Description
Easy Coconut Chicken Curry is a quick and creamy dish featuring tender chicken pieces simmered in a luscious coconut-based sauce rich with warm spices and subtle sweetness. This versatile and satisfying curry is perfect for busy weeknights, delivering deep flavors and a cozy texture without extensive preparation.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 1 lb boneless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
Base Ingredients
- 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
Spices and Seasonings
- 2 tbsp curry powder or curry paste
- 1 cup chopped tomatoes or 2 tbsp tomato paste
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Garnish
- Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Prep the Ingredients: Dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Finely chop the onion, garlic, and ginger to prepare the aromatic base for the curry.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, and ginger, cooking until softened and fragrant to develop deep flavors.
- Brown the Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the pan and cook until golden brown on all sides, sealing in juices for tender bites.
- Add Spices and Tomato: Stir in the curry powder or paste along with chopped tomatoes or tomato paste, allowing the spices to bloom and blend with the acidity for balanced flavor.
- Pour in Coconut Milk and Simmer: Pour the coconut milk over the mixture, stir well, reduce heat, and let it simmer gently until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and the sauce thickens.
- Season and Garnish: Adjust salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro on top before serving for a burst of freshness and color.
Notes
- Use fresh curry powder or paste for the best aroma and depth of flavor.
- Allow onions, garlic, and ginger to cook slowly to build a rich flavor base.
- Full-fat coconut milk yields a creamier sauce; light versions reduce calories.
- Simmer curry on low heat to meld flavors and prevent coconut milk from splitting.
- Let the curry rest for a few minutes before serving to intensify flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
Keywords: coconut chicken curry, easy chicken curry, creamy curry, quick curry recipe, weeknight dinner, coconut milk curry, Indian curry