Lively Coconut Turmeric Chicken: Sweet Potato & Shallot Recipe

Tucked between vibrant spices, coconut turmeric chicken offers a delightful culinary adventure that sparks instant curiosity.

Warm golden hues dance across tender meat, promising rich layers of flavor.

Fragrant aromas weave through kitchen spaces, signaling something extraordinary is brewing.

Shallot oil adds a crispy accent that elevates each delectable bite.

Sweet potatoes complement the dish with their subtle earthiness and creamy texture.

Exotic yet approachable, this recipe connects you with global taste traditions.

Grab your skillet and let’s create something magical that will transport your senses.

Ingredients For Coconut Turmeric Chicken

• Chicken: Tender meat that forms the base of this comforting slow-cooked dish.

• Sweet Potatoes: Creamy root vegetable that adds natural sweetness and texture.
• Shallots, Garlic, Ginger: Aromatic ingredients that provide depth and complex flavor to the dish.
• Cilantro: Fresh herb that brings brightness and a vibrant green color to the final presentation.

• Turmeric, Ground Ginger, Cayenne Pepper: Warming spices that create a rich and complex flavor profile.
• Salt: Essential seasoning that enhances the overall taste of the dish.
• Fish Sauce: Umami-rich condiment that adds depth and traditional Southeast Asian flavor.
• Red Curry Paste: Spicy and aromatic paste that provides additional complexity to the shallot oil.
• Chili Flakes: Adds a subtle heat and extra layer of spiciness.

• Coconut Milk: Creamy base that creates a luscious and rich sauce.
• Sesame Oil: Nutty-flavored oil used for cooking and finishing the dish.
• Basil: Fragrant herb that adds a subtle anise-like flavor to the shallot oil.

How To Make Turmeric Chicken With Sweet Potatoes

Step 1: Prepare Chicken and Spices

Grab your crockpot and combine chicken with a vibrant blend of spices including turmeric, ground ginger, and cayenne pepper.

Drizzle in sesame oil for extra depth.

• Chopped shallots
• Minced garlic
• Sliced fresh ginger
• Coconut milk
• Sweet potato chunks
• Fish sauce

Toss everything together to ensure the chicken is evenly coated with the aromatic spices.

Step 2: Slow Cook the Dish

Cover the crockpot and let it work its magic.

Cook on low heat for 4-6 hours or on high heat for 2-4 hours until the chicken becomes tender and the flavors meld beautifully.

Step 3: Thicken and Enhance the Sauce

Remove the lid and continue cooking on high for an additional 30 minutes.

This helps concentrate the flavors and thicken the sauce.

Stir in fresh chopped cilantro and adjust the seasoning with salt to your liking.

Step 4: Create Crispy Shallot Oil

Heat sesame oil in a skillet over medium heat.

Carefully cook shallots until they turn golden and crisp, which takes about 5 minutes.

Use a fork to remove the crispy shallots and set them aside.

Step 5: Infuse the Oil with Extra Flavor

Turn off the heat and mix red curry paste, fresh basil, and chili flakes into the remaining oil.

Season with a pinch of salt to enhance the taste.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Plate the chicken and sauce over steamed rice.

Drizzle the flavorful shallot oil on top and sprinkle the crispy shallots for a delightful crunch and extra flavor dimension.

Tips For Coconut Turmeric Chicken Dish

• Ensure even cooking by placing larger chicken pieces at the bottom and smaller pieces on top for consistent tenderness.
• Adjust cayenne and chili flakes according to your heat tolerance, starting with less and adding more gradually for perfect flavor control.
• Use full-fat coconut milk for a richer, creamier sauce that adds depth and smoothness to the dish.
• Watch shallots closely while frying to prevent burning, removing them from heat when they turn golden brown for maximum crunch.
• Add cilantro just before serving to maintain its bright color and vibrant flavor, enhancing the overall presentation and taste.

Flavor Twists For Turmeric Chicken And Potatoes

• Vegetarian Swap: Replace chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, maintaining the same spice blend and cooking method for a plant-based protein alternative.
• Spicy African Version: Substitute coconut milk with peanut butter, add harissa paste, and include ground coriander for a West African-inspired flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Option: Use cauliflower rice instead of regular rice, and replace sweet potatoes with roasted cauliflower florets to reduce carbohydrate content.
• Instant Pot Speedster: Adapt the recipe for pressure cooking by reducing liquid and cooking time to 15-20 minutes on high pressure for a quicker meal preparation.

Suggested Pairings For Coconut Turmeric Chicken

• Dinner Party Delight: Wow your guests by serving this dish family-style in a large ceramic platter, garnishing with fresh cilantro and lime wedges for a vibrant presentation.
• Meal Prep Magic: Pack individual portions with rice in meal prep containers, drizzling shallot oil just before eating to maintain the crispy texture of the shallots.
• Spice Level Customization: Offer small bowls of extra chili flakes, chopped fresh chilies, and sliced green onions on the side, allowing each person to adjust heat and freshness according to their preference.
• Brunch Twist: Transform leftovers into a hearty breakfast by topping the chicken and sweet potatoes with a fried egg and serving alongside toasted sourdough bread for a rich, satisfying morning meal.

