Quick & Creamy Basil Coconut Chicken Curry: An Easy Weeknight Meal
Are you ready to transform your weeknight dinner routine with a dish that effortlessly blends vibrant Thai influences with comforting Indian traditions? Look no further than this incredible Basil Coconut Chicken Curry. This recipe isn’t just another meal; it’s a flavorful journey that delivers a rich, aromatic experience in under 25 minutes. Forget complicated cooking or long ingredient lists—this mouthwatering curry is designed for both ease and incredible taste, making it an instant family favorite.
Picture this: succulent pieces of chicken bathed in a luxuriously creamy coconut sauce, infused with a medley of aromatic spices, and brightened by a generous hand of fresh basil. The best part? It comes together with minimal fuss, proving that gourmet flavors don’t have to demand hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, you’ll find this recipe surprisingly simple to master, promising a delightful dinner any day of the week.
Why This Basil Coconut Chicken Curry Will Become Your Go-To Recipe
This isn’t just a recipe; it’s a solution to your dinner dilemmas, offering a blend of convenience and culinary excellence. Here’s why this Basil Coconut Chicken Curry deserves a permanent spot in your rotation:
- Effortless & Quick Preparation: In today’s fast-paced world, time is precious. This curry respects your schedule, going from pantry to plate in roughly 20-25 minutes. It’s the perfect answer for busy weeknights when you crave something homemade and wholesome without the lengthy cooking process. The simple steps and readily available ingredients make it accessible for cooks of all skill levels.
- No Special Ingredients Required: One of the biggest hurdles to trying new recipes can be sourcing obscure ingredients. This Basil Coconut Chicken Curry shines because it relies on staples you likely already have in your pantry or can easily find at any local grocery store. No need for specialty trips—just simple, honest ingredients coming together for an extraordinary flavor.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Cook once, eat delicious meals multiple times! This curry is a meal prep superstar. It stores beautifully in the refrigerator for up to three days, and the flavors actually deepen and meld overnight, making leftovers even more delightful than the first serving. Pack it for lunch or enjoy it for another hassle-free dinner.
- Kid-Friendly with a Gourmet Twist: Finding a dish that pleases both adult and younger palates can be a challenge. This curry strikes that perfect balance. Its inherent mildness is appealing to children, and the spice level is easily adjustable to suit even the most sensitive tastes. Yet, the complex layering of fresh basil and rich coconut milk ensures it feels sophisticated and satisfying for adults, too.
- Adaptable to Your Liking: Whether you’re watching your calorie intake or craving a richer indulgence, this recipe is incredibly versatile. Using lite coconut milk delivers a thick, creamy sauce without excess heaviness, maintaining a healthier profile. However, you can opt for full-fat coconut milk for a more decadent experience. Similarly, adjust the heat by modifying the amount of jalapeño or chili powder.
- Exquisite Flavor Profile: The magic of this curry lies in its harmonious blend of flavors. The earthiness of curry powder and cumin, the subtle kick of chili powder and jalapeño, the warmth of ginger and garlic, and the unparalleled freshness of basil all converge in a sweet, savory, and slightly spicy symphony that will tantalize your taste buds.
Essential Ingredients for Your Basil Coconut Chicken Curry
For the exact measurements and full instructions, make sure to scroll down to the bottom of the post for the COMPLETE PRINTABLE recipe card.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the power of a few key ingredients:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: We opt for chicken breasts for a lean protein source that cooks quickly and absorbs flavors beautifully. You can also use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a juicier result.
- Spices (Curry Powder, Cumin, Chili Powder, Salt): These form the backbone of our curry’s flavor, providing warmth, earthiness, and a gentle heat. Curry powder is a blend of many spices, giving you complex flavor with one spoonful.
- Olive Oil: For sautéing our chicken and aromatics, developing a rich base.
- Aromatics (Red Onion, Jalapeño, Garlic, Ginger): The fresh foundation of any good curry. Red onion adds a touch of sweetness, jalapeño provides a customizable hint of spice, while garlic and ginger bring pungent, irresistible aroma and depth.
- Lite Coconut Milk: The star of the creamy sauce. Lite coconut milk provides luscious texture without being overly heavy, found in cans typically in the Asian aisle of your grocery store. For a richer curry, feel free to use full-fat coconut milk.
- Chicken Broth: Thins the sauce slightly and adds another layer of savory flavor. I recommend using low-sodium broth to control the overall saltiness of your dish.
- Cornstarch: A simple thickening agent that ensures your curry sauce achieves that perfect, velvety consistency.
- Fresh Basil: The hero herb that gives this curry its distinctive, vibrant, and aromatic finish. Do not substitute dried basil here; fresh is truly essential for that bright pop of flavor.
- White Rice: The ideal canvas for soaking up all the glorious sauce. Jasmine or Basmati rice are excellent choices.
Crafting Your Basil Coconut Chicken Curry: A Simple Guide
Making this flavorful curry is straightforward and enjoyable. Follow these easy steps to bring this culinary delight to your table:
- Season the Chicken: Begin by cutting your boneless, skinless chicken breasts into uniform cubes. In a medium bowl, toss these chicken pieces with curry powder, ground cumin, chili powder, and a pinch of salt. Ensure each piece is evenly coated, allowing the spices to infuse the chicken with flavor from the start. This simple step is crucial for developing deep taste.
