Creamy Coconut Chicken: Delicious & Simple Dinner Idea!
This Coconut Chicken recipe features tender chicken pieces in a rich, creamy coconut sauce infused with aromatic ginger, garlic, and lime. It’s a comforting yet exotic dish that’s perfect for any weeknight dinner.
- Author: Crumella
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil (or any neutral cooking oil)
- 1 medium onion, minced
- 4–5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon curry powder
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- Pinch of red chili flakes (optional)
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 can full-fat coconut milk
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce (or soy sauce/tamari for vegetarian)
- Juice of 1 fresh lime
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (or honey/maple syrup)
- Optional vegetables: sliced bell peppers, snow peas, fresh spinach
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
- Sliced green onions, for garnish
- Cut the boneless, skinless chicken thighs into roughly 1-inch bite-sized pieces and pat them dry with paper towels. Season lightly with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of coconut oil over medium heat. Add the minced onion and cook until it softens and becomes translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and grated fresh ginger, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
- Sprinkle in the curry powder, turmeric, and a pinch of red chili flakes (if using). Stir constantly for about 30 seconds to a minute to toast the spices.
- Add the seasoned chicken pieces to the pot and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are lightly browned on all sides.
- Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Stir in the full-fat coconut milk and fish sauce. Bring to a gentle simmer, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it cook for about 15-20 minutes.
- If adding vegetables, toss in sliced bell peppers or snow peas during the last 5-7 minutes of simmering. Stir in fresh spinach right at the end until it wilts.
- Remove the pot from heat and stir in the fresh lime juice and brown sugar (or honey/maple syrup). Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with salt, lime, or sugar as needed.
- Ladle the warm Coconut Chicken over fluffy jasmine rice, brown rice, or quinoa. Garnish with fresh cilantro and sliced green onions.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 20 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg
Keywords: Always use full-fat coconut milk for the best flavor and texture. Don't overcrowd the pan when browning chicken to ensure a good sear. Balance the flavors with lime juice, fish sauce, and brown sugar to achieve a harmonious taste.