Easy Coconut Chicken Curry: Your Go-To 30-Minute Weeknight Dinner
There’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma and rich flavor of a homemade curry. At our house, we have an undeniable love affair with both Indian and Thai cuisine, and anything with “curry” in its name instantly captures our attention. This passion runs deep, even with my son, who has been a dedicated fan since he was little. As he’s grown, his palate has evolved, and he now even appreciates a little extra heat in his dishes – a true curry enthusiast in the making!
While many traditional curry recipes require a significant investment of time to allow all those complex flavors to meld and deepen, we understand that not every day allows for such a leisurely cooking pace. Recipes like our Slow Cooker Tikka Masala are fantastic for those days when you can set it and forget it, but what about when you crave that exquisite, creamy coconut chicken curry experience without the long wait?
That’s where this incredible Easy Coconut Chicken Curry steps in to save the day. This recipe is specifically designed to bring all the deliciousness you expect from a rich, creamy curry to your table in **under 30 minutes**. Forget spending hours simmering; with a clever combination of aromatic curry powder and fragrant garam masala, the chicken is infused with layers of authentic flavor. The luxurious blend of creamy coconut milk and tangy tomato sauce then comes together to create a smooth, irresistible sauce that coats every piece of tender chicken. It’s truly a quick, easy, and satisfying dinner that the entire family will wholeheartedly love!
Why You’ll Love This Easy Coconut Chicken Curry
- Lightning Fast: Ready from start to finish in less than half an hour, making it perfect for those hectic weeknights.
- Incredibly Flavorful: A dynamic duo of curry powder and garam masala ensures a deep, aromatic taste without a long simmer.
- Creamy & Comforting: Coconut milk creates a velvety, rich sauce that’s both satisfying and delicious.
- Family-Friendly: With adjustable spice levels, this mild curry is a hit with kids and adults alike.
- Simple Ingredients: Uses common pantry staples found at any grocery store, eliminating the need for special trips.
- Versatile: Easily customizable with your favorite vegetables or a touch more heat.
Essential Ingredients for Your Creamy Coconut Chicken Curry
Creating a truly delicious curry doesn’t require an overwhelming list of ingredients, just the right ones used effectively. Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this quick and easy coconut chicken curry. (Be sure to scroll to the bottom of the post for the FULL PRINTABLE recipe card with exact measurements.)
- Chicken: We typically opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized cubes, for a leaner and quicker-cooking option. However, chicken thighs can also be used for a richer flavor and more tender texture.
- Vegetable Oil: For browning the chicken and sautéing the aromatics. Canola oil or another neutral oil works well.
- Onions: A small, finely chopped onion forms the aromatic base, adding a subtle sweetness and depth to the sauce.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is crucial for building a robust flavor profile. Don’t skimp on this!
- Curry Powder: This is the star spice, providing that quintessential curry flavor. Choose a good quality blend for the best results.
- Garam Masala: A warm, aromatic spice blend that complements the curry powder beautifully, adding complexity and a comforting fragrance.
- Tomato Sauce: Contributes a slight tanginess and helps to thicken the sauce, balancing the richness of the coconut milk.
- Coconut Milk: Full-fat coconut milk is essential for that creamy, velvety texture and rich flavor. Don’t use light coconut milk if you want the full experience!
- Sugar: A small amount of sugar helps to balance the acidity of the tomato and enhance the overall sweetness and depth of the curry.
- Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings to bring out all the flavors and ensure a perfectly balanced dish.
- Cilantro (for Garnish): Fresh cilantro adds a bright, herbaceous finish that elevates the dish both in flavor and appearance.
- Cooked White Rice: The perfect canvas for soaking up all that incredible sauce.
Serving Suggestions: What to Pair with Coconut Chicken Curry
This easy coconut chicken curry is delicious on its own, but it truly shines when served with the right accompaniments that help soak up every last drop of that incredible sauce. We always serve our curries over plenty of fluffy white rice – in fact, we usually make extra just to ensure no sauce goes to waste!
- Rice, Glorious Rice: While white rice is our go-to, you could also opt for basmati rice for an authentic touch, or even brown rice for a healthier alternative. The key is to have enough to fully absorb the rich, creamy sauce.
- Naan Bread: For a truly restaurant-worthy experience, serve warm Naan Bread alongside your curry. Its soft, pillowy texture is absolutely perfect for scooping up every last bit of that flavorful sauce. Garlic naan or plain naan would be equally delicious!
- Fresh Cilantro: A sprinkle of fresh, chopped cilantro as a garnish adds a burst of freshness and color, enhancing the overall appeal and flavor of the dish.
- Lime Wedges: A squeeze of fresh lime juice just before serving can brighten the flavors and add a lovely zesty contrast to the rich curry.
- Simple Side Salad: A light, refreshing green salad with a vinaigrette dressing can cut through the richness of the curry and add a nice textural contrast.
