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If you are craving a dish that brings bold flavor, creamy texture, and a vibrant pop of color all in one warm, comforting meal, this Simple Coconut Chicken Curry Recipe is going to be your new best friend in the kitchen. With tender chunks of chicken simmered in a luscious coconut milk sauce spiced just right with curry powder and red curry paste, every bite is a perfect balance of savory, aromatic, and mildly spicy goodness. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight supper or impressing friends at your next dinner, this recipe makes a deliciously easy statement with ingredients you probably already have on hand.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A close-up of small golden-brown fried pieces with a rough, crunchy texture, arranged in a black pan. In the center, a thick square of melting yellow butter is bubbling with the hot oil, spreading a shiny, oily layer around the fried pieces. The background shows the edge of the pan with little oil splatters. The overall colors are warm browns and yellows with a slight crunchy detail on the fried pieces. The surface beneath is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic behind this Simple Coconut Chicken Curry Recipe is in how straightforward and accessible the ingredients are. Each component brings a unique note to the dish – from the nutty sesame oil and earthy curry powder to the fresh zing of ginger and the cooling brightness of cilantro.

Sesame oil: Adds a rich, toasty flavor that acts as a perfect foundation for frying the chicken and spices.
Boneless skinless chicken breast: The lean protein star, cubed for quick and even cooking.
Curry powder: Provides warm, layered spice notes that define the curry’s flavor profile.
Red curry paste: Gives the dish a deeper, more complex heat and a lovely red hue.
Tomato paste: Adds a hint of acidity and richness to balance the creaminess.
Salted butter: Introduces a gentle creaminess and mellows the spices perfectly.
Garlic: Brings pungent, savory depth that brightens the curry base.
Fresh ginger: Offers a zesty and slightly peppery bite that lifts the whole dish.
Broccoli florets: Inject a lovely crunch and vibrant green color for balance and nutrition.
Canned coconut milk: The heart of the dish, creamy and tropical, naturally sweet and smooth.
Fresh chopped cilantro: Adds an herbaceous freshness that finishes the curry beautifully.

How to Make Simple Coconut Chicken Curry Recipe

Step 1: Sear the Chicken and Bloom the Spices

Start by heating the sesame oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high heat. Add the cubed chicken, curry powder, and a pinch of salt to the pan. Let the chicken cook for about 3 minutes until it starts turning golden on the edges – this will seal in juices and create a flavorful base. Then stir in the red curry paste, tomato paste, salted butter, chopped garlic, and fresh ginger, cooking everything together for another 2 minutes so the spices bloom and release their intoxicating aroma.

Step 2: Add Vegetables and Coconut Milk

Next, toss in the chopped broccoli, letting it meld with the chicken and spices. Pour in the coconut milk, giving everything a good stir to combine. Season the sauce with salt, then reduce the heat to medium-low and let the curry gently bubble for 5 to 10 minutes. The chicken will cook through completely, and the sauce will thicken into a creamy, dreamy consistency that clings to every piece of chicken and broccoli.

Step 3: Finish with Fresh Cilantro

Once the curry has thickened to your liking and the chicken is tender, remove the skillet from heat and stir in the fresh chopped cilantro. This fresh herb will add a last burst of brightness and an irresistible aroma that makes this Simple Coconut Chicken Curry Recipe truly sing.

How to Serve Simple Coconut Chicken Curry Recipe

This image shows a close-up of a cooked dish in a black pan, featuring several light brown pieces of meat mixed with bright green broccoli florets. The dish is covered in a creamy, light brown sauce that has a smooth texture with some bubbles visible. The broccoli pieces are spread evenly among the meat chunks, adding bright green color and a fresh look. The sauce has a glossy shine and fills the pan around the ingredients, covering the bottom and part of the sides. The background surface is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate your serving, sprinkle extra freshly chopped cilantro on top for a pop of green and freshness. If you love a little zing, a squeeze of lime juice adds a lovely tart contrast to the creamy curry. You can also add thinly sliced red chili or a dollop of yogurt for a cooling effect that pairs beautifully with the spices.

Side Dishes

This curry shines nicely when spooned over fluffy steamed jasmine or basmati rice to soak up every luscious drop of sauce. For something a bit more indulgent, pair it with warm naan or roti. Lightly roasted vegetables or a simple cucumber salad also make excellent accompaniments to balance the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to put a fun twist on this Simple Coconut Chicken Curry Recipe for guests, serve it in mini coconut bowls or alongside colorful vegetable rice for visual appeal. Layering the curry over cauliflower rice or spiralized veggies works perfectly for lighter, low-carb options. You might even use this curry as a filling for savory crepes or wraps for a unique handheld meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This curry tastes fantastic the next day as the flavors deepen overnight. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to keep the chicken tender and the sauce vibrant.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy this Simple Coconut Chicken Curry Recipe sometime later, it’s freezer friendly! Cool the curry completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove.

Reheating

Reheat your curry slowly over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking and to help the sauce loosen back up. If it seems too thick, add a splash of water or coconut milk to bring back that perfect creamy consistency.

FAQs

Can I use other types of chicken for this curry?

Absolutely! While boneless skinless chicken breast cooks quickly and stays tender, you can also use thigh meat for a juicier, more flavorful result. Just adjust cooking times to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.

Is it possible to make this curry milder or spicier?

Yes, you can easily tweak the heat level. For milder curry, reduce or omit the red curry paste and use mild curry powder. To amp up the spice, add extra curry paste or fresh chopped chilies with the garlic and ginger.

Can I substitute the broccoli with other vegetables?

Definitely. This recipe is very adaptable—try adding cauliflower, green beans, bell peppers, or even spinach for different textures and flavors. Just keep in mind that cooking times might vary based on the vegetable chosen.

What’s the best way to serve this curry for meal prep?

This Simple Coconut Chicken Curry Recipe is great for meal prep since it reheats beautifully. Divide it into single-serving containers with a portion of rice, so you have a convenient, satisfying meal ready to go during busy weeks.

Can I use light coconut milk instead of regular?

Yes, you can use light coconut milk for a lower-fat version, but the curry might be a bit less creamy and rich. If you want to keep the creaminess, consider stirring in a little coconut cream or yogurt when reheating.

Final Thoughts

This Simple Coconut Chicken Curry Recipe truly encapsulates the joy of cooking something flavorful and nourishing without fuss or complicated steps. It’s a wonderful way to bring a bit of comfort and excitement to your dinner table any night of the week. Once you try it, I bet it’ll become a beloved staple in your recipe collection, ready whenever you need that deliciously soothing curry fix.

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Simple Coconut Chicken Curry Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

How to Make Simple Coconut Chicken Curry Recipe