Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs Curry With Coconut Milk
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Slow Cooker Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs
Slow cooking skinless boneless chicken thighs is an excellent choice for this slow cooker chicken thighs recipe for baby-led weaning due to their tender texture and rich flavour.
The slow cooking process breaks down the meat, making it easier for little hands to grasp and chew, while ensuring that the chicken is moist and succulent.
Slow cooker recipes also allows for the infusion of various spices, enhancing the dish’s nutritional value and taste without the need for added salt.
Chicken thighs are a great source of protein and essential nutrients, supporting your baby’s growth and development, and offering a wholesome option that can be easily customised with vegetables or sauces such as a curry to create a comforting recipe and balanced meal.
Indian Curry vs Thai Curry
Indian curry and Thai curry both offer unique flavours and textures that can be adapted for baby-led weaning (BLW).
Indian food often features a rich blend of spices for its curry sauce such as cumin, coriander, and turmeric, which can introduce babies to new tastes while providing potential health benefits.
A mild, creamy coconut or tomato-based curry can be a great option, ensuring it's not too spicy for little palates.
In contrast, Thai curry typically includes fresh herbs like basil and lemongrass, along with a balance of sweet, sour, and savoury elements.
Opting for a lighter, milder version with soft vegetables and proteins can make it suitable for babies.
Both types of curry can be served with soft steamed vegetables or lentils, making nutritious, finger-friendly meals that align well with the principles of baby-led weaning.
Ingredient information
Chicken - I have used juicy chicken thighs, but you can use lean chicken breasts if you prefer or even chicken drumsticks would work within the recipe. Great for slow cooker meals.
Onion - A red or yellow onion can be used for the recipe, if you have shallots to use up for example you could use them too.
Garlic - I have used fresh garlic but feel free to use the lazy garlic, garlic puree or even garlic granules. Peeling garlic can be time consuming, so if you do not have much time go for the alternatives.
Tomatoes - I have used tinned tomatoes, you could use a combination of tinned and fresh tomatoes. If I have fresh tomatoes on the turn I will usually chop them and throw them into the curry. Adding 2 tablespoons of tomato paste is also an option to add a depth of flavour.
Ginger - I have used a ginger puree, you can of course use fresh grated ginger if you prefer.
Turmeric - For an earthy taste and for health benefits I have added a touch of turmeric to the curry recipe.
Chilli - This spice is optional as you may not want to give chili powder to your baby just yet. You can absolutely leave this ingredient out of the recipe.
Curry powder - I have used a mild curry powder, but you can use a medium or hot curry powder if you prefer. You could also add a touch of garam masala too if you like.
Spinach - Frozen spinach is great, I find fresh spinach i forget about and goes off in the fridge. Frozen spinach is great in curry recipes.
Coconut milk - I have used full-fat coconut milk. You could leave this out for nut free babies and add in an extra tin of tomatoes if you prefer.
Serving suggestion
This healthy slow cooker chicken curry would be great served with rice of your choice such as white rice, brown rice or cauliflower rice and a green veggie such as green beans.
You could also serve the delicious chicken curry with a homemade warm naan bread too!
Green beans are great for baby led weaning as when they are cooked they are soft and can be easily picked up and eaten by little hands.
Other recipes you may like: Slow cooker chicken curry, Lamb curry in a slow cooker, Creamy aubergine pasanda.
Storage instructions
The slow cooker chicken curry can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days, stored in an airtight container.
If you wanted to freeze the the slow cooker chicken curry recipe, you will need to make sure that the curry has cooled down to room temperature before transferring to either a freezer bag (carefully) or airtight container.
Ensure that the bag/airtight container is labelled with the item and the date. I use masking tape to label the airtight container.
To defrost the slow cooker chicken curry, leave in the fridge overnight and make sure that it is fully defrosted, before re heating.
To reheat, for best results place the defrosted curry in a saucepan and reheat on a medium heat for 15-20 minutes. You can add in a splash of water if the curry is very thick. The curry actually usually tastes better the next day!
Once the Indian chicken curry recipe has been defrosted you will not be able to reheat or re freeze.
Equipment used to help with this recipe
Slow cooker - A slow cooker is well worth the investment. I use one that has a non-stick removable pan for ease of cleaning, and an in-built timer.
Slow cooker liners - Food safe liners, disposable and BPA free - these are a great idea for lining the slow cooker pot.
Airtight container - I much prefer the click-shut lids on these containers compared to others. They are also dishwasher and freezer safe and BPA free, so very suitable for food use.
Recipe | Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs Curry With Coconut Milk
Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs Curry With Coconut Milk
Ingredients
Instructions
- Line your slow cooker with a slow cooker bag if using.
- Pop the chicken pieces and then the rest of the ingredients into the slow cooker and give everything a good stir until combined.
- The cooking time is either on the low setting for 6-8 hours or on the high setting for 3-4 hours
- Garnish with nigella seeds if using and serve with the rice of your choice and a naan bread if desired.
Notes
If your little one is nut free, you could remove the coconut milk from the creamy curry recipe and add in a second tin of tinned tomatoes.
Feel free to swap out the chicken for diced beef or lamb.
For veggies you could remove the chicken and add in chickpeas, green lentils and sweet potatoes for an equally healthy meal. The recipe is easily customisable for the whole family to enjoy.
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