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Coconut Milk Chicken

Coconut Milk Chicken

A quick, creamy, and comforting Coconut Milk Chicken recipe combining tender chicken with full-fat coconut milk and a blend of simple spices. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or a flavorful meal to impress guests. Mild, family-friendly, and versatile, this dish pairs wonderfully with rice, noodles, or fresh vegetables.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb boneless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 can (13.5 oz) full-fat coconut milk
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional, adjust to taste)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon cooking oil (coconut or vegetable oil)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prep Your Ingredients: Chop the onion and mince the garlic and ginger. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces for even cooking and easy serving.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: Heat the oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Stir frequently until fragrant and translucent, about 3 to 5 minutes.
  3. Cook the Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the pan and season with salt and pepper. Cook until golden on the outside and nearly cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes, stirring often.
  4. Add Coconut Milk and Simmer: Pour in the full-fat coconut milk and stir well to coat the chicken evenly. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for about 10 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and the chicken is cooked through.
  5. Final Flavor Boost: Add red chili flakes if desired for heat, and squeeze fresh lime juice over the dish. Stir and cook for another minute to blend the flavors.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro on top before serving. Enjoy hot with your favorite side such as rice, noodles, or vegetables.

Notes

  • Choose full-fat coconut milk for a richer, creamier sauce.
  • Do not rush sautéing the aromatics to maximize their flavor release.
  • Use chicken thighs if possible for juicier, more tender results.
  • Simmer gently to prevent the coconut milk from splitting.
  • Adjust seasoning (salt, lime, chili) gradually and taste before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: coconut milk chicken, creamy chicken recipe, quick chicken dinner, easy weeknight meals, gluten free chicken, coconut sauce chicken