If you’re craving loads of flavor without fussing over the stove, Crockpot Thai Yellow Curry Chicken is about to become your new best friend. Deeply aromatic curry paste, juicy chicken, and sweet vegetables meld together in a creamy coconut broth, creating a meal that tastes like you spent hours on it (shhh, let your slow cooker do all the heavy lifting!). There’s something magical about how the Thai spices, coconut milk, and fresh lime come together, making every spoonful as cozy and comforting as it is exciting. This showstopper is perfect for busy weeknights, casual gatherings, or simply when you want an effortless spin on authentic Thai flavors.
Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s walk through exactly what goes into this dish. Each ingredient is simple, yet adds its own splash of character, whether it’s a pop of color, creamy texture, or deep savory note. You’ll find everything you need at your local grocery store — and you might already have most of it on hand!
- Chicken Thighs: Succulent chicken thighs hold their juiciness and soak up all the curry flavors beautifully.
- Potatoes: They create a hearty base and add a satisfying, soft texture after slow cooking.
- Carrots: Naturally sweet, they balance out the savory and spicy notes of the curry.
- Red Bell Pepper: This pepper adds a juicy crunch and a pop of vibrant red to your bowl.
- Onion: Infuses the curry with savory depth and mellow sweetness as it cooks down.
- Thai Yellow Curry Paste: The signature flavor punch—adjust the quantity to control heat.
- Coconut Milk: Use full-fat coconut milk for a rich, creamy curry sauce.
- Chicken Broth: It thins the curry slightly and adds a savory background note.
- Fish Sauce: Just a splash for that classic Thai umami kick—don’t skip it if you want true flavor!
- Brown Sugar: A hint of sweetness ties all the bright, earthy, and spicy flavors together.
- Lime Juice: Squeezed in just before serving, it brightens up the whole dish.
- Fresh Thai Basil or Cilantro: These fresh herbs are more than a garnish—their fragrance completes every bowl.
- Cooked Jasmine Rice: The perfect pillow for all that luscious curry goodness!
How to Make Crockpot Thai Yellow Curry Chicken
Step 1: Layer Everything Into the Crockpot
Begin by adding your chopped chicken thighs, diced potatoes, carrots, bell pepper, and onion straight into your slow cooker. This simple start lets each ingredient slowly release its unique flavor, ensuring every bite of Crockpot Thai Yellow Curry Chicken is infused with goodness.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Dreamy Curry Sauce
In a mixing bowl, whisk the Thai yellow curry paste with full-fat coconut milk, chicken broth, fish sauce, and brown sugar until totally smooth. This is the heart of the curry, and making sure it’s combined deeply enriches the final flavor.
Step 3: Pour, Stir, and Set
Pour the curry sauce over the chicken and veggies in your crockpot. Give everything a gentle stir so the sauce finds its way around all the chunks. Pop on the lid, set your slow cooker to low for 6–7 hours (or high for 3–4 if you’re in a rush), and let time work its slow-cooking magic.
Step 4: Finish With Lime Juice
Once the chicken and vegetables are meltingly tender, stir in the fresh lime juice. Don’t skip this step—it wakes up all the other flavors and sends the aroma straight out of your kitchen!
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Spoon your Crockpot Thai Yellow Curry Chicken over a warm, fluffy bed of jasmine rice. Finish with a shower of Thai basil or cilantro for freshness and garden-green color. Call anyone who’s within shouting distance—the feast is ready!
How to Serve Crockpot Thai Yellow Curry Chicken
Garnishes
Brighten your bowls with a generous handful of freshly chopped Thai basil or cilantro, and if you love extra heat or zing, add sliced green onions, thinly sliced red chili, or a squeeze of lime. These little touches not only add freshness but make every bite pop.
Side Dishes
Serve your Curry Chicken with steaming jasmine rice for soaking up all that lovely sauce. If you want a little more variety, consider adding a side of cucumber salad for crunch and coolness or some crispy Thai spring rolls for a fun, restaurant-feel spread.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special twist, serve Crockpot Thai Yellow Curry Chicken in shallow bowls with an extra drizzle of coconut milk on top, or pile it into lettuce cups for a lighter, hand-held version. Sometimes, I even ladle leftovers over rice noodles for an instantly different (but equally delicious) meal!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Transfer any leftovers to airtight containers and refrigerate within two hours of cooking. This delicious curry keeps beautifully for up to four days—often tasting even better after the flavors mingle overnight.
Freezing
Crockpot Thai Yellow Curry Chicken also freezes like a dream. Let it cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe bags or containers. It’ll stay tasty for up to three months—just thaw in the refrigerator overnight when you’re ready for more.
Reheating
For best results, reheat gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until hot. Add a splash of extra broth or coconut milk if the sauce has thickened. You can also microwave individual servings for 1–2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breast works in this recipe, though thighs will be juicier. If using breast, opt for the shorter cook time to avoid drying out the meat.
Is it okay to use lite coconut milk?
Yes, lite coconut milk is fine, but your curry will be a little less rich and creamy. I highly recommend using full-fat for the silkiest, most satisfying sauce.
How can I make Crockpot Thai Yellow Curry Chicken spicier?
To turn up the heat, simply add more Thai yellow curry paste or toss in some sliced fresh chili before cooking. You can also add a pinch of chili flakes when serving.
What vegetables can I add or substitute?
Feel free to experiment with vegetables like sweet potatoes (for extra sweetness), peas, or baby corn. Just keep sizes consistent so everything cooks evenly.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Definitely! Swap the chicken for firm tofu and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Omit the fish sauce or replace it with a dash of soy sauce for a fully plant-based version.
Final Thoughts
You are in for a treat with Crockpot Thai Yellow Curry Chicken—it’s that perfect balance of simplicity, warmth, and vibrant flavors. I hope this recipe brings as much comfort and excitement to your table as it does to mine. Gather your ingredients, trust your slow cooker, and dive into a dish that truly delivers on taste and ease!
Print
Crockpot Thai Yellow Curry Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Experience the vibrant flavors of Thailand with this easy and delicious Crockpot Thai Yellow Curry Chicken. Tender chicken, potatoes, and veggies simmered in a creamy coconut curry sauce, served over fragrant jasmine rice.
Ingredients
Chicken Curry:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (cut into chunks)
- 2 cups chopped potatoes
- 1 cup chopped carrots
- 1 red bell pepper (sliced)
- 1 small onion (sliced)
Curry Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons Thai yellow curry paste
- 1 can (13.5 oz) full-fat coconut milk
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- juice of 1 lime
- fresh Thai basil or cilantro for garnish
- cooked jasmine rice for serving
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Place chicken, potatoes, carrots, bell pepper, and onion in the crockpot.
- Make Curry Sauce: Whisk together curry paste, coconut milk, chicken broth, fish sauce, and brown sugar. Pour over ingredients in the crockpot.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours until tender.
- Finish and Serve: Stir in lime juice. Serve over jasmine rice, garnished with basil or cilantro.
Notes
- Adjust spice level with more or less curry paste.
- Substitute sweet potatoes for regular for a sweeter flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Thai-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg