Hello, and happy Monday!
This was one of the best weekends in awhile as we had nothing on the agenda. When life gets crazy, a free weekend is like a rare jewel to be treasured and polished. Or maybe just treasured. I got so much done these past two days! So I guess it actually wasn’t free… Isn’t that funny? Even when there’s nothing scheduled we still find ways to fill the time with chores, errands, etc. Such is life!
Anyway, it was also Ben’s birthday weekend and instead of going out for dinner or drinks he decided he wanted to cook at home all day Saturday. Super random, but also fine by me! Yum, yum. : )
After running out to buy a pasta roller, he spent a few hours rolling and cutting fresh pappardelle pasta to pair with a bolognese sauce full of veggies, pancetta, red wine, fresh rosemary, beef, and pork that he simmered on the stove top all afternoon. (Recipe from his brain – I don’t know how he does it!)
Total success! The slow-cooked sauce was packed with flavor, and you really can’t beat the taste and texture of homemade pasta. Go Ben!
Sunday the boys packed up and headed out to brunch while I worked, then we spent the afternoon at a friend’s house watching football and chowing on Cheeseburger Dip. Think I’ll recreate for ya’ soon.
While the boys were away, I popped the ingredients for Crock Pot Thai Chicken in the crock pot so it’d be ready for dinner after we returned from Sunday funday.
THREE ingredients including a Spicy Peanut Vinaigrette, light coconut milk, and chicken breasts are tossed together in the crock pot, slow cooked all day, and then served over coconut rice. This dish tasted like the islands and could not be simpler.
Like I said – just three ingredients!
Besides 1-1/2lbs chicken breasts, you’ll need 3/4 cup each Spicy Peanut Vinaigrette and Light Coconut Milk, both of which I got at Trader Joe’s. If you don’t have a TJ’s near you, any Asian peanut vinaigrette or even a similar marinade would work instead.
Add all the ingredients to a 5.5 – 6 quart crock pot and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours, or until the chicken is very tender.
When the chicken has about 20 minutes to go, make a batch of Coconut Rice to go underneath. This rice is MA JAM. Ben, who hates all things coconut, is even a fan of this stuff. Start by sauteing 1 chopped green onion, 1 minced garlic clove, and 1/2 teaspoon fresh thyme (or 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme) in 1 Tablespoon coconut oil until tender. Then add 1 cup each light coconut milk and water.
This recipe is great because between the chicken and rice you only need 1 can of light coconut milk!
Bring the liquid to a boil then add 1 cup long grain white rice, pop a lid on top, turn the heat down, and then simmer until all the liquid has been absorbed and the rice is fluffy, about 15 minutes.
Add a big ‘ol scoop of coconut rice onto a plate then top with a couple pieces of slow cooked chicken and chopped peanuts. Drizzle a bit of the cooking liquid over everything then dig in!
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Crock Pot Thai Chicken
Description
Crock Pot Thai Chicken is a 3 ingredient crock pot dish that's as easy as they come!
Ingredients
- 1-1/2lbs chicken breasts
- 1-14oz can lite coconut milk, divided
- 3/4 cup Trader Joe's Spicy Peanut Vinaigrette (or something similar)
- 1 Tablespoon coconut oil or vegetable oil
- 1 green onion, chopped
- 1 garlic clove, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped (or 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup long grain white rice
- chopped salted peanuts, optional
Directions
- Cut chicken breasts in half then lay in the bottom of a 5.5 - 6 quart crock pot. Add 3/4 cup coconut milk and 3/4 cup spicy peanut vinaigrette on top then lift chicken breasts to get liquid underneath. Cover and cook on high for 3 hours or low for 6 hours, or until very tender.
- When chicken has 20 minutes left, make Coconut Rice. Heat coconut oil in a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat. Add green onion, garlic, and thyme then saute until tender, 2 minutes. Add remaining coconut milk (1 cup,) water, and salt then bring to a boil. Add rice, place a lid on top, then turn heat down to medium-low and simmer until rice is tender, 15-20 minutes.
- Scoop rice onto plates then top with chicken and drizzle cooking liquid on top. Sprinkle with chopped peanuts, if desired, then serve.
