Creamy Coconut Milk Chicken Recipe
Introduction
Coconut Milk Chicken is a creamy, flavorful dish that combines tender chicken with rich coconut milk and aromatic spices. It’s perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or a special meal that’s easy to prepare.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken pieces
- 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground spices (such as cumin, coriander, or curry powder)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon cooking oil
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat the cooking oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Step 2: Add the chicken pieces to the pan and brown them on all sides for about 5 minutes.
- Step 3: Pour the coconut milk over the chicken, then sprinkle in your chosen spices, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Step 4: Reduce heat to low and simmer the chicken in the coconut sauce for 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Step 5: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot over rice or with your favorite side.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in spices and garlic for 30 minutes before cooking.
- Add vegetables like bell peppers or spinach in the last 10 minutes of cooking for a nutritious twist.
- Use lite coconut milk for a lower-fat option, though the sauce will be less creamy.
Storage
Store leftover Coconut Milk Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave to prevent the coconut milk from splitting.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, chicken breasts can be used but may cook faster and can dry out more easily. Keep an eye on cooking time to ensure tenderness.
Is this dish spicy?
The spice level depends on the spices you choose. To keep it mild, use gentle spices like coriander and cumin. Add chili powder or fresh chilies for heat.
PrintCreamy Coconut Milk Chicken Recipe
This Coconut Milk Chicken recipe features tender chicken simmered in a rich, creamy coconut milk sauce infused with garlic and aromatic spices. It’s a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for a cozy meal, showcasing a blend of tropical and savory flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southeast Asian
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
Sauce & Spices
- 1 can (13.5 oz / 400 ml) coconut milk
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ground turmeric
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp chili powder (optional, adjust to taste)
- Salt, to taste
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil or coconut oil
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Start by cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces and mincing the garlic. Gather all the spices for easy access during cooking.
- Sauté Garlic and Spices: Heat oil in a skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Then add turmeric, coriander, cumin, and chili powder; stir for 30 seconds to bloom the spices.
- Add Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the pan, stirring to coat them with the spices. Cook for about 5 minutes until the chicken starts to brown lightly.
- Pour Coconut Milk: Pour the coconut milk into the pan, stirring to combine with the chicken and spices. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat.
- Simmer Until Tender: Cover and simmer the chicken in the coconut sauce for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Season with salt to taste.
- Serve: Once the chicken is tender and the sauce has slightly thickened, remove from heat. Serve hot over steamed rice or with flatbreads.
Notes
- For extra depth, you can add a small piece of ginger when sautéing the garlic.
- Adjust chili powder according to your heat preference.
- This dish pairs well with jasmine rice or basmati rice to soak up the flavorful sauce.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
Keywords: Coconut Milk Chicken, Creamy Chicken Curry, Coconut Curry Chicken, Easy Chicken Dinner
