Creamy Coconut Chicken Curry (Easy One-Pot Dinner!)

This creamy coconut chicken curry is the ultimate comfort food rich, aromatic, and irresistibly smooth. It’s one of the best curry recipes easy lovers adore because everything cooks in one pot and requires simple pantry staples. With spices inspired by classic pollo al curry and coconut curry chicken recipes, this dish delivers big flavor without complicated steps. The coconut milk creates a luscious base that pairs perfectly with tender chicken, making it one of the most delicious coconut milk curry options for busy weeknights. If you’re searching for bold, cozy, and perfectly balanced chicken dishes recipes, this is the one to bookmark.

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Time Breakdown

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4

Ingredients List

For the Chicken Curry

• 1 lb (450 g) chicken breast or thighs, cut into cubes
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
• 2 tbsp curry powder
• 1 tsp turmeric
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp chili flakes (optional)
• 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
• ½ cup chicken broth or water
• 2 tbsp oil
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp pepper
• 1 tbsp lemon or lime juice
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

For Serving

• Steamed rice
• Naan or tortillas
• Lime wedges

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets, just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free.

• Large skillet or pot
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Mixing spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups & spoons
• Small bowls for prepping ingredients

Step-by-Step Beginner-Friendly Instructions

1. Prep everything first
   • Dice onion, mince garlic and ginger, and cut chicken into small even pieces.
2. Sauté aromatics
   • Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat.
   • Add onion and cook 3 minutes until translucent.
   • Add garlic + ginger and cook 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add spices
   • Stir in curry powder, turmeric, paprika, and chili flakes.
   • Toast spices for 30–45 seconds to deepen flavor.
4. Cook the chicken
   • Add chicken cubes.
   • Cook 4–5 minutes until lightly browned.
5. Add coconut milk + broth
   • Pour in coconut milk and broth.
   • Stir well until the sauce is smooth and golden.
6. Simmer to perfection
   • Reduce heat and simmer 10–12 minutes until sauce thickens and chicken is fully cooked.
7. Finish with lemon + herbs
   • Add lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
   • Taste and adjust seasoning.
8. Serve warm
   • Pair with rice or naan.
   • Garnish with cilantro for a restaurant-style finish.

Pro Tips

1. Thicker curry?
   Let the sauce simmer uncovered for the last 5 minutes.
2. Extra creamy version:
   Add 2 tbsp coconut cream at the end.
3. Vegetable boost:
   Add spinach, bell peppers, or peas during the last 3 minutes.
4. Meal prep friendly:
   Stores beautifully for up to 4 days.

Nutrition Table

Serving Size	Calories	Protein	Carbs	Fat	Fiber	Sugar
1 plate	420	18g	35g	22g	4g	6g

Conclusion

This creamy chicken curry checks every box — easy, flavorful, comforting, and perfect for weeknight cooking. Whether you’re searching for coconut curry chicken recipes, a simple pollo al curry, or a rich coconut milk curry dish, this recipe is incredibly reliable and delicious every time. Enjoy it with rice, naan, or veggies for a full, satisfying meal.

FAQs