Curry recipes have long since ceased to be exotic on our tables, and I’m glad, because even if they aren’t strictly traditional Pakistani dishes, they allow us to prepare delicious meals in very little time. With this 10-minute chicken curry recipe, we have a complete and tasty dish ready in no time.
The key to being quick and efficient in the kitchen is preparation and organization, so you should try to have all the utensils and ingredients ready before you start cooking. That way, you can also make a side dish of curry rice or whatever you fancy.
Cutting the chicken into small pieces and using room temperature ingredients will make cooking much faster. Use your favorite spice blend, even homemade garam masala. Once you’ve mastered this recipe, you can make other, more complex dishes like the classic butter chicken curry.
Table of Contents
How to Make Chicken Curry With Coconut Milk?
Chicken curry with coconut milk, or chicken curry, is an exotic recipe of Indian origin that’s becoming increasingly popular around the world. You have to try it.
Recipe Details
- Servings: 4
- Total time: 25 minutes
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Boneless chicken thighs | 1 kg |
| Onion | 150 g |
| Garlic | 15 g |
| Coconut milk | 400 ml |
| Turmeric | 1 teaspoon |
| Cumin | 1 teaspoon |
| Curry powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Ginger | 1 teaspoon |
| Cardamom pods | 10 |
| Olive oil | As needed |
| Salt | To taste |
Step-by-Step Preparation
1. Chop and cook the chicken
To cook this chicken curry with coconut milk, the first thing we’ll do is cut the boneless chicken thighs into chunks after removing the skin and trimming off any excess fat. Then we’ll put a frying pan or casserole dish on the heat with enough olive oil to cover the bottom and cook the chicken with a little salt.
2. Add the chopped garlic and onion
When the chicken is almost cooked and starting to brown, we will add the chopped onion and garlic. Cook them together with the chicken until the onion starts to become translucent.
3. Add the spices to the chicken curry
At this point, we’ll add the spices, starting with the cardamom. Peel the pods and use only the seeds. Then add all the other spices and mix them in so they coat the chicken well and cook slightly in the oil to enhance their flavor.
4. Pour in the coconut milk and cook it all together
After about 2 minutes, pour in the coconut milk, add a pinch of salt, and mix until it’s fully incorporated with the other ingredients. Now let the stew cook for 10 to 15 minutes over medium-low heat, or until the sauce reaches your desired thickness.
5. Let the chicken curry rest
After that time, and if the sauce is to our liking, remove the curry chicken from the heat and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes with the casserole covered so that all the flavors can settle.
6. Finish and serve
And that’s it, friends! We’ve finished our 25-minute chicken curry recipe.
Video Guide ❤️
Side Dish for Chicken Curry
Chicken curry is a flavorful dish, and pairing it with the right side can take it to the next level. Here are some easy and delicious ideas to accompany your chicken curry.
How to Prepare Curried Rice as a Side Dish?
Basmati rice, with its light texture and subtle aroma, pairs perfectly with curry spices, enhancing their flavor without overpowering the dish. Here’s how to prepare it perfectly:
- Cook basmati rice: Follow the package instructions, generally using twice as much water as rice. For fluffier rice, you can rinse it before cooking to remove excess starch.
- Sauté the rice with a touch of spices: In a large frying pan, add a little olive oil or butter. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring so that the spices are well infused into the rice.
- Cook over low heat: Once the rice is ready, cook over low heat for 2 to 3 minutes so it absorbs the flavor of the spices.
- Serve it alongside the chicken curry: Once ready, serve the basmati rice as a side dish with the chicken curry. This rice perfectly complements the rich, spiced sauce of the chicken curry, adding a soft texture and an extra touch of flavor.
- Final touch: If you prefer, you can garnish the rice with chopped fresh cilantro or toasted almonds for an extra touch of flavor and presentation.
This simple side dish highlights the flavors of the main course and gives it an extra touch of spice.
Other Ideas: Naan Bread or Couscous
If you prefer to vary the side dishes, here are some other delicious options:
- Naan bread: This flatbread, traditionally cooked in a tandoor oven, is ideal for accompanying curries. You can buy it ready-made or prepare it at home. Its soft texture and slightly tangy flavor are perfect for soaking up the curry sauce.
- Couscous: Couscous is an excellent accompaniment to saucy dishes, such as chicken curry. Simply add hot water to the couscous, let it sit for 5 minutes, and then mix in a little olive oil and salt. It’s light and absorbs the flavors of sauces well.
Approximate Nutritional Value Per Serving
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 560 kcal |
| Protein | 38 g |
| Fat | 41 g |
| Saturated Fat | 23 g |
| Carbohydrates | 8 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 3 g |
| Sodium | 420 mg |
Nutrition Notes
- These nutritional values are approximate and may vary depending on the brand of coconut milk, the size of the chicken thighs, and the amount of oil and salt used.
- Serving this dish with rice, naan, or couscous will increase the total calories and carbohydrates.
- For a lighter version, you can use less oil and choose a lighter coconut milk if preferred.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken thighs?
Yes, you can use chicken breast instead of thighs. Keep in mind that breast meat cooks faster and can dry out more easily, so watch the cooking time closely.
Is chicken curry with coconut milk spicy?
This version is more aromatic than spicy. It has warm flavor from the spices, but it is not very hot. If you want more heat, you can add chili flakes or fresh chopped chili.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, this curry can be made ahead of time. In fact, it often tastes even better after resting because the flavors deepen and blend more fully.
How should I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat or in the microwave until hot.
Can I freeze chicken curry?
Yes, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Let it cool completely before freezing, and thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating.
What can I serve with chicken curry besides rice?
You can serve it with naan bread, couscous, flatbread, or even a simple salad if you want something lighter.
Conclusion
This chicken curry with coconut milk is a simple, comforting, and flavorful dish that comes together without much effort. With tender chicken, warm spices, and a creamy sauce, it makes a satisfying meal for both busy weekdays and relaxed family dinners. Once you try it, you’ll see why it has become such a popular recipe to keep on repeat.
