Creamy Coconut Chicken
Equipment
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Measuring cups
- Small bowl
- Tongs
- Wooden spoon
Ingredients
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro or flat-leaf parsley
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ teaspoon chili flakes optional
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ¾ teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 14 oz can full-fat coconut milk
- 1 small yellow onion finely diced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger grated
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1.8 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- Steamed jasmine rice or warm flatbread optional, for serving
Instructions
- Pat the chicken dry.
- Season both sides with the salt, black pepper, and paprika.
- Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear the chicken for 4 to 5 minutes per side until golden.
- Transfer the chicken to a plate.
- Reduce the heat to medium.
- Cook the onion until softened.
- Add the garlic and ginger.
- Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in the turmeric, chili flakes, and tomato paste.
- Cook for 1 minute.
- Pour in the coconut milk and chicken broth.
- Stir in the honey.
- Return the chicken to the skillet.
- Simmer gently for 10 to 12 minutes until fully cooked.
- Finish with the lime juice.
- Sprinkle with the chopped herbs.
- Serve with jasmine rice or warm flatbread if desired.
Notes & Wine Advice
Recipe Notes
Chicken thighs stay juicy during simmering, but chicken breasts can be used for a leaner version. Allow the sauce to simmer gently to keep the coconut milk smooth and creamy. Add baby spinach, bell peppers, or snap peas during the final minutes for extra vegetables. Serve with steamed jasmine rice or warm flatbread to enjoy every spoonful of the flavorful sauce.Wine Advice
An off-dry Riesling or Gewürztraminer complements the creamy coconut sauce and aromatic spices beautifully. For a non-alcoholic option, serve with sparkling lime water or chilled ginger iced tea.Nutrition values
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About This Recipe
Creamy Coconut Chicken is a comforting one-pan dinner that combines tender chicken with a silky coconut sauce, fresh garlic, ginger, and warming spices. Ready in just 35 minutes, this recipe delivers rich flavor while keeping preparation simple. The creamy sauce is perfectly balanced with lime juice, creating a fresh finish that keeps every bite light and satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Recipe
Coconut chicken uses everyday ingredients to create a restaurant-quality meal with very little effort. Coconut milk provides a rich, velvety sauce, while garlic, ginger, turmeric, and paprika build layers of aromatic flavor. Everything cooks in one skillet, making cleanup almost effortless.
Perfect Coconut Chicken
This coconut chicken develops incredible flavor as the chicken gently simmers in the creamy sauce. The coconut milk blends beautifully with the spices, while a touch of honey balances the savory ingredients. Fresh lime juice stirred in at the end brightens the dish without overpowering its creamy texture.
Serving Creamy Coconut Chicken
This recipe is delicious served over fluffy jasmine rice, basmati rice, noodles, or with warm flatbread for dipping into the sauce. Steamed broccoli, green beans, baby spinach, or roasted vegetables also make excellent side dishes. Browse our Chicken Recipes collection for more easy dinner inspiration.
Coconut Chicken Storage Tips
Store leftover coconut chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently over low heat while stirring occasionally to keep the sauce smooth and creamy. This recipe also works well for meal prep because the flavors continue to develop overnight. For safe food storage guidance, visit the FDA Food Safety website.
Whether you’re preparing a quick family dinner or looking for an easy meal packed with comforting flavors, this recipe is always a reliable choice. Creamy Coconut Chicken combines tender chicken, creamy coconut sauce, fresh herbs, and warm spices into a satisfying dinner you’ll happily make again and again.