Lunch & Dinner

Quick And Easy Coconut Chicken Curry – Hearty Food Ideas

Name: Quick And Easy Coconut Chicken Curry – Hearty Food Ideas
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 6
Ingredients: 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces; 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil; 2 tablespoons mild or hot curry powder; 3-4 tablespoons red curry paste; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger; 1 tablespoon tomato purée; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 2 cups broccoli florets, roughly chopped; 2 1/2 cups full-fat coconut milk; 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 1/2 teaspoon lime zest

Glennis Annis April 14, 2025

Servings: 6 Total Time: 30 mins Difficulty: Intermediate

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When enjoying a vibrant and flavorful dish like quick and easy coconut chicken curry, it’s important to pair it with sides that complement and balance its rich, creamy texture and aromatic spices.

Steamed jasmine rice is an excellent choice, with its fluffy and fragrant grains serving as the perfect base to soak up all the delicious curry sauce, ensuring no flavor goes to waste.

Naan bread is another must-have; soft, pillowy, and slightly tangy from the yogurt in its dough, it’s perfect for scooping up the curry and enhancing its richness. To add a fresh contrast, a light green salad with a citrus vinaigrette works wonders, providing a crisp, refreshing crunch that balances the creamy curry.

Finally, simple roasted vegetables—such as bell peppers, carrots, and zucchini—bring color and natural sweetness to your plate, pairing beautifully with the warm, spiced flavors of the curry.

What is Quick and Easy Coconut Chicken Curry?

Quick and easy coconut chicken curry is a simplified version of traditional coconut curries. It uses accessible ingredients and quick cooking methods, making it perfect for busy nights.

The key components are chicken, coconut milk, and curry spices, which create a warm, hearty dish suitable for family meals or gatherings.

Why This Recipe Works?

Speedy Preparation: With a cooking time under 30 minutes, this recipe is a lifesaver. It requires minimal chopping and cooking techniques, perfect for anyone looking to put dinner on the table fast.
Flavorful Ingredients: The blend of coconut milk and spices creates a rich sauce that coats the chicken beautifully. Curry powder and red curry paste form the backbone of the flavor, easily customizable to your heat preference.
Versatile: Don’t hesitate to swap out ingredients. If you have leftover veggies, throw them in! This recipe can adjust to what’s in your fridge, making it flexible for different diets or tastes.
Nutritional Balance: Packed with protein from chicken and healthy fats from coconut milk, this dish provides a well-rounded meal. Adding veggies like broccoli boosts the fiber and vitamins, keeping it nutritious.

Ingredients You’ll Need To Make This Quick and Easy Coconut Chicken Curry

Gather these ingredients before starting your cooking adventure:

2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
2 tablespoons mild or hot curry powder
3-4 tablespoons red curry paste (adjust to spice preference)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
1 tablespoon tomato purée
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 cups broccoli florets, roughly chopped
2 1/2 cups full-fat coconut milk
1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1/2 teaspoon lime zest

Quick And Easy Coconut Chicken Curry Copycat

How to Make This?

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by prepping your chicken. Cut it into bite-sized pieces. Mince the garlic, grate the ginger, and chop the broccoli. Having your ingredients ready makes the cooking process smoother.

Step 2: Sauté Your Chicken

In a large skillet, heat the toasted sesame oil over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until they turn golden and are cooked through. This step is crucial for flavor development.

Step 3: Add Aromatics

Next, add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the skillet. Stir them into the chicken for about a minute. You’ll notice a delightful aroma start to fill your kitchen.

Step 4: Mix in the Spices

Now, add the curry powder and red curry paste. Stir everything well to coat the chicken. The vibrant colors of the spices should start to dance together.

Step 5: Incorporate Liquids

Add the tomato purée, coconut milk, and soy sauce next. Stir until well combined. You’ll create a rich and creamy sauce. Don’t forget to scrape up any bits stuck to the skillet; they add depth to your curry.

Step 6: Add Broccoli

Add the chopped broccoli to the skillet. Let everything simmer for about 5 minutes, just until the broccoli is tender but still vibrant. This not only adds texture but also makes your dish pop with color.

Step 7: Finish with Butter and Lime Zest

Finally, stir in the butter to give your curry a silky finish. Add lime zest for a fresh note. Trust me; this step transforms the dish completely!

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Once everything is well combined, remove it from heat. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving it alongside your chosen pairings.

Tips

Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, use fresh garlic and ginger. They pack more flavor than their powdered counterparts.
Adjust Spice Levels: If you prefer a milder flavor, start with less curry paste and add more to taste.
Feel Free to Experiment: This is your curry! Add different vegetables like bell peppers or carrots, and even swap out chicken for tofu for a vegetarian option.
Opt for Full-Fat Coconut Milk: It may seem indulgent, but full-fat coconut milk adds creaminess that low-fat versions can’t match.
Make it Ahead: This curry tastes even better the next day. Don’t hesitate to make a bigger batch to enjoy later.

How to Store the Leftovers?

Cool down leftover curry to room temperature and transfer it into airtight containers. It can be stored in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave.

What Are Some Recommended Side Dishes for Quick and Easy Coconut Chicken Curry?

Coconut Rice: This rice is simple but immensely flavor-packed. Cook jasmine rice with coconut milk instead of water for an exciting base.
Grilled Asparagus: A nice char brings out the sweetness of asparagus, countering the creamy curry.
Pickled Carrots: Quick-pickled carrots give bright acidity, enhancing your meal with an additional layer of flavor.
Chickpea Salad: A refreshing chickpea salad, mixed with cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and a citrus dressing, can offer crunch and variety.

If the Items Are Not Available in Your Pantry, What Are Some Substitute Options for the Ingredients?

Chicken: Use shrimp or chickpeas if you’re looking for a different protein source. Both will cook quickly and soak up the flavors beautifully.
Red Curry Paste: In a pinch, yellow curry paste can work. It’s generally milder but will still add flavor to your dish.
Coconut Milk: Almond milk can substitute for coconut milk, although it won’t offer the same creaminess. You may need to add a touch of flour or creamy nut butter for thickness.
Broccoli: Feel free to replace broccoli with any green vegetable, like green beans or snap peas, that you have on hand.

Best Quick And Easy Coconut Chicken Curry

Conclusion

And there you have it—a delightful quick and easy coconut chicken curry that’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner but is sure to impress anyone at the table.

With its creamy texture and rich flavors, this dish will quickly become a family favorite. Don’t shy away from experimenting with the ingredients to make it your own.

Serve it with complimentary sides, and you’ve got yourself a winner! The best part? You’ll fill your home with mouthwatering scents and unforgettable memories around the dinner table.

Happy cooking!

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Quick And Easy Coconut Chicken Curry – Hearty Food Ideas

Author: Glennis Annis Cuisine: Indian Courses: Lunch & Dinner

Difficulty: Intermediate Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 15 mins Total Time 30 mins

Servings: 6 Calories: 435 kcal

Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Description

Ah, coconut chicken curry! This dish is a household favorite and for good reason. It’s creamy, packed with flavor, and downright comforting. Today, I’m excited to share my quick and easy coconut chicken curry recipe.

It’s a dish that’s approachable for everyone, whether you're a seasoned chef or someone just starting in the kitchen.

What makes this curry quick and easy is its straightforward preparation and accessible ingredients. You don’t have to spend all day simmering sauces or grinding spices.

Instead, you can whip up this delightful curry in under an hour. Plus, the coconut milk adds rich creaminess and depth, making it a standout on any dinner table.