Indian Coconut Chicken Curry (Quick & Easy Recipe!) (2024)

This Indian Coconut Chicken Curry recipe is so flavorful, healthy, and easy to make. It makes an ideal dinner for busy weeknights, because it is ready to eat in just 30 minutes. Learn how to make homemade coconut chicken curry with this quick and simple recipe that is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser!

Indian Coconut Chicken Curry (Quick & Easy Recipe!) (1)

Coconut Chicken Curry: An Easy Indian Dinner

You are going to adore this rich, creamy curry made with chicken, coconut milk, and fresh spinach. It is absolutely bursting with spicy and exotic flavor. Additionally, this chicken curry recipe is packed with protein and is delightfully easy to make. It makes an ideal weeknight dinner, because it delivers maximum flavor in minimal time.

I recommend serving this nutritious Indian coconut chicken curry with cooked basmati rice or warm naan bread for a balanced, satisfying meal. For a low-carb option, try serving it with cauliflower rice.

This recipe would be great for entertaining or taking along to a potluck. Since it is naturally paleo, Whole30, and gluten-free, it is suitable for many people following special diets. It is also perfect for meal prepping, so feel free to make a batch ahead of time to have on hand for the coming week.

Normally when you read Indian curry recipes, they include a large number of spices in the ingredient list that many people don’t readily have on hand. So, I developed a recipe that uses curry powder, which contains a variety of fragrant Indian spices that have been ground up and mixed together in one convenient package. Only a small amount of curry powder is used in this recipe. That way the chicken curry has just the slightest hint of warm Indian spices, without overpowering the rest of the flavors in the dish.

Indian Coconut Chicken Curry (Quick & Easy Recipe!) (2)

How to Make Indian Coconut Chicken Curry

This chicken curry with coconut milk is one of those recipes that tastes like you’ve simmered it gently for hours. Luckily, it takes less time to make than your favorite Indian restaurant takes to deliver. To make this homemade chicken curry with coconut milk recipe, simply:

  1. Make the flavor base: Cook the onion, garlic, ginger, and curry powder in a bit of coconut oil until fragrant.
  2. Cook the chicken: Saute the chicken until it is almost cooked through.
  3. Pour in the liquids: Add the crushed tomatoes and coconut milk, then simmer.
  4. Stir in the spinach: Season the curry sauce with S&P to taste, then add in the spinach.
  5. Serve: Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro, if desired, then serve with rice and/or naan bread.

And there you have it! This is truly a quick and easy Indian curry recipe that is seriously delicious. See the full recipe below for detailed ingredient amounts and complete instructions/directions.

Possible Recipe Variations

This coconut chicken curry recipe is incredibly flexible with regards to variations. For example, feel free to…

  • Add more seasoning: For a more intense curry flavor, you can increase the amount of curry powder to your liking or add in some garam masala.
  • Use different greens: Kale or collard greens would also be delicious in place of the spinach.
  • Add some heat: To give the curry a more piquant flavor, you can add in a few pinches of cayenne powder or crushed red pepper flakes.
  • Add extra veggies: Feel free to toss in any other mild curry-friendly veggies that you have on hand, such as bell peppers, zucchini, green beans, broccoli, cauliflower, or peas.

Those are just a few suggestions, so feel free to experiment with whatever ingredient swaps or additions that sound good to you. 🙂

Don’t miss out! Click here to get exclusive discounts on my favorite healthy products and resources!

Indian Coconut Chicken Curry (Quick & Easy Recipe!) (3)

Can You Freeze Chicken Coconut Curry?

Absolutely, this curry recipe freezes beautifully. I recommend separating a batch/leftovers into smaller portions in freezer-safe containers and then placing the containers in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator or out on the counter for quick dinners during extra-busy weeknights.

For this Indian Coconut Chicken Curry recipe, I recommend:

Here are a some pantry staples that I suggest using to ensure this coconut chicken curry recipe turns out perfect. All of these ingredients can be ordered online from Thrive Market, which is an online retailer that sells healthy, organic food at wholesale prices. I like to think of it like Amazon (online marketplace) meets Costco (wholesale prices) meets Whole Foods (all wholesome, junk-free foods).

  • Thrive Market Curry Powder – This is the curry powder I use! The quality is excellent and it gives a rich, fragrant, and well-rounded flavor to soups and curries.
  • Organic Coconut Milk– I love the richness and consistency of this full-fat coconut milk. It adds so much body and richness to curries and soups.
  • Nutiva Coconut Oil – I always use this unrefined, virgin, and organic coconut oil for optimal flavor and health benefits.

