PINEAPPLE CURRY CHICKEN

Curry has a moderate to strong delivery, so add it early in the cooking process for good balance with pineapple, coconut and ginger.

—ROBIN HAAS CRANSTON, RI



PREP: 25 MIN. • COOK: 6 HOURS • MAKES: 6 SERVINGS


2 cans (8 ounces each) unsweetened pineapple chunks, undrained

6 bone-in chicken breast halves, skin removed (12 ounces each)

1 can (15 ounces) garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained

1 large onion, cut into 1-inch pieces

1 cup julienned carrots

1 medium sweet red pepper, cut into strips

1/2 cup light coconut milk

2 tablespoons cornstarch

2 tablespoons sugar

3 teaspoons curry powder

2 garlic cloves, minced

2 teaspoons minced fresh gingerroot

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon pepper

1 teaspoon lime juice

1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

Hot cooked rice

1/3 cup minced fresh basil

Toasted sweetened shredded coconut, optional

1. Drain pineapple, reserving 3/4 cup juice. Place the chicken, beans, vegetables and pineapple in a 6-qt. slow cooker. In a small bowl, combine coconut milk and cornstarch until smooth. Stir in the sugar, curry powder, garlic, ginger, salt, pepper, lime juice, pepper flakes and reserved juice; pour over chicken.

2. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or until chicken is tender. Serve with rice; sprinkle with basil and, if desired, coconut.