- Steamed Vegetables: Adding a side of steamed green beans, broccoli, or asparagus can round out the meal and add extra nutrients.
Whether you choose rice, naan, or simply grab a spoon, the most important thing is to savor every drop of this fantastic sauce. If you’re a fan of curry at all, this easy coconut chicken curry is an absolute must-try. It’s incredibly forgiving, with a mild spice level (which you can definitely amp up if you prefer!) and is versatile enough for any night of the week.
How to Master This Quick Coconut Chicken Curry
Don’t let the idea of making curry intimidate you. This recipe breaks it down into just a few simple steps, ensuring a delicious meal that’s ready in record time. Here’s how to do it:
- Sear the Chicken and Sauté Onions: In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. Add your cubed chicken and finely chopped onions. Sprinkle generously with curry powder, garam masala, salt, and black pepper. Cook for about 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is beautifully browned on the outside and the onions have softened. This browning step is crucial for building deep flavor!
- Add the Garlic: Once the chicken is nicely browned (it doesn’t need to be cooked through at this point), add the minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for just about one minute, stirring constantly, until you can smell its fragrant aroma. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter quickly.
- Simmer the Sauce: Now it’s time to create that luscious sauce! Pour in the coconut milk, tomato sauce, and a touch of sugar. Stir everything together until well combined. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it cook for about 15 minutes. This simmering time allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Serve and Garnish: Your easy coconut chicken curry is done when the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency and the chicken is cooked through and tender. Ladle generous portions over your prepared white rice. For a vibrant finish, garnish with fresh cilantro before serving. Get ready to enjoy a truly satisfying meal!
Curry can sometimes feel like a daunting dish to tackle, but this recipe proves it doesn’t have to be. In under 30 minutes, you can have a meal that’s bursting with flavor. What’s even better is that it uses ingredients readily available in any standard grocery store, saving you from special trips to an Asian market. You genuinely can create a delicious, quick, and easy dinner that will become a regular in your weeknight rotation!
Tips for the Perfect Easy Coconut Chicken Curry
- Chicken Cut: While chicken breasts are convenient, chicken thighs will result in a more tender and flavorful curry due to their higher fat content. Adjust cooking time accordingly if using thighs.
- Spice Level: The recipe provides a mild base. For more heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper, a diced fresh green chili (like serrano or jalapeño), or a dash of red pepper flakes along with the other spices.
- Fresh Spices: While pre-ground spices are fine, using fresh, aromatic curry powder and garam masala can significantly enhance the depth of flavor. Check the expiration dates on your spices!
- Coconut Milk Quality: Opt for full-fat coconut milk for the creamiest, richest sauce. Shake the can well before opening to combine the cream and liquid.
- Consistency Control: If your sauce is too thick, thin it out with a little chicken broth or water. If it’s too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to reduce.
- Add Vegetables: Enhance your curry with extra vegetables! Bell peppers, snap peas, spinach, or chopped carrots can be added during the last 5-10 minutes of simmering.
- Meal Prep: This curry reheats beautifully, making it excellent for meal prepping. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
More Delicious Curry Dinner Recipes to Explore
If you’ve fallen in love with the flavors of this easy coconut chicken curry, you’re in for a treat! We have many other fantastic curry-inspired dinner recipes that we know you’ll enjoy. From rich and creamy to spicy and vibrant, there’s a curry for every palate:
- Chicken Tikka Masala
- Indian Butter Chicken
- Coconut Curry Shrimp
- Thai Green Curry Chicken
- Classic Chicken Curry
- Basil Coconut Chicken Curry
Easy Coconut Chicken Curry
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Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon canola oil
- 1 – 1 1/2 pounds chicken, cut into cubes
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 Tablespoon curry powder
- 1 Tablespoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 14 oz coconut milk
- 8 oz tomato sauce
- 2 teaspoon sugar
- Cilantro for Garnish
- 2 cups cooked white rice
Instructions
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In a large skillet heat oil over medium high heat. Add chicken and onions to the pan. Sprinkle curry powder, garam masala, salt and pepper over chicken. Cook for 4-5 minutes until browned.1 Tablespoon canola oil, 1 – 1 1/2 pounds chicken, 1 small onion, 2 Tablespoon curry powder, 1 Tablespoon garam masala, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper
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Add garlic, and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.2 cloves garlic
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Mix in coconut milk, tomato sauce, and sugar. Bring to a low simmer and cook for 15 minutes.14 oz coconut milk, 8 oz tomato sauce, 2 teaspoon sugar
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Serve over rice. Garnish with cilantro.2 cups cooked white rice, Cilantro for Garnish
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 33g |
Protein: 32g |
Fat: 31g |
Saturated Fat: 15g |
Polyunsaturated Fat: 14g |
Cholesterol: 107mg |
Sodium: 820mg |
Fiber: 3g |
Sugar: 4g
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
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