Name: Creamy Coconut Chicken Curry Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Indian-Inspired / Asian-Inspired
Ingredients: 2 tbsp oil (coconut or vegetable); 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-size pieces; Salt and black pepper, to taste; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated; 2 tbsp curry powder; 1 tsp ground cumin; 1 tsp paprika; ½ tsp turmeric (optional); 1 (14 oz) can full-fat coconut milk; ½ cup chicken broth; 1 tbsp tomato paste; 1 tsp sugar or honey (optional, to balance flavors); Fresh cilantro, for garnish; Lime wedges, for serving (optional)

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 29 reviews

If you are searching for a dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, look no further than this Creamy Coconut Chicken Curry Recipe. Bursting with exotic spices and the smooth richness of coconut milk, this curry perfectly balances tender chicken pieces simmered in a luscious sauce. It is comforting, flavorful, and simple enough to whip up any night of the week. Whether served with fluffy rice or soft naan, this dish will quickly become a beloved favorite in your recipe collection.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a white round plate in the center with two raw pink chicken pieces on it. To the left of the plate, there are two dark green zucchinis, one above the other, and below them, a glass jar of white coconut oil and a light blue can of coconut cream with labels facing forward. Above the can, a small glass jar of red curry paste is placed. On the right side of the plate, a bunch of green onions with white bulbs at the bottom lean rightwards, next to a bright orange bell pepper. Below the bell pepper, there is a small piece of light brown ginger root, a white bulb of garlic, and a tan onion placed in a row. All items are arranged neatly on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating the perfect curry. Each component here plays a crucial role: the spices bring warmth and color, the coconut milk imparts creaminess, and the fresh aromatics build depth and balance.

2 tbsp oil (coconut or vegetable): The base for sautéing and bringing warmth to the curry.
1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-size pieces: Tender protein perfectly suited to soak up the curry sauce.
Salt and black pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors.
1 small onion, finely chopped: Adds sweetness and body to the curry.
3 cloves garlic, minced: Provides a fragrant punch that deepens the flavor.
1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated: Infuses the sauce with a gentle, zesty warmth.
2 tbsp curry powder: The star spice blend that gives the dish its signature flavor.
1 tsp ground cumin: Adds earthiness and complexity to the curry.
1 tsp paprika: For a subtle smoky depth and lovely color.
½ tsp turmeric (optional): Brightens the sauce and offers mild bitterness.
1 (14 oz) can full-fat coconut milk: The creamy, silky base that makes this curry indulgent and smooth.
½ cup chicken broth: Helps loosen the sauce perfectly while keeping it flavorful.
1 tbsp tomato paste: Adds a gentle tang and richness.
1 tsp sugar or honey (optional, to balance flavors): A touch of sweetness to round out the spice.
Fresh cilantro, for garnish: Bright, fresh herb notes to finish the dish beautifully.
Lime wedges, for serving (optional): A citrusy lift that cuts through the richness.

How to Make Creamy Coconut Chicken Curry Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by heating your chosen oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat to create a flavorful base. Season the bite-sized chicken pieces with salt and black pepper, then add them to the hot pan. Cook the chicken just until it has a light golden sear on all sides, enough to develop flavor without drying out. Set the cooked chicken aside for now so you can build the rest of the curry separately.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes soft and translucent. This step is essential because the onions provide a natural sweetness that balances the spices. Then, mix in the minced garlic and freshly grated ginger. Cook these for about 30 seconds until fragrant; this quick step releases their wonderful aromas to infuse the curry deeply.

Step 3: Bloom the Spices

Now, stir in the curry powder, cumin, paprika, and turmeric, letting the spices toast lightly as you cook them for another 30 seconds. This step is often overlooked, but it’s key — it unlocks the full flavor potential of the spices, giving the curry a richer, more vibrant taste and a beautiful golden hue.

Step 4: Build the Curry Sauce

Pour in the full-fat coconut milk, chicken broth, and tomato paste, stirring everything until smooth and well combined. If you prefer a slightly sweeter curry, add the optional sugar or honey here. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the ingredients to meld together into a velvety sauce.

Step 5: Simmer and Finish

Return the browned chicken pieces to the skillet and cover. Let the curry simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, giving the chicken time to cook through and the sauce time to thicken. This slow simmer ensures tender chicken and a beautifully concentrated curry sauce. Taste toward the end and adjust seasoning with salt or pepper as needed.

How to Serve Creamy Coconut Chicken Curry Recipe

A white round pot filled with seven pieces of cooked chicken thighs with crispy brown skin soaking in thick orange curry sauce. Bright green wilted spinach leaves are scattered throughout the curry, adding a fresh contrast to the warm colors of the dish. The inside of the pot shows some curry stains near the rim, and the pot sits on a light wooden surface. The image captures the rich texture of the sauce with small bits of herbs visible, highlighting the warmth and richness of the meal photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh cilantro sprinkled on top instantly brightens this creamy curry, adding a pop of color and refreshing herby notes. A few lime wedges on the side offer a zesty contrast that cuts through the dish’s richness, allowing everyone to customize their flavor experience.

Side Dishes

This curry pairs beautifully with fluffy basmati rice or buttery naan bread, both perfect for soaking up the luscious sauce. For a lighter option, steamed vegetables or a crisp cucumber salad work wonderfully, balancing the dish’s creamy and spicy elements.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the Creamy Coconut Chicken Curry Recipe in individual coconut shells for a tropical flair that will impress your guests. Alternatively, arranging the curry over a bed of colorful turmeric rice makes for a stunning presentation that’s as delicious to look at as it is to eat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

The flavors in this creamy coconut chicken curry actually improve with time, making leftovers a real treat. Store any uneaten curry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, ensuring you get to enjoy it again without sacrificing taste or texture.

Freezing

This dish freezes well, making it perfect for meal prepping. Just let the curry cool completely before transferring it into freezer-safe containers. Frozen curry maintains its flavor and texture for up to 2 months. When freezing, you might want to reserve fresh garnishes as they’re best added fresh after reheating.

Reheating

Reheat the curry gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Add a splash of chicken broth or water if the sauce has thickened too much. This slow reheating preserves the creamy texture and ensures the chicken stays tender.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs add extra richness and stay incredibly juicy, making your Creamy Coconut Chicken Curry Recipe even more delicious. They’re a great option if you prefer a deeper flavor and tender texture.

Is this recipe spicy?

This recipe has a gentle warmth from the curry powder and spices but isn’t overly spicy. If you crave heat, adding chili flakes or fresh chilies is an easy way to tailor the spice level to your liking.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes! The Creamy Coconut Chicken Curry Recipe is naturally dairy-free thanks to the coconut milk base. It’s a perfect option for those avoiding dairy but still craving creamy, comforting curry.

What can I use instead of curry powder?

If you don’t have curry powder, you can create your own blend using turmeric, cumin, coriander, and chili powder. Freshly toasted and ground spices will yield the best flavor in your curry.

How long does it take to prepare this curry?

This recipe is wonderfully quick, taking about 10 minutes to prep and around 30 minutes to cook, making it a fantastic choice for a flavorful weeknight dinner.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about this Creamy Coconut Chicken Curry Recipe. It strikes the perfect balance between comfort and excitement, delivering rich, creamy textures along with a vibrant mix of spices. Easy to make yet impressive on the table, it’s the kind of dish you’ll want to share with family and friends, over and over again. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and dive into this flavorful culinary adventure – your taste buds will thank you!