- Sauté the Chicken and Vegetables: Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the seasoned chicken, along with your finely chopped red onion and minced jalapeño. Sauté for approximately 5-7 minutes. You’re looking for the chicken to be lightly browned on the outside and the onions to soften and become translucent. This browning contributes significantly to the final flavor of the curry.
- Introduce the Aromatics: Stir in the minced garlic and fresh ginger to the skillet. Continue to cook for just about one minute, or until you can smell their fragrant aroma filling your kitchen. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as this can turn bitter.
- Build the Creamy Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the lite coconut milk, chicken broth, and cornstarch until the mixture is smooth and lump-free. The cornstarch is key here to achieve a perfectly thickened sauce. Pour this liquid mixture directly into the skillet with the chicken and vegetables, stirring continuously to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Simmer to Perfection: Bring the curry to a gentle simmer. Allow it to cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce visibly thickens to your desired consistency. Taste the curry and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Finish with Fresh Basil: Just before you’re ready to serve, stir in the freshly chopped basil. The residual heat of the curry will gently wilt the basil, releasing its vibrant aroma and distinct flavor without overcooking it.
- Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the hot basil coconut chicken curry over fluffy Instant Pot Jasmine Rice or your preferred grain. Serve with warm Naan bread for dipping, and garnish with extra fresh basil or a squeeze of lime for an added burst of freshness.
Tips & Tricks for the Best Basil Coconut Chicken Curry
While this recipe is incredibly forgiving, a few pointers can elevate your curry from great to unforgettable:
- Choose Quality Chicken: Opt for high-quality boneless, skinless chicken breasts for leaner meat that cooks quickly. For a richer, juicier texture and deeper flavor, consider using boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead.
- Control the Heat: The beauty of homemade curry is customizing the spice level. If you prefer a milder curry, reduce the amount of jalapeño or omit it entirely. For more heat, add an extra dash of chili powder, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or leave some seeds in the jalapeño.
- Boost with Vegetables: This curry is incredibly versatile for adding extra vegetables. Incorporate bell peppers (any color), sliced carrots, snow peas, or spinach during the sautéing stage or towards the end of simmering for added texture, color, and nutritional value.
- Creaminess Level: For an even richer, more luxurious texture, substitute the lite coconut milk with full-fat coconut milk. This will result in a more decadent curry, perfect for special occasions.
- Experiment with Herbs: While fresh basil is a must, don’t be afraid to explore other complementary herbs. A sprinkle of fresh cilantro at the end or a stalk of bruised lemongrass added during simmering can introduce wonderful new dimensions of flavor.
- Add a Citrus Zing: A squeeze of fresh lime juice or a little grated lime zest stirred in just before serving can brighten the entire dish, cutting through the richness of the coconut milk and adding a delightful tangy kick.
- Vary Your Grains: While white rice is a classic pairing, feel free to serve your curry over brown rice, quinoa, or even couscous. For a low-carb option, cauliflower rice or a bed of fresh spinach makes a fantastic alternative, allowing you to enjoy this flavorful treat guilt-free.
- Make Ahead Magic: This curry is one of those dishes that tastes even better the next day. The flavors have more time to meld and deepen. Prepare it in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if the sauce has thickened too much.
If you’re sensitive to spice, you can omit the jalapeño altogether. For a mild but flavorful alternative, try adding a small amount of finely diced bell pepper (red, yellow, or orange) for a slight crunch and sweetness without the heat.
Absolutely! You can easily make this curry vegetarian. Substitute the chicken with firm or extra-firm tofu (pressed and cubed), chickpeas, or a mix of hearty vegetables like cauliflower florets, green peas, and bell peppers. Ensure these alternatives are cooked properly before adding them to the curry, sautéing tofu until golden or ensuring vegetables are tender-crisp.
Leftover Basil Coconut Chicken Curry can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will often intensify, making the leftovers even more delicious. Always reheat thoroughly on the stovetop or in the microwave until piping hot before serving.
More Easy Dinner Recipes to Try
If you loved this simple and delicious curry, be sure to explore more of our easy dinner recipes:
- BBQ Beef
- Kung Pao Chicken Meatballs
- Grinder Salad
- Sesame Noodles
- Taco Mac and Cheese
Basil Coconut Chicken Curry
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Equipment
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Measuring Spoons
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Pot and Pan Set
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into cubes
- 1 Tablespoon curry powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
- 14 oz can lite coconut milk
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 Tablespoon cornstarch
- 3 Tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
- 2 cups cooked white rice
Instructions
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In a bowl mix together diced chicken with curry powder, cumin, chili powder and salt. Set aside.
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In a large skillet heat olive oil until hot. Add chicken, onion, and jalapeno. Cook for 5-7 minutes until onions are soft and chicken is lightly browned.
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Add garlic and ginger and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
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In a separate bowl mix together coconut milk, chicken broth and cornstarch until smooth. Pour into chicken mixture, stirring until well blended.
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Simmer for 4-5 minutes until it thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Stir in fresh basil right before serving.
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Serve over hot rice.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
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