If you’re interested in purchasing any of the above items, you’ll need to get a Thrive Market membership. However, if you’re a reader of my website, you will get an exclusive bonus when you sign up:

Click here to get a FREE grocery gift, valued up to $60, when you join Thrive Market!

Indian Coconut Chicken Curry (Quick & Easy Recipe!) (4)

More Coconut Curry Recipes

Craving more tasty coconut curry dishes? Here are some of my favorite recipes on the blog:

  • Coconut Lentil Curry
  • Thai Coconut Curry Rice
  • Indian Coconut Chickpea Curry
  • Shrimp Coconut Curry
  • Curry Coconut Pumpkin Soup

If you make this easy Indian Coconut Chicken Curry recipe, let me know! Leave a comment with a star rating ★ below, because I love hearing from you! ♡

Indian Coconut Chicken Curry (Quick & Easy Recipe!) (5)

Indian Coconut Chicken Curry (Quick & Easy Recipe!)

Alia Kay

This Indian Coconut Chicken Curry recipe is so flavorful, healthy, and easy to make. Best of all, it is ready to eat in just 30 minutes!

4.77 from 17 votes

Print Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Main

Cuisine Indian

Servings 4 servings

Calories 383 calories

Ingredients

  • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon curry powder
  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil
  • 1 yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger
  • 1 (15-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 (14-ounce) can coconut milk
  • 4 cups chopped packed fresh spinach
  • Optional garnish: Chopped fresh cilantro

Instructions

  • In a mixing bowl, combine chicken, lemon juice, and curry powder. Allow mixture to marinate for at least 30 minutes (prepare the rest of your ingredients in the meantime).

  • Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. When oil is hot, add the onion and cook for 4 minutes or until softened.

  • Add the garlic and ginger to the pan. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.

  • Add the marinated chicken and cook for 3-4 minutes, until almost cooked through.

  • Stir in the tomatoes and coconut milk. Increase heat to high and bring to a boil.

  • Reduce heat to low and cover. Simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is completely cooked through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

  • Stir in the spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes, until the spinach is wilted.

  • Serve warm, garnished with cilantro, if using.

Notes

  1. Serve your coconut chicken curry with rice or naan for a satisfying meal.
  2. If possible, I highly recommend using organic, pasture-raised chicken in this recipe for maximum health benefits.
  3. Leftovers will keep in the refrigerator for about a week or can be frozen for up to three months.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts

Indian Coconut Chicken Curry (Quick & Easy Recipe!)

Amount per Serving

Calories

383

% Daily Value*

Fat

28

g

43

%

Saturated Fat

22

g

138

%

Trans Fat

0.01

g

Polyunsaturated Fat

1

g

Monounsaturated Fat

2

g

Sodium

171

mg

7

%

Potassium

893

mg

26

%

Carbohydrates

9

g

3

%

Fiber

2

g

8

%

Sugar

2

g

2

%

Protein

28

g

56

%

Vitamin A

2864

IU

57

%

Vitamin C

17

mg

21

%

Calcium

72

mg

7

%

Iron

5

mg

28

%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Keyword Coconut Chicken Curry, Indian Chicken Curry, Indian Coconut Chicken Curry

Did you try this recipe?Let me know what you thought!

© Everyday Easy Eats. All photos and content are copyright protected. Please do not use any of my recipes, text or images without prior permission.

You May Also Like...

  • Indian Coconut Lentil Curry (Easy Vegan Recipe!)
  • Indian Coconut Chickpea Curry (Easy Vegan Recipe)
  • Indian Chicken Curry with Evaporated Milk (Easy Recipe)
Indian Coconut Chicken Curry (Quick & Easy Recipe!) (2024)

FAQs

What is the secret ingredient in Indian curry? ›

TURMERIC. That is the go to spice in any South Indian kitchen to enhance a dish.

What is the secret to the best Indian curry? ›

Build a deep flavour

The three core ingredients of almost any Indian curry are garlic, onion and ginger. There are a few styles of curries that don't use garlic to ensure subtle flavour isn't overwhelmed, but it's a good rule of thumb that those three ingredients are likely to be included.

Is curry better with coconut milk or cream? ›

Coconut milk and cream are mostly interchangeable in recipes such as curries and soups. If you prefer a richer flavour and texture, try coconut cream or vice versa. However, be careful when substituting coconut milk and cream in baked goods.

