Creamy Coconut Chicken Curry
Recipe Introduction
Ever craved that perfect blend of creamy and spicy? I know I have. That's how I stumbled upon the magic of chicken curry and coconut milk .
This isn't just a recipe; it's an experience!
Quick Hook: Your Curry Awaits
Fancy a creamy, flavourful dinner? This easy chicken curry with coconut milk delivers! Think tender chicken, rich coconut milk, and aromatic spices. It's pure comfort in a bowl.
Brief Overview: From Humble Beginnings
This delicious Thai chicken curry is inspired by Southeast Asian flavors. It’s a cinch to make (about 50 minutes total). This recipe yields 4-6 servings. Perfect for a family dinner!
Main Benefits: Healthy and Hearty
Healthy crockpot cooking is awesome, isn't it? This recipe is packed with protein and healthy fats. It is the ideal thing to serve for a relaxed weeknight dinner.
What makes this recipe so special is the way the coconut milk creates a gorgeous creamy texture, blending with the warm spices.
Ready to gather your bits and pieces? Here is what you will need for your chicken curry journey.
Essential Ingredients
- Chicken: About 1.5 lbs (680g) of boneless, skinless chicken thighs.
- Aromatics: One large onion, two cloves of garlic, and a thumb sized piece of ginger.
- Veggies: One red bell pepper and one or two green chilies.
- Spices: Curry powder, turmeric, cumin, and coriander.
- Liquids: Coconut milk, diced tomatoes, and lime juice.
Honestly, the beauty of this recipe is how easily you can adapt it. It's also a set it and forget type if you use pot recipes easy .
Not a fan of spice? Skip the chilies. Want more veggies? Throw in some spinach. The key is to make it your own! I once accidentally added a bit too much turmeric.
You know what? It still tasted great! Don't be afraid to experiment, the perfect mild chicken curry recipe is waiting for you to discover it.
Ingredients & Equipment: Get Ready to Cook!
Right, so you want to make a cracking chicken curry and coconut milk ? Sorted! Let's talk about what you need.
It’s not rocket science, I promise. This creamy coconut chicken curry recipe will be a breeze.
Main Ingredients: The Star Players
Alright, let's dive in. The stuff you need :
- 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1 inch pieces. Pro tip: Quality chicken makes all the difference! Get the good stuff, not the rubbery nonsense.
- 1 tbsp (15ml) vegetable oil.
- 1 large onion, chopped (approx. 1 cup).
- 2 cloves garlic, minced.
- 1 inch (2.5 cm) ginger, grated.
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped (approx. 1 cup). Honestly? Any color pepper works, it really does .
- 1-2 green chilies, finely chopped (optional, for heat).
- 2 tbsp (30ml) curry powder.
- 1 tsp (5ml) ground turmeric.
- 1/2 tsp (2.5ml) ground cumin.
- 1/4 tsp (1.25ml) ground coriander.
- 1 can (14 oz/400ml) full fat coconut milk . Trust me, go full fat! It's where the magic happens for thai chicken curry.
- 1 can (14.5 oz/411g) diced tomatoes, undrained.
- 1 tbsp (15ml) tomato paste.
- 1 tbsp (15ml) lime juice.
- 1/4 cup (60ml) chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish.
- Salt and pepper to taste.
- Cooked rice, for serving. Basmati is my go-to. Fluffy perfection!
Seasoning Notes: Spice Up Your Life!
Spice is everything. The right combo can transform your curry chicken recipes .
- Essential combo: Curry powder, turmeric, cumin, coriander. This is your base, your foundation. Nail this and you're golden.
- Flavour enhancers: Garlic, ginger, chilies. These wake up the tastebuds. Don't be shy!
- No coriander? Use parsley. It's not quite the same, but it'll do in a pinch, you know?
Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple
No need for fancy gadgets to make this easy chicken curry with coconut milk .
- Large skillet or Dutch oven. This is where the magic happens. A deep pan is key!
- Cutting board.
- Sharp knife.
- Measuring cups and spoons.
Honestly, that’s all you really need. A wooden spoon for stirring, obviously. If you have everything ready, you're halfway to a truly smashing mild chicken curry recipe .
Now, let's get cooking! I'm excited for you to try this quick chicken curry coconut milk. It will be a good addition to your pot recipes easy collection.
You will love this creamy coconut chicken curry . Are you ready to try this healthy crockpot coconut milk chicken curry recipe ?
Cooking Method: Simmering Your Way to Chicken Curry Nirvana
So, you want to nail a chicken curry and coconut milk recipe? Great choice! Simmering is your best mate here.
It's like giving all those delicious flavours a gentle hug in the pot, letting them meld together beautifully. Trust me, you'll want to know how it's done.
The final result will be a creamy coconut chicken curry that will have you smacking your lips.
Prep Steps: Get Your Ducks in a Row
Before you even think about turning on the hob, get your mise en place sorted. Chop your onion. Mince your garlic.
Grate that ginger. Measure out all your spices. Honestly, this prep work is half the battle! It makes the whole cooking process so much smoother, and you won't be scrambling around mid-cook.
Also, and this is important, make sure your chicken is cut into even, 1 inch pieces for consistent cooking.
step-by-step Simmering: Unlock Those Flavours
Alright, let's get simmering!
