Description
This Slow Cooker Thai Basil Chicken Curry is a flavorful and aromatic dish that combines tender chicken thighs with creamy coconut milk, red curry paste, and fragrant Thai basil. Perfect for an easy, hands-off meal, it’s cooked low and slow to develop rich flavors. Serve over jasmine rice for a comforting and authentic Thai-inspired dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken & Curry Base
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into chunks
- 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
- 3 tablespoons red curry paste
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow onion, sliced
Finishing & Thickening
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (cornstarch slurry)
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: Place the chicken thighs, coconut milk, red curry paste, fish sauce, chicken broth, brown sugar, minced garlic, minced ginger, sliced red bell pepper, and sliced yellow onion into the slow cooker. Stir well to blend the curry paste fully into the liquid, ensuring an even mixture.
- Cook the Curry: Cover and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours or on high for 2½ to 3 hours. The chicken should be tender and cooked through by the end of this time.
- Thicken the Sauce: Stir in the cornstarch slurry to the slow cooker contents. Switch the slow cooker setting to high and cook for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and become rich and creamy.
- Finish with Lime and Basil: Remove the slow cooker from heat. Stir in fresh lime juice and Thai basil leaves until the basil is wilted and the flavors are well combined.
- Season to Taste: Taste the curry and adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper if needed. Serve hot, ideally over jasmine rice for a complete meal.
Notes
- Serve this curry over jasmine rice for a traditional and complete meal.
- If Thai basil is unavailable, substitute regular basil, though the flavor will differ slightly.
- Add sliced carrots or zucchini along with the bell pepper and onion for extra vegetables.
- For a spicier dish, include chopped Thai chiles or a dash of chili garlic sauce during cooking.
