Creamy Coconut Milk Chicken Recipe

Creamy Coconut Milk Chicken is a comforting and versatile dish that blends the rich, velvety texture of coconut milk with the bold flavors of aromatic spices, fresh herbs, and tender chicken. This recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or meal prep, offering a delightful combination of taste and nutrition. Whether you’re a fan of tropical flavors or seeking a dairy-free creamy chicken dish, this recipe is an excellent choice.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Clean and Season:
   Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Rub the chicken with salt, black pepper, paprika, turmeric, and cumin, ensuring it is evenly coated. Let it marinate for 15–20 minutes for enhanced flavor.
2. Heat the Oil:
   Heat 2 tablespoons of olive or coconut oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
3. Sear the Chicken:
   Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown. The chicken doesn’t need to be fully cooked as it will finish cooking in the sauce. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

1. Sauté the Aromatics:
   In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of oil. Sauté the chopped onion for 2–3 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and ginger, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
2. Deglaze the Pan:
   Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the skillet to release any browned bits. These add depth to the sauce.
3. Add Coconut Milk:
   Stir in the coconut milk, ensuring it’s well combined with the broth. Reduce the heat to low.
4. Season the Sauce:
   Add curry powder, red pepper flakes, soy sauce (or coconut aminos), lime juice, and honey. Whisk the mixture to combine.

Step 3: Simmer the Dish

1. Return the Chicken:
   Place the seared chicken back into the skillet, submerging it partially in the sauce.
2. Cook to Perfection:
   Cover the skillet and let the chicken simmer for 12–15 minutes, turning once halfway through. The chicken should be tender and fully cooked, with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
3. Thicken the Sauce (Optional):
   If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the chicken and simmer the sauce uncovered for an additional 5–7 minutes until it reduces to your desired consistency.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

1. Add Fresh Herbs:
   Sprinkle chopped cilantro and sliced green onions over the chicken and sauce.
2. Serve Hot:
   Serve the creamy coconut milk chicken with steamed rice, flatbread, or roasted vegetables. Garnish with lime wedges for an extra burst of freshness.

Tips for Success

1. Use High-Quality Coconut Milk:
   Opt for full-fat canned coconut milk for the richest and creamiest sauce. Avoid coconut milk beverages, as they are too thin.
2. Adjust the Heat:
   Customize the spice level by adding or omitting red pepper flakes or using mild curry powder.
3. Add Vegetables:
   Enhance the dish by adding vegetables like spinach, zucchini, bell peppers, or carrots during the simmering stage.
4. Marinate for Depth:
   If time permits, marinate the chicken for a few hours or overnight to infuse it with more flavor.
5. Use a Heavy-Bottomed Pan:
   A sturdy skillet ensures even cooking and prevents the sauce from burning.

Variations

1. Vegetarian Option:
   Replace chicken with tofu, chickpeas, or cauliflower for a vegetarian-friendly version.
2. Spicy Twist:
   Add a teaspoon of chili paste or diced fresh chilies for extra heat.
3. Herb Variations:
   Experiment with fresh basil, mint, or parsley as alternative garnishes.
4. Citrus Swap:
   Replace lime juice with lemon juice for a slightly different tang.
5. Asian-Inspired:
   Add a teaspoon of fish sauce and garnish with Thai basil for a Southeast Asian flair.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve over fluffy jasmine rice or quinoa to soak up the delicious sauce.
• Pair with a fresh cucumber salad or a side of steamed broccoli.
• Enjoy with naan or crusty bread for a satisfying meal.

Conclusion

Creamy Coconut Milk Chicken is a delightful dish that brings together the richness of coconut milk, the warmth of spices, and the juiciness of chicken into one comforting recipe. Its versatility allows you to make it your own, whether you’re adding veggies, adjusting the spice level, or pairing it with your favorite sides.

Yield: 4

Creamy Coconut Milk Chicken Recipe

Print

Creamy Coconut Milk Chicken is a comforting and versatile dish that blends the rich, velvety texture of coconut milk with the bold flavors of aromatic spices, fresh herbs, and tender chicken. This recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or meal prep, offering a delightful combination of taste and nutrition. Whether you’re a fan of tropical flavors or seeking a dairy-free creamy chicken dish, this recipe is an excellent choice.

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Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes

Total Time 35 minutes

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup coconut milk (full-fat preferred)
• ½ cup chicken broth
• 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
• 1 tsp ground turmeric
• ½ tsp ground ginger
• ½ tsp paprika
• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken:
   Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and black pepper.
   
2. Sear the Chicken:
   Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
   
3. Cook the Aromatics:
   In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
   
4. Create the Sauce:
   Add the turmeric, ginger, paprika, and cayenne pepper to the skillet. Stir to coat the onions and garlic in the spices.
   Pour in the coconut milk, chicken broth, and lime juice, stirring to combine.
   
5. Simmer the Chicken:
   Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning some of the sauce over the top.
   Add the cherry tomatoes, if using. Cover and simmer over medium-low heat for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C).
   
6. Adjust Seasoning and Serve:
   Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lime juice as needed. Garnish with fresh cilantro.
   
7. Serving Suggestions:
   Serve over steamed rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice. Pair with roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad.

Notes

Add Vegetables: Bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach can be added to the skillet for more nutrition.

Spice Level: Adjust cayenne pepper to control heat or omit entirely for a milder dish.