- First, brown your chicken . Adds depth of flavour.
- Sauté onion, garlic, and ginger until fragrant. Don't burn the garlic!
- Bloom your spices! Add those curry powder, turmeric, cumin, and coriander. Cook for about 1 minute , stirring constantly. That aroma!
- Add in bell pepper and cook for a bit.
- Pour in the coconut milk , diced tomatoes, and tomato paste. Stir well.
- Simmer covered, until chicken is cooked and sauce thickens. Aim for 15- 20 minutes . Chicken should hit 165° F ( 74° C) .
- Finish with lime juice and cilantro. Taste and adjust seasoning.
Pro Tips: From Good to Great
Want to take your easy chicken curry with coconut milk to the next level? Here's my advice. First, toast those spices! Blooming the spices in hot oil makes a huge difference.
Secondly, don't skimp on the coconut milk. Full fat gives you that rich, creamy texture you crave. Finally, and this is key, don't rush the simmering process.
Let that curry gently bubble away, allowing all those flavours to meld and deepen. You'll be amazed by the results.
And remember, this curry chicken recipes is a fantastic introduction to the world of cooking with a wok or Dutch pot recipes easy !
Honestly, making a Thai chicken curry or any Chicken Curry doesn't need to be daunting. Just follow these tips and tricks, and you'll be serving up a restaurant worthy meal in no time.
It's a mild chicken curry recipe that's perfect for those who don't like too much heat. And, if you're looking for a healthy crockpot option, this recipe can easily be adapted for slow cooking too.
Alright, so you're all set to make some seriously good Chicken Curry . Before you dive in, let's chat about a few things that'll make your curry experience even better.
These are some notes.
Recipe Notes to Help You Nail It
Serving Suggestions: Curry's Grand Entrance
Right, so you've got this incredible creamy coconut chicken curry , but how do you show it off? Ditch the plain bowls.
Instead, think about plating. A swirl of cream? Cilantro is perfect.
Serve it alongside fluffy basmati rice, piled high. Warm naan bread is also great to mop up all that glorious sauce.
For a refreshing drink, a crisp lager or a dry white wine really cuts through the richness. Honestly, presentation is half the battle.
Storage Tips: Making It Last
Okay, so you've got leftovers (if you're lucky!). Transfer that mild chicken curry recipe to an airtight container. It'll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days, no problem.
If you want to freeze it, portion it out first. It'll last for up to 2 months. When reheating, add a splash of water or coconut milk to prevent it from drying out.
Variations: Your Curry, Your Rules
Fancy switching things up? You bet! For a vegetarian version, swap the chicken for chickpeas or cauliflower. It is great way to make your pot recipes easy .
Need it spicier? Chop in a couple more green chilies. For a creamier dish, stir in a dollop of Greek yogurt at the end.
Also, try Thai chicken curry .
Nutrition Basics: Goodness in Every Bite
This Chicken Curry with Coconut Milk is packed with protein and healthy fats. Think of this healthy crockpot dish as a flavor explosion.
While it's not exactly a diet food, it's certainly a satisfying and nutritious meal.
So there you have it. A few tips and tricks to help you make the best chicken curry and coconut milk ever. Now go forth and create something amazing! You've got this.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this chicken curry and coconut milk recipe ahead of time? Will it still taste good?
Absolutely! This Chicken Curry with Coconut Milk is even better the next day. The flavours meld together beautifully overnight. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. A gentle reheat on the hob is all it needs.
What's the best way to store leftovers of this chicken curry? Is it freezer friendly?
Leftover chicken curry is fantastic! Let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for 3-4 days. For longer storage, it freezes very well. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. It's basically a "ready meal" waiting to happen!
How can I make this chicken curry and coconut milk spicier? I like a bit of a kick!
If you fancy a bit of a fire in your belly, there are a few things you can do. Add an extra green chilli or two, finely chopped, to the onion mixture. A pinch of cayenne pepper will also do the trick.
Or, you could add a dash of your favourite hot sauce at the end, like a Sriracha or a Scotch Bonnet pepper sauce, but be careful not to overdo it! Taste as you go.
I'm not a fan of chicken thighs. Can I use chicken breast in this chicken curry with coconut milk instead?
You can certainly use chicken breast, but be mindful of cooking times. Chicken breast tends to dry out more easily than thighs. Reduce the simmering time by a few minutes and ensure the chicken is cooked through but still moist. You might also want to cut the chicken breast into larger chunks to help keep it juicy.
Is there a way to make this chicken curry and coconut milk healthier?
Sure thing! Use light coconut milk instead of full fat to cut down on calories and fat. You could also load up on the veggies by adding more bell peppers, spinach, or even some green beans. Serving it with brown rice instead of white is another good option for added fiber.
I don't have fresh cilantro for garnish. What else can I use?
No cilantro? No worries! Fresh parsley or mint can be a nice substitute, though they'll impart a slightly different flavour. A squeeze of extra lime juice can also add a fresh, zesty finish if you're really in a pinch. Or, just skip the garnish altogether; the curry will still taste amazing!
Creamy Coconut Chicken Curry
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 450-550 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 30-40g |
| Fiber | 20-30g |