Tropical Slow-Cooked Coconut Chicken
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of the Caribbean with this Tropical Slow-Cooked Coconut Chicken recipe. This dish combines tender chicken pieces simmered with luscious potatoes, fresh vegetables, and fragrant spices, creating a symphony of tastes that transport you to a sun-soaked paradise. The addition of creamy coconut milk adds a luxurious finish, making it perfect for family dinners or gatherings. Simply brown the chicken, toss everything in your slow cooker, and let it work its magic for 6-8 hours. Don't forget to add the coconut milk for an unforgettable, rich flavor during the last half hour of cooking!
N/A
Servings
450
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
chicken pieces
3 lbs (cut into serving pieces)
oil
1 tablespoon (for browning chicken)
potatoes
4 (cubed)
tomatoes
3 (chopped)
onion
1 (chopped)
green pepper
1 (chopped)
garlic clove
1 (minced)
brown sugar
1 tablespoon (for sweetness)
ground ginger
1 teaspoon (for flavor)
pepper
1 teaspoon (for seasoning)
cayenne
1/4 teaspoon (for heat)
dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon (for flavor)
salt
1/4 teaspoon (for seasoning)
chicken broth
1/2 cup (for moisture)
coconut milk
1 1/2 cups (for creaminess)
Instructions
1
Begin by heating 1 tablespoon of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces to the skillet and brown them evenly on all sides. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once browned, transfer the chicken to your slow cooker.
2
In the same skillet, add the cubed potatoes and chopped tomatoes to the slow cooker with the chicken.
3
Next, add the chopped onion, green pepper, minced garlic, brown sugar, ground ginger, black pepper, cayenne, dried thyme, and salt to the skillet. Sauté the mixture for approximately 3 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
4
Carefully stir in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the skillet to incorporate all those delicious flavors. Then, pour this mixture into the slow cooker over the chicken and vegetables.
5
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
6
Just 30 minutes before serving, stir in the coconut milk to enhance the dish's creaminess and flavor. Cover and continue to cook on low for those last 30 minutes.
Nutrition Information
17.5g
Fat
37.5g
Carbs
32.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tropical Slow-Cooked Coconut Chicken?
It is a Caribbean-inspired dish featuring tender chicken pieces, potatoes, and vegetables simmered in a fragrant sauce and finished with creamy coconut milk.
How long does it take to cook this recipe in a slow cooker?
You can cook it on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
When should I add the coconut milk?
The coconut milk should be stirred in during the last 30 minutes of cooking to ensure the best creaminess and flavor.
Do I need to brown the chicken before putting it in the slow cooker?
Yes, browning the chicken in a skillet for 5-7 minutes before slow cooking helps lock in flavor and improves the texture.
What ingredients are used for the seasoning?
The dish is seasoned with brown sugar, ground ginger, black pepper, cayenne, dried thyme, salt, and minced garlic.
Is this coconut chicken recipe spicy?
It has a mild kick from the 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne and black pepper, but the coconut milk and brown sugar balance the heat.
What type of chicken should I use?
The recipe calls for 3 lbs of chicken pieces cut into serving pieces; you can use a mix of thighs and drumsticks or breasts.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of mixed pieces?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but keep in mind they may cook faster than bone-in pieces, so check for doneness around the 6-hour mark on low.
What kind of vegetables are included in this stew?
The recipe includes potatoes, tomatoes, onions, and green peppers.
How many calories are in a serving of this dish?
There are approximately 450 calories per serving.
Is this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, it uses coconut milk and oil instead of dairy products, making it a dairy-free meal.
How much coconut milk is required?
You will need 1 1/2 cups of coconut milk to achieve the desired creaminess.
Can I swap the potatoes for something else?
Sweet potatoes or yams would make a great substitute and complement the tropical flavors well.
Why do I need to sauté the vegetables before adding them to the slow cooker?
Sautéing the onions, peppers, and spices for 3 minutes helps soften them and releases the oils in the spices for a deeper flavor.
What is the purpose of the chicken broth?
The 1/2 cup of chicken broth provides moisture for the slow cooking process and helps deglaze the skillet to capture browned bits.
Can I use fresh ginger instead of ground ginger?
Yes, you can substitute 1 teaspoon of ground ginger with about 1 tablespoon of freshly grated ginger.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Based on the ingredients listed, the recipe is naturally gluten-free, but always check your chicken broth label to be certain.
How much fat is in this recipe?
Each serving contains approximately 17.5g of fat.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, this dish reheats well and the flavors often deepen after sitting in the refrigerator overnight.
How should I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
What can I serve with Tropical Coconut Chicken?
It pairs beautifully with white rice, quinoa, or crusty bread to soak up the coconut sauce.
Can I freeze this meal?
Yes, but the texture of the potatoes may change slightly upon thawing. It is best frozen without the coconut milk, adding it when reheating.
What size slow cooker do I need?
A 6-quart slow cooker is recommended to comfortably fit the 3 lbs of chicken and the vegetables.
Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely! Carrots, peas, or green beans would be excellent additions to this tropical stew.
How many grams of protein are in a serving?
Each serving provides about 32.5g of protein.
What kind of oil should I use for browning?
A neutral oil with a high smoke point, like vegetable, canola, or grapeseed oil, works best.
Can I use coconut cream instead of coconut milk?
You can, but it will make the dish significantly richer and thicker. You may want to dilute it slightly with water or broth.
Does this recipe contain many carbohydrates?
It contains 37.5g of carbohydrates per serving, primarily from the potatoes and vegetables.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
The recipe calls for 1 minced garlic clove, but you can add more if you prefer a stronger garlic flavor.
Can I omit the brown sugar?
Yes, you can omit it if you prefer a less sweet sauce, though it helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes and the heat of the cayenne.