The Easiest Coconut Curry Chicken

Originally published September 2014. Updated September 2018 by Analida

Sweet coconut steals the show in simple, yet aromatic dish. This curry packs serious flavor and doesn’t require too much prep. Chop, mix, done.

If you are feeling adventurous, feel free to add a dash of cayenne for a touch of heat.

Coconut curry chicken is perfect for a dinner party or a quick weekday meal. You can use any part of the bird to make coconut curry chicken. It’s a healthy dish too. A balance of proteins, healthy fats, and the mighty turmeric.

A little curry history for thought.

The other day I was talking to a co-worker who happens to be an authority on curry and its history.  According to her, curry dishes are popular throughout all of Asia, not just India. The use of coconut milk tends to be more popular in Southern India and Southeast Asia. Plenty of palm trees! In the north of India, yogurt is preferred. The northern parts of the Indian subcontinent developed as pastoral societies that raised and herded milk producing animals. As a historical side note, coconut also held a sacred place in ancient Indian culture. Old Sanskrit texts speak about the revered status of coconuts in ancient times.

Don’t hate the coconut.

I know a couple of coconut haters myself. You can definitely use another liquid, chicken broth instead of coconut milk. To achieve a creamy consistency you can add 1/4 cup of heavy cream. I like to serve my coconut curry chicken with jasmine rice. I find that the floral quality of this rice is a nice complement to the sweet/savory nature of this dish

Here are the steps to make a great coconut curry chicken.
Step 1: Slice the chicken breasts or cutlets into 1.5″ to 2″ pieces.
Step 2: Add 1 Tbsp of canola oil to a pan on medium heat and then add the chicken pieces. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Step 3: Cook the chicken until all the pieces have slightly brown edges.
Step 4: Add the onion and cook until it is translucent.

Step 5: Pour in the coconut milk. If you like it a bit more saucy add more coconut milk.
Step 6: Add the curry powder and simmer covered for 20-25 minutes.
Step 7: Add the tomato, cilantro and the garam masala for a punch of spice.
Step 8: Stir to combine and check the spice level. Add more salt and garam masala to taste. If you want some heat, add 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper and stir.

Pro Tips

• Coconut curry chicken is indeed healthy. It packs protein, healthy fats, and the mighty turmeric.
• Freeze it or meal prep it. It holds up well made ahead. Some say that curry is better the second day.

5 from 4 votes

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Coconut Curry Chicken

Here is an easy Indian stye coconut curry chicken with tomatoes. The sweet and savory flavors of coconut milk, spicy curry and garam masala are a great combination. If you like food from India you have to try this dish.  I like to service with some jasmine rice for a nice floral note.

Course Main dish

Cuisine Indian

Keyword coconut milk, easy ethnic food, garam masala, Indian food

Prep Time 20 minutes

Cook Time 45 minutes

Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes

Servings: Change to adjust-> 4 servings

Calories 428 kcal

Author Analida

Ingredients

• 2 lbs chicken cutlets cut into 1.5" to 2" pieces
• 1 Tbsp canola oil
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 1 onion small, diced
• 1 garlic clove minced
• 2 Roma tomato diced
• 2 Tbsp cilantro chopped
• 1 Tbsp curry
• 1/2 tsp garam masala
• salt and pepper to taste paleo diet: sea salt
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for a spicy heat)

Instructions

1. Heat oil in skillet on medium and add the chicken pieces. Sprinkle with salt and pepper and brown on both sides, about 3-5 minutes on each side.
2. Add the onion and cook until translucent. Add the garlic.
3. Add coconut milk and curry and simmer covered for about 10-25 minutes.
4. Add the garam masala, cilantro and the tomato and continue to cook for an additional 5 minutes.
5. Serve with jasmine rice.

Nutrition Facts

Coconut Curry Chicken

Amount Per Serving

Calories 428 Calories from Fat 198

% Daily Value*

Total Fat 22g 34%

Saturated Fat 12g 60%

Cholesterol 145mg 48%

Sodium 276mg 12%

Potassium 1115mg 32%

Total Carbohydrates 6g 2%

Dietary Fiber 1g 4%

Sugars 2g

Protein 50g 100%

Vitamin A 28.1%

Vitamin C 14.7%

Calcium 4.1%

Iron 17.1%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.