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Creamy Coconut Milk Chicken Recipe

Creamy Coconut Milk Chicken Recipe


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4.8 from 39 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 2 1x

Description

Succulent Coconut Milk Chicken delivers a tropical paradise of rich, aromatic flavors straight from Southeast Asian kitchens. Tender chicken simmers in silky coconut milk, creating a luxurious meal packed with warm spices and creamy comfort you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 can (13.5 ounces / 400 milliliters) coconut milk

Vegetables and Aromatics:

  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon ginger, minced

Spices and Seasonings:

  • 1 tablespoon curry powder
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Additional Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Warm a spacious skillet over medium-high heat, drizzling olive oil to coat the surface.
  2. Generously season chicken pieces with salt and black pepper, then sear for approximately 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy exterior develops.
  3. Transfer chicken to a separate plate, maintaining the flavorful pan drippings.
  4. Reduce heat to medium and sauté finely diced onions until they become translucent and slightly softened.
  5. Introduce minced garlic and grated ginger, allowing aromatics to release their fragrant essence for about 60 seconds.
  6. Sprinkle curry powder, turmeric, and paprika into the skillet, stirring thoroughly to create a vibrant, aromatic spice blend.
  7. Gently pour coconut milk into the skillet, creating a creamy base and allowing the mixture to reach a gentle simmer.
  8. Carefully nestle seared chicken back into the simmering coconut sauce, cooking for 10-12 minutes until chicken is completely cooked through and sauce thickens to a luxurious consistency.
  9. Finish the dish by adding fresh lime juice, tasting and adjusting seasoning as needed.
  10. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro leaves and serve immediately over rice or your preferred accompaniment.

Notes

  • Choose bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for extra juiciness and richer flavor that stands up better to the creamy coconut sauce.
  • Toast spices briefly before adding liquid to enhance their depth and release essential oils, creating a more complex and aromatic dish.
  • For a lighter version, swap full-fat coconut milk with light coconut milk or substitute half the milk with low-sodium chicken broth to reduce calories.
  • Make this recipe gluten-free and dairy-free by ensuring all spices are certified gluten-free and using high-quality, pure spices without additives.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Thai

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2
  • Calories: 550 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 2880 mg
  • Fat: 39 g
  • Saturated Fat: 21 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 9 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 46 g
  • Cholesterol: 140 mg