Thailand is called the land of smiles – perhaps its because the food is so delicious! Thai cooking combines sweet and hot, sour and creamy – and a common ingredient is coconut milk, another is peanuts and of course the ever present chili. We do not like spicy food so I always use ‘mild’ when ‘hot’ is called for – as with this recipe which is one of my favorites since it uses my trusty slow cooker – and I can throw everything in it then disappear into my busy life – coming back home to a divine smelling kitchen and dinner ready to serve! WOW! Here my husband Clive and I are having a cooking lesson in Thailand at Chiang Rai at the Four Seasons Hotel. Fabulous.
Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs with Thai Seasonings
Ingredients:
- 3/4 cup hot salsa ( we use mild)
- 1/4 cup chunky peanut butter ( Laura Scudders is the best – only peanuts no added sugar)
- 3/4 cup light coconut milk
- 2 tablespoons lime juice ( we use fresh limes)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce ( remember that you can get gluten free soy if you need to!)
- 1 teaspoon white sugar ( yes really – and its only a teaspoon so no need to get crazed over it)
- 2 tablespoons grated fresh ginger
- 2 pounds skinless chicken thighs ( the boneless kind work too)
- 1/2 cup chopped peanuts, for topping ( you can add more of these if you love them as we do)
- 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro, for topping
Directions:
- Combine the salsa, peanut butter, coconut milk, lime juice, soy sauce, sugar, and ginger in the crock of a slow cooker; mix well. Place the chicken in the sauce, spoon mixture over chicken to coat.
- Place the lid on the cooker and set to LOW. Cook until chicken is very tender and sauce has thickened, 8 to 9 hours in other words a normal work day. YAY!!!!!
- A meat thermometer, inserted into the thickest part of a thigh should read at least 160 degrees F (70 degrees C). Garnish with peanuts and cilantro before serving.
- You can also put rice (Basmati is great so is brown rice) into a rice cooker and program that to be ready at the same time – don’t we live in wonderful times? Technology can truly facilitate our busy lives.
- Throw some greens, chives and chopped carrots into a salad bowl with a light dressing – and dinner is on the table!
- This recipe is SOO easy to make with children – they can put all the ingredients into the slow cooker and turn it on – that teaches them to plan ahead, measure things out properly and feel a sense of accomplishment when dinner is ready!
