Creamy Coconut Milk Slow Cooker Chicken Recipe

For a fresh alternative to the usual slow cooker chicken dinner, try Slow Cooker Coconut Milk Chicken. No precooking required and just 15 minutes of prep yields a flavorful, interesting meal.

coconut milk chicken over rice with fork

Slow Cooker Coconut Milk Chicken simmers gently with minimal effort. A satisfying dinner will be waiting when you get home.

 

This dish is wonderful over steamed rice, or serve it with warm naan for a different take.

 

Chicken thighs deliver rich flavor and the same protein as breasts; their higher fat content adds depth. Coconut milk and sweet potatoes contribute antioxidants and nutrients that support immunity. Ginger and turmeric are known for anti-inflammatory and immune-supporting properties.

 

Slow Cooker Coconut Milk Chicken is simple to prepare and packed with benefits and flavor.
ingredients for coconut milk chicken

Ingredients You’ll Need To Make Coconut Milk Chicken in the Slow Cooker…

1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
12 oz sweet potato, peeled and cut into large bite-sized chunks
1/2 cup diced shallot
2 teaspoons jarred minced garlic
15 oz can coconut milk
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 tablespoon fish sauce
1 tablespoon ground turmeric
1 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
2 cups fresh spinach
1/4 cup fresh chopped cilantro
coconut milk chicken in a slow cooker

How To Make Coconut Milk Chicken In A Slow Cooker…

Add all ingredients except spinach and cilantro to the slow cooker
Stir to combine
Cover and cook on high for 3–4 hours or low for 6–8 hours
Shred the chicken into large or smaller pieces
Stir in the spinach and cover for 15 minutes to wilt
Serve over rice and garnish with fresh cilantro
cooked coconut milk chicken in a slow cooker

Pro Tips…

You can substitute chicken breasts if you prefer, though thighs provide more flavor and remain juicier.

 

If you don’t have shallots, a yellow onion works fine—your dish will still taste great.

 

Use fresh ginger if available; reduce the amount compared to dried ground ginger to avoid overpowering the dish.

 

Related Recipes:

Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Beer Braised Chicken
Coconut Chicken Curry
Instant Pot Butter Chicken
coconut milk chicken over rice with fork

Slow Cooker Coconut Milk Chicken

Jennifer Draper

A refreshing alternative to the typical slow cooker chicken dinner — no precooking required and just 15 minutes of prep for a flavorful meal.
4.67 from 3 votes
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Prep Time 15
Cook Time 3
Total Time 3 15

Course Main Course
Cuisine American

Servings 4
Calories 562 kcal

Ingredients

  

  • 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
  • 12 oz sweet potato peeled and cut into large bite sized chunks
  • 1/2 cup diced shallot
  • 2 teaspoons jarred minced garlic
  • 15 oz can coconut milk
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon fish sauce
  • 1 tablespoon ground turmeric
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger
  • 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 2 cups fresh spinach
  • 1/4 cup fresh chopped cilantro

Instructions

 

  • Add all ingredients except spinach and cilantro to slow cooker
  • Stir to combine
  • Cover and cook on high for 3-4 hours or low for 6-8
  • Shred chicken into large or smaller chunks
  • Stir in spinach and cover for 15 minutes
  • Serve over rice and garnished with fresh cilantro

Notes

  • Chicken breasts can be substituted for thighs
  • Swap shallot for yellow onion if needed
  • Use fresh ginger instead of dried, but reduce the amount

Nutrition

Calories: 562kcalCarbohydrates: 31gProtein: 39gFat: 33gSaturated Fat: 24gCholesterol: 162mgSodium: 593mgPotassium: 1258mgFiber: 7gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 13607IUVitamin C: 13mgCalcium: 90mgIron: 5mg
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Important nutritional disclaimer