Fiery Thai Coconut Chicken Delight
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of Southeast Asia with this Fiery Thai Coconut Chicken Delight. Cooked slowly to perfection in a crock pot, this dish features tender, juicy chicken thighs enveloped in a rich and creamy peanut sauce with a delightful kick of heat. With layers of lime, ginger, and sweet chili sauce, this dish is sure to impress your family and friends. Serve it over steamed rice, and don't forget to garnish with crunchy peanuts and fresh cilantro for an authentic Thai experience. Perfect for meal prep or a cozy dinner, this recipe is versatile enough to cater to all spice lovers!
4
Servings
537.5
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs
6 (trimmed if necessary)
Peanut Butter
1/4 cup (creamy or crunchy)
Lime Juice
2 tablespoons (freshly squeezed)
Soy Sauce
1 tablespoon ((use tamarind for gluten-free))
Fresh Ginger
1 teaspoon (grated)
Sweet Chili Sauce
1/4 cup (store-bought or homemade)
Sambal Oelek Chilli Paste
1/4 cup ((adjust to taste))
Chopped Peanuts
2 tablespoons (for garnish, optional)
Chopped Fresh Cilantro
3 tablespoons (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
1
In a medium bowl, thoroughly mix together the peanut butter, lime juice, soy sauce, grated ginger, sweet chili sauce, and sambal oelek until well combined.
2
In a skillet over medium-high heat, lightly brown the chicken thighs on both sides using a small amount of oil or a stovetop grill pan, about 3-4 minutes per side. This step enhances the flavor and adds color.
3
After browning, dip each chicken thigh into the peanut sauce mixture, ensuring it's coated evenly, then place them into the slow cooker.
4
Once all chicken thighs are in the slow cooker, pour the remaining peanut sauce mixture over the top.
5
Cover and cook on Low for 8 hours or on High for 4 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked through.
6
After cooking, taste the sauce and adjust the heat level with additional sambal oelek if desired.
7
Serve the chicken over rice, drizzled with sauce, and garnish with chopped peanuts and cilantro if using for an added burst of flavor.
Nutrition Information
28g
Fat
31g
Carbs
40.75g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Fiery Thai Coconut Chicken Delight?
Fiery Thai Coconut Chicken Delight is a slow-cooked Southeast Asian-inspired dish featuring tender chicken thighs in a rich, spicy peanut sauce with lime, ginger, and sweet chili flavors.
What ingredients are needed for the peanut sauce?
The sauce is made by mixing peanut butter, lime juice, soy sauce, grated ginger, sweet chili sauce, and sambal oelek.
How should I prepare the chicken thighs?
The chicken thighs should be boneless and skinless, trimmed of excess fat, and lightly browned in a skillet for 3-4 minutes per side before slow cooking.
Why should I brown the chicken before slow cooking?
Browning the chicken enhances the overall flavor of the dish and adds a more appealing color to the meat.
How long does the chicken cook on the Low setting?
In a slow cooker, the chicken should be cooked on the Low setting for 8 hours.
How long does the chicken cook on the High setting?
If you are short on time, you can cook the chicken on the High setting for 4 hours.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, you can make this dish gluten-free by using tamarind or a gluten-free soy sauce substitute.
What is sambal oelek?
Sambal oelek is a spicy Indonesian chili paste that provides the 'fiery' heat in this Thai-inspired recipe.
Is this recipe spicy?
Yes, it is designed to be spicy, but the heat level can be adjusted by changing the amount of sambal oelek used.
How do I adjust the heat level?
You can taste the sauce after the cooking process is complete and add more sambal oelek if you desire more spice.
What are the recommended garnishes?
The dish is best served garnished with chopped peanuts for crunch and fresh cilantro for a burst of flavor.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to provide 4 servings.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 537.5 calories.
How much protein is in this Thai chicken dish?
There are 40.75 grams of protein per serving.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Yes, this dish is versatile and stores well, making it an excellent option for meal prep.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
While the recipe calls for chicken thighs because they stay juicy in the slow cooker, you can use breasts, though they may be slightly drier.
What type of peanut butter is best?
You can use either creamy or crunchy peanut butter depending on your preference for the sauce texture.
How much ginger is used in this recipe?
The recipe requires 1 teaspoon of freshly grated ginger.
Do I need to use fresh lime juice?
Freshly squeezed lime juice is recommended for the most vibrant and authentic flavor.
What is the total carbohydrate count?
There are 31 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How much fat is in this recipe?
There are 28 grams of fat per serving.
Can I use a grill pan for browning the chicken?
Yes, a stovetop grill pan is a great alternative to a skillet for browning the chicken thighs.
What should I serve as a side?
This chicken is traditionally served over a bed of steamed rice to soak up the creamy peanut sauce.
Is there a substitute for cilantro?
If you do not like cilantro, you can omit it or use sliced green onions for a different fresh garnish.
How do I coat the chicken in the sauce?
After browning, dip each thigh into the peanut sauce mixture to coat it evenly before placing it in the slow cooker.
What is the first step of the instructions?
The first step is to thoroughly mix the peanut butter, lime juice, soy sauce, ginger, sweet chili sauce, and sambal oelek in a medium bowl.
Should I add more sauce after cooking?
The instructions recommend drizzling the remaining sauce from the slow cooker over the chicken when serving.
Is this dish considered comfort food?
Yes, with its rich sauce and tender chicken, it is tagged as a comfort food recipe.
Can I make this recipe without a slow cooker?
While optimized for a crock pot, you could simmer it on low heat in a covered heavy pot, though cooking times will vary.
What category does this recipe fall under?
This recipe is categorized under Chicken Thigh & Leg dishes.