It’s National Slow Cooking Month, and it’s time to celebrate. I have heralded the slow cooker, aka crock pot, for many years. I even devoted a radio segment for 12 years on B98.5 every Wednesday to it called “Crock Pot Wednesday.” Clever, huh? 

 

Well, I saw this little jewel today and thought I had to share. I love coconut; I love curry. I adore the crock pot. And the key to good food in the slow cooker is browning the meats first. 

Slow Cooker Basil Chicken in Coconut Curry Sauce

Adapted from www.thefoodcharlatan.com  

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
• ½ bunch of basil finely chopped 
•   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 jalapenos, 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 crockpot 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.
17. Serve with rice.

Serves 6-8      

 

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