paste. Taste it before serving to adjust spice levels. You can also add fresh chili for extra heat.
Pro Tips
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs will enhance the flavor of your curry, making it more aromatic and vibrant.
- Adjust Spice Levels: If you prefer a milder curry, start with less red curry paste and add more to taste after cooking.
- Let it Rest: Allowing the curry to rest for a few minutes after cooking helps the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Perfect Pairing: Serve the curry over jasmine rice or quinoa for a hearty meal, and don’t forget the lime for a zesty finish!

Variations
Different Protein Options
You can switch up the protein in this dish. Chicken thighs work great, but you can also use chicken breast. If you choose chicken breast, cut it into smaller pieces. This helps it cook evenly. For a vegetarian option, try using tofu. Press and cube the tofu. Sauté it first for a crisp texture.
If you want to use beef, choose a tender cut like sirloin. Cut it into small pieces, and sear them in a pan first. Then, add them to the crockpot. When using shrimp, add them during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This keeps them tender and juicy.
Flavor Boosters
Want to take your curry to the next level? Add lime zest for a fresh kick. It brightens the dish and enhances the coconut flavor. Fresh herbs like cilantro or basil can add more layers. Just sprinkle them in at the end for a burst of freshness.
You can also experiment with different curry pastes. Each type brings its own unique taste. For example, green curry paste is spicier, while yellow curry paste is milder. Try mixing them for a custom flavor. Adjust the amount based on your spice tolerance. Don’t be afraid to get creative!
Storage Info
Refrigeration Guidelines
To store your leftover coconut curry chicken, wait for it to cool. Place it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh for up to 3 days. I recommend using glass or BPA-free plastic containers. They seal well and make reheating easy.
Freezing Tips
You can freeze coconut curry chicken for longer storage. Use a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. It keeps well for up to 3 months.
When it’s time to enjoy your dish, thaw it in the fridge overnight. For a quick option, you can use the microwave on the defrost setting. Reheat it on the stove over low heat. Stir often until it’s hot all the way through. Enjoy your meal just as you made it!
FAQs
How long can I keep the leftovers?
You can keep the leftovers for up to four days. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Make sure they cool down before sealing. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the curry. It stays good for about three months in the freezer. Just remember to thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
Yes, you can prepare this meal in advance. Season the chicken thighs and mix the sauce the night before. Store them in separate containers in the fridge. When you’re ready to cook, just add everything to the crockpot. This saves time on busy days. Reheat any leftovers on the stove or in the microwave. Make sure it’s heated all the way through.
What can I serve with Coconut Curry Chicken?
This dish pairs well with rice or quinoa for a filling meal. You can also serve it with naan for a fun twist. Try adding a fresh salad for a crunchy side. If you love spice, serve it with some chili flakes or hot sauce.
In this post, we explored making a delicious Coconut Curry Chicken in a crockpot. We covered key ingredients like chicken thighs, coconut milk, and fresh veggies. You learned how to season the chicken, mix the curry sauce, and combine all ingredients. I shared cooking tips, dish variations, and storage advice.
Enjoy this tasty dish and feel free to customize it. Experiment with flavors and ingredients to make it your own. Your dinner can be easy and flavorful with just a few step
Crockpot Coconut Curry Chicken
A delicious and aromatic chicken dish cooked in a coconut curry sauce with vegetables.
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 6 hours hrs
Total Time 6 hours hrs 15 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine Thai
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 can coconut milk
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons red curry paste
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium red bell pepper, sliced into strips
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- to taste salt and black pepper
- for garnish fresh cilantro
- for serving lime wedges
Start by preparing the chicken thighs: Pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture, then season generously with salt and black pepper. Arrange them at the bottom of the crockpot, laying them flat.
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the coconut milk, chicken broth, red curry paste, grated ginger, minced garlic, soy sauce, and ground turmeric. Using a whisk, blend the ingredients together until fully integrated into a smooth sauce.
Carefully pour the coconut curry mixture over the seasoned chicken in the crockpot, ensuring the chicken is well submerged.
Next, add the sliced red bell pepper, trimmed green beans, and thinly sliced onion on top of the chicken. Gently stir to combine, making sure the vegetables are also coated in the fragrant curry sauce.
Cover the crockpot with its lid and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken becomes tender and fully cooked through.
After cooking, use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the pot, allowing it to soak up the flavorful sauce. Stir everything together thoroughly to ensure the flavors meld beautifully. Taste the curry and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper, according to your preference.
To serve, ladle the curry over a bed of rice or quinoa. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice for a zesty kick. Enjoy your delicious, aromatic meal!
Serve with rice or quinoa and garnish with fresh cilantro and lime.
Keyword chicken, coconut, crockpot, curry, easy
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