At what point do you add coconut milk to curry? ›

Once the spices and veg have cooked, add in the coconut milk and a couple cups of chicken stock. Turn the heat up so it comes to a boil and then lower to about medium heat and cook for 10-15 minutes. Just until it starts to thicken! I normally do 10 minutes, but if you like a really thick sauce, take it longer.

How do restaurants make curry so creamy? ›

The actual sweetness and creaminess of such curries meanwhile, usually comes from fried onions and either cashews and/or dairy products. Instead of (or in addition to) onion, ground coconut may be used. White poppy seeds and/or watermelon seeds are also used in some creamy sauces.

What are the 5 spices in a curry? ›

The Essential Five Spices are:
  • Cumin seeds.
  • Coriander seeds.
  • Black mustard seeds.
  • Cayenne pepper.
  • Turmeric.

What are the secret ingredients to a good curry chicken? ›

In a large bowl, mix together the yogurt, ginger, garlic, Indian tandoori masala, tomato puree, salt, lemon juice and butter. Add the chicken and mix well. Cover and refrigerate for at least an hour.

What is the most important spice in curry? ›

Fenugreek (Methi)

This Indian spice is what people say "smells like curry." Of all Indian spices, this spice may be the most essential. You may use up to a few tablespoons in a family size dish near the end of the cooking process, but start with a teaspoon. Fenugreek seeds also have many health benefits.

What kind of yogurt do you put in curry? ›

The type of yoghurt that is typically used in Indian cooking is called dahi. Dahi is a type of yoghurt that is made from curdled milk. It is thicker and more sour than yoghurt, making it the perfect addition to curries and other savoury dishes.

Do you put coconut milk or yogurt in curry? ›

If it's North Indian dish, it's mostly cream in curry and hung yogurt for marination. If it's southern Indian dish, it's either yoghurt. Most of Indian cuisines don't use coconut milk. We use either fresh grated coconut or dried coconut.

Do you put cream or yogurt in curry? ›

A Yes, you can use cream or crème fraîche in your curries. What you will get is the same delicious creamy quality to the curry as if you had used yogurt, but it will simply be a little sweeter and milder in taste. You should spice your curry with this in mind.

How long to cook curry after adding coconut milk? ›

Cook, stirring frequently, until softened – about 5 minutes. Add curry powder, cayenne (or chili pepper), veggie stock, coconut milk, another healthy pinch of salt and stir. Bring to a simmer then reduce heat slightly and continue cooking for 10-15 minutes.

How much curry paste do I add to coconut milk? ›

Add 5-6 tbsp red curry paste, sizzle for a few secs, then pour in 800ml coconut milk. Bring to the boil, reduce to a simmer, stir a little and wait for the oil to rise to the surface.

How do you keep coconut milk from splitting in curry? ›

Tip. Add a teaspoon of cornstarch to a dish to prevent curdling of coconut milk. Adding cornstarch will also thicken the sauce, so don't use it if you're making a dish that requires a thin sauce.

What is the key ingredient in many curry? ›

The most common curry ingredients may include cumin, coriander, turmeric, ginger, garlic, onions, chili peppers, and tomatoes. Usually, curries are prepared with a protein too, such as chicken, lamb, beef, tofu, chickpeas, or lentils.

What brings out the flavour of curry? ›

The easiest way to fix a bland and tasteless curry is by adding spices like red chili powder, cumin, coriander, garam masala, curry leaves and turmeric. Just make a quick tempering and pour over the curry to give it a nice punch of spices and herbs.

What ingredient makes curry taste like curry? ›

Curry is often described as a dish that is earthy, spicy, warming, or even sometimes sweet. It is a well-balanced, richly spiced dish with notes of deep savory flavors from turmeric, coriander, cumin, bay leaf, cinnamon, and cloves, just to name a few.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Corie Satterfield

Last Updated:

Views: 6674

Rating: 4.1 / 5 (42 voted)

Reviews: 89% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Corie Satterfield

Birthday: 1992-08-19

Address: 850 Benjamin Bridge, Dickinsonchester, CO 68572-0542

Phone: +26813599986666

Job: Sales Manager

Hobby: Table tennis, Soapmaking, Flower arranging, amateur radio, Rock climbing, scrapbook, Horseback riding

Introduction: My name is Corie Satterfield, I am a fancy, perfect, spotless, quaint, fantastic, funny, lucky person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.