Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Thai Red Curry Chicken Delight?
It is a rich and aromatic Thai dish featuring tender chicken thighs immersed in a creamy red curry sauce, designed for slow cooking.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is portioned to serve 4 people.
What are the main ingredients for this Thai curry?
The primary ingredients include chicken thigh fillets, Thai red curry paste, chicken stock, shiitake mushrooms, bamboo shoots, fish sauce, brown sugar, and coconut milk.
Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken thighs?
Yes, you can use chicken breast, though chicken thighs are recommended as they remain more tender and juicy during the slow cooking process.
How do I prepare the chicken for the slow cooker?
The chicken should be trimmed, cut in half crossways, and seared in a frying pan for 1 to 2 minutes per side until golden brown before being added to the slow cooker.
Is the Thai red curry paste spicy?
Thai red curry paste generally has a moderate heat, but you can adjust the amount used to suit your personal spice preference.
How much Thai red curry paste is required?
The recipe calls for 114 grams of Thai red curry paste, which can be adjusted based on how spicy you want the dish.
What type of chicken stock should I use?
The recipe suggests using one cup of Continental Real Chicken Stock for a flavorful base.
How should the shiitake mushrooms be prepared?
You should use 150 grams of fresh shiitake mushrooms with the stems trimmed and the caps halved.
Do I need to drain the bamboo shoots?
Yes, the 230 grams of sliced bamboo shoots should be drained before being added to the sauce.
What is the purpose of the fish sauce?
Fish sauce is used to add a deep umami flavor that is characteristic of authentic Thai cuisine.
Why is brown sugar added to the recipe?
Brown sugar provides a touch of sweetness that helps balance the heat of the curry paste and the saltiness of the fish sauce.
When do I add the coconut milk?
The coconut milk is mixed with fish sauce and brown sugar and added to the slow cooker after the initial 3.5 hours of cooking.
How long does the dish cook in the slow cooker?
The dish cooks for a total of 4 hours on the HIGH setting: 3.5 hours initially, plus an additional 30 minutes after adding the coconut milk mixture.
Why should I sear the chicken before slow cooking?
Searing the chicken locks in flavor and provides a better texture and color to the meat.
Can I cook this on a low heat setting instead?
Yes, you can cook it on LOW for approximately 6 to 7 hours, adding the coconut milk mixture during the final hour of cooking.
What should I serve with this curry?
It is best served over fragrant steamed jasmine rice to soak up the creamy sauce.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Yes, this curry is excellent for meal prep as the flavors often deepen and improve when reheated.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 300 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There is approximately 11.25 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this dish?
There are 37.5 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What is the protein content of this recipe?
This recipe provides approximately 21 grams of protein per serving.
When should the basil leaves be added?
Fresh basil leaves should be stirred in at the very end, just before serving, to maintain their flavor and color.
Can I substitute coconut milk with coconut cream?
Yes, you can use coconut cream for an even richer and thicker consistency.
How should I store leftover curry?
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The primary ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but you should check the labels on your specific curry paste and chicken stock to ensure they are certified gluten-free.
Can I add other vegetables to this curry?
Certainly! Bell peppers, snap peas, or baby corn would make great additions to this dish.
How do I make the sauce thicker?
If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can use slightly less chicken stock or stir in a small amount of cornstarch slurry at the end.
Can I use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock?
Yes, vegetable stock is a suitable substitute if you prefer it over chicken stock.
What makes this dish 'Creamy'?
The addition of 140ml of coconut milk at the end of the cooking process creates the signature creamy texture.