This recipe is courtesy of Iowa Girl Eats, http://iowagirleats.com.
Fresh and tropical tasting, I almost which I had a juicy mango to chop and sprinkle on top. MMM! Hope you enjoy this easy crock pot meal!
Emily 10.07.2013
Oh man, this looks amazing. Definitely making this week!
Becky 10.07.2013
Wow! Ben is a culinary genius! That looks awesome!
My husband doesn’t like coconut, but he’ll eat coconut rice and curry with coconut. The next time I get to TJ’s, I’ll pick the marinade up!
Haley @Cupcakes and Sunshine 10.07.2013
This looks wonderful!! And so easy! And amen, I have a Trader Joe’s nearby. I can not wait to make this. :)
Ali 10.07.2013
I love thai food. I can’t wait to try this recipe!
Libby 10.07.2013
Does anyone have a recommendation for something similar to Trader Joe’s Spicy Peanut Vinaigrette? I would love to make this, but we’re Trader Joe-less here in Alabama!
christine 10.10.2013
I used a thai peanut sauce that I found at Target! It worked great! If you can find any bottled peanut sauce, you will be all set!
Robyn 10.07.2013
Just made your crock pot bourbon chicken sammies on the weekend and they were so good. obviously have to make this too. no TJ’s in toronto though, so i’ll have to make my own peanut sauce!
Cristy 10.07.2013
Hey Kristen! How spicy is this? Wondering if my kids would go for it.
Rene @thedomesticlady 10.07.2013
This is going on my menu next week. I have some boneless skinless chicken thighs that would work great with this recipe. Thanks!
Erica @ In and Around Town 10.07.2013
I am always looking for crock pot recipes – anything with coconut is a total bonus! I imagine this chicken is super tender :)
Connie Conlon 10.07.2013
I love seeing all the pictures of little Lincoln. He is just the cutest and happiest little fella. Thank you for sharing !
Emily @ More Than Just Dessert 10.07.2013
I think I could eat thai food everyday of my life if I had to. so good. this looks amazing and simple!!
C. 10.07.2013
This recipe looks delicious! I live a few blocks from Trader Joe’s – definitely trying this out soon. I have tried slow cooker Thai-style recipes in the past and they NEVER seem to work out. Fingers crossed :)
erin @hooleywithaz 10.07.2013
i’ve been looking for a new crockpot recipe, this is perfect timing! most of my recipes are so heavy, this will be such a good lighter option.
faith 10.07.2013
we love making pasta too! although we don’t have the pasta machine.. we actually made some this weekend with a spinach and lamb Alfredo sauce- so yummy! I am going to have to try that chicken recipe- who doesn’t love a few ingredient Crockpot recipe !!!????!!
Cookbook Queen 10.07.2013
Your little guy is TOO adorable. And I am in LOVE with this meal…my baby girl is 10 months old and the crockpot is a life saver right now!!
Tieghan 10.07.2013
He is so cute! These are the best photos!!
Oh and homemade pasta and sauce is the best! Your husband nows what up!! Love the crockpot thai chicken too!
Maryea {Happy Healthy Mama} 10.07.2013
Crockpots are a busy mom’s best friend, no? Love mine. And this recipe looks beyond simple. Perfect for extra busy weeks.
And I have to comment on how jealous I am of your husband’s culinary skills. Homemade pasta and sauce?! Gah!!
Kathy 10.07.2013
Can’t wait to see the cheeseburger dip recipe. I need some more football food recipes! :)
Runner Girl Eats 10.07.2013
Thanks for sharing this! I have been lookng for new Crockpot meals and this seems so tasty!
Heather @ Kiss My Broccoli 10.07.2013
Funny, I was JUST saying how I need to knock the dust off the ol’ crockpot soon! This looks fantastic…and I love the coconut rice! Again…you’re tempting me with rice! Well, I guess that’s a plus since I just made it my mission for the next couple of months to eat down the collection of grains I’m hoarding in my pantry right now! Ha!
That Bolognese! And with homemade pasta?! I’m speechless!
PS, your son is absolutely adorable! Love that big smile!