Description
This quick coconut chicken curry is a creamy, mildly spiced dish made with tender chicken, aromatic spices, and coconut milk. It's perfect for a cozy, flavorful dinner ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-size pieces
1 tbsp oil (coconut oil or vegetable oil)
1 small onion, finely chopped
2–3 cloves garlic, minced
1-inch piece of ginger, grated
1–2 tsp curry powder (mild or hot)
1 tsp ground turmeric (optional)
½ tsp chili flakes (optional)
1 (13.5 oz / 400 ml) can coconut milk (preferably full-fat)
½ cup chicken broth or water
1 tbsp tomato paste (optional)
1 tsp sugar (optional)
Salt & pepper to taste
Fresh cilantro or lime juice for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until lightly browned (about 4–5 minutes). Remove chicken and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add chopped onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened. Add garlic, ginger, curry powder, turmeric, and chili flakes (if using). Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in tomato paste (if using) and cook for 30 seconds. Pour in coconut milk and chicken broth, stirring well.
- Return chicken to the skillet. Simmer uncovered for 10–12 minutes until chicken is cooked through and sauce slightly thickens.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with sugar, salt, or more curry powder. Add a squeeze of lime juice if desired.
- Serve hot over rice, quinoa, or with naan bread. Garnish with chopped cilantro or green onions.
Notes
Add veggies like spinach, peas, or bell peppers during the last 5 minutes of simmering for extra nutrition and flavor.
For a spicier version, increase chili flakes or add fresh chopped chilies.
Stir in plain yogurt or heavy cream at the end for a creamier texture.
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheat gently and add a splash of broth or water if needed to loosen the sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
