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Creamy Coconut Milk Chicken Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 65 reviews

A rich and flavorful Creamy Coconut Milk Chicken recipe featuring tender chicken thighs simmered in a fragrant coconut milk sauce infused with turmeric, garlic, ginger, and lime. Perfect served over rice or with naan for a comforting meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Main Ingredients

  • 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 13.5 oz full-fat coconut milk
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro (optional)

Spices and Aromatics

  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger
  • 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 0.5 teaspoon paprika
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 0.25 teaspoon black pepper

To Serve

  • Cooked rice or naan

Instructions

  1. Brown the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs or breasts and cook for 3–4 minutes on each side until they develop a golden brown crust. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: Reduce the heat to medium. In the same skillet, add the finely chopped onions and sauté until translucent, about 3 minutes. Add minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking another minute until fragrant and aromatic.
  3. Add Spices: Sprinkle ground turmeric, paprika, salt, and black pepper over the sautéed onions and garlic. Stir well to coat the mixture evenly and release the vibrant flavors of the spices.
  4. Simmer Coconut Sauce: Pour the full-fat coconut milk into the skillet and stir to combine everything into a smooth sauce. Bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
  5. Cook the Chicken Through: Return the browned chicken pieces to the skillet, nestling them into the coconut sauce. Cover the skillet and let it simmer on low heat for 12–15 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
  6. Finish and Serve: Stir in lime juice and sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro over the dish just before serving. Serve the creamy coconut chicken hot with your choice of cooked rice or warm naan bread.

Notes

  • Use chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful results, but chicken breasts work well if preferred.
  • Adjust the amount of turmeric and paprika to your taste for stronger or milder spicing.
  • Full-fat coconut milk provides the best creamy texture and flavor; light coconut milk can be used but will result in a thinner sauce.
  • Fresh ginger adds a bright aroma; if unavailable, substitute with 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger but flavor will be less vibrant.
  • If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to reduce it.
  • Serve with steamed jasmine or basmati rice or soft naan to soak up the creamy sauce.

Keywords: Creamy Coconut Chicken, Coconut Milk Chicken, One Pan Chicken Dinner, Coconut Curry Chicken, Easy Chicken Recipe, Gluten-Free Chicken

Find it online: https://victoriablair.com/creamy-coconut-milk-chicken-recipe/