Storage Guidelines For Turmeric Chicken Dish

• Store leftovers in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the chicken and sweet potatoes are completely cooled before sealing.
• Transfer the cooled dish to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Properly stored, the meal will maintain quality for 2-3 months. Separate the crispy shallots to prevent them from getting soggy.
• Warm the chicken and sweet potatoes in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of coconut milk or water to prevent drying out. Stir occasionally to distribute heat evenly.

FAQs

• What makes turmeric special in this recipe?

Turmeric adds a warm, earthy flavor and bright yellow color to the dish while providing anti-inflammatory properties and potential health benefits.

• Can I use different types of protein instead of chicken?

Yes, you can substitute chicken with tofu, fish, or pork while keeping the same cooking method and spice blend.

• How spicy is this dish with cayenne and chili flakes?

The recipe offers a mild to moderate heat level that can be adjusted by reducing or increasing cayenne and chili flakes according to your spice tolerance.

• Why are shallots important in this recipe?

Shallots provide a delicate, sweet onion flavor and create a crispy texture that adds depth and crunch to the overall dish, enhancing both taste and presentation.

Why Coconut Turmeric Chicken Shines Bright

• Savor Unique Flavor Fusion: A delightful blend of coconut, turmeric, and warming spices creates an exciting taste adventure that transports your taste buds to Southeast Asian cuisine.
• Hassle-Free Cooking Method: Crockpot preparation means minimal hands-on time, perfect for busy home cooks who want a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Customize with Ease: Adaptable recipe allows for personal touches like adjusting spice levels or swapping proteins, making it ideal for different dietary preferences and family members' tastes.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Meal: Hearty chicken and sweet potatoes combined with aromatic spices make this dish a guaranteed winner for family dinners or casual gatherings with friends.

Coconut Turmeric Chicken with Sweet Potatoes and Crispy Shallot Oil Recipe

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4.9 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 6 hours 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Coconut turmeric chicken dances with golden sweet potatoes and crispy shallot oil, creating a warm Mediterranean-inspired comfort meal. Fragrant spices and creamy coconut blend perfectly, inviting you to savor each spoonful of this nourishing, soul-warming dish.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 pounds boneless (skinless chicken breasts or thighs)

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 tablespoon ground turmeric
• 2 teaspoons ground ginger
• ¼ to 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1–3 tablespoons Thai red curry paste
• Kosher salt
• Chili flakes (optional)

Aromatics and Liquid Components:

• 3 tablespoons sesame oil
• 1 shallot (chopped)
• 4 cloves garlic (minced or grated)
• 1-inch piece of fresh ginger (sliced)
• 2 cans full-fat coconut milk
• 2 tablespoons fish sauce

Vegetables and Herbs:

• 2 cups sweet potato chunks
• ½ cup fresh cilantro (chopped)
• ½ cup fresh Thai or regular basil (chopped)

Crispy Shallot Oil:

• ½ cup sesame oil
• 3–4 shallots (thinly sliced)

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Instructions

1. Combine chicken with turmeric, ginger, cayenne, and sesame oil in the crockpot, ensuring each piece is evenly coated with the aromatic spices.
2. Layer chopped shallots, minced garlic, and sliced ginger over the seasoned chicken, creating a fragrant base for the dish.
3. Pour coconut milk and fish sauce into the crockpot, then gently nestle sweet potato slices around the chicken to absorb the rich, spicy liquid.
4. Cover and slow cook on low temperature for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-4 hours until chicken becomes tender and sweet potatoes are soft.
5. Remove lid and continue cooking on high for an additional 30 minutes to reduce and thicken the sauce, allowing flavors to concentrate.
6. While sauce reduces, prepare crispy shallot oil by heating sesame oil in a skillet over medium heat and cooking shallots until golden and crisp, approximately 5 minutes.
7. Remove crispy shallots from oil using a fork, then stir red curry paste, fresh basil, and chili flakes into the remaining hot oil.
8. Finish the chicken by stirring in fresh chopped cilantro and adjusting seasoning with salt to taste.
9. Serve the aromatic chicken and sweet potatoes over steamed rice, drizzling with the spiced shallot oil and garnishing with the crispy shallots.

Notes

• Adjust spice levels by reducing or increasing cayenne pepper for personal heat preference.
• Swap chicken thighs with chicken breasts for a leaner protein option, but reduce cooking time to prevent drying out.
• Create dairy-free and gluten-free dish by using tamari instead of fish sauce and ensuring all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• For vegetarian adaptation, replace chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas and use vegetable broth for added depth of flavor.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 hours 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Southeast Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 485 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 680 mg
• Fat: 38 g
• Saturated Fat: 24 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 13 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg