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–+ servings
Creamy Coconut Chicken with tender chicken in a rich coconut sauce, garlic, ginger, and fresh herbs.

Creamy Coconut Chicken

Creamy Coconut Chicken is an easy one-pan dinner featuring tender chicken simmered in a rich coconut sauce with garlic, ginger, and warm spices. Ready in just 35 minutes, it's perfect for busy weeknights while delivering comforting restaurant-quality flavor.
Couverts4 servings
Preparation 10 minutes
Preparation time:25 minutes
Total time 35 minutes
estimated costs pp $4.10 per person
Deel op Facebook Print Recipe

Equipment

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

Calories: 520 kcal | Carbohydrates: 8 g | Protein: 36 g | Fat: 38 g | Saturated Fat: 21 g | Sodium: 690 mg | Sugar: 3 g
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Course; Chicken / Dinner / Main Course
Cuisine; Asian / International / Global
Season: All Seasons
Diets; Dairy-Free / Gluten-Free
Occasions Family Dinner / Quick Dinner / Weekend