Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
A white dinner plate loaded with white rice and chicken curry.

Simple Curry Chicken Recipe Using Coconut Milk

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 4 reviews

A flavorful dinner doesn’t have to be complicated. Try this Simple Curry Chicken Recipe for your next weeknight meal. This dairy-free Indian-inspired Chicken Curry is ready in less than 30 minutes and uses coconut milk instead of cream.

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 2 tablespoons cooking oil (I used avocado oil)
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1.25 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 3 pieces), cut into 1-inch chunks
  • 2 tablespoons curry powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1 15ounce can crushed tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup full-fat canned coconut milk (you can use heavy cream if you are not on a dairy-free diet)
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped cilantro (optional, for topping)

Instructions

  1. In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the oil over medium heat for a few minutes.
  2. Add the onion and garlic and sauté for a few minutes, stirring occasionally.
  3. Add the chicken, curry powder, and chopped tomatoes. Stir and bring to a simmer. 
  4. Reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet or saucepan. Let the chicken cook for about 12-15 minutes, or until it is cooked through. If the mixture starts to look dry, then you can add up to ¼ cup of water to the skillet.
  5. Remove the lid, stir in the coconut milk, and then turn off the heat.
  6. Serve hot, with the cilantro sprinkled on top.

Notes

  1. This dish is best served with steamed rice or sauteed cauliflower rice. It is also great served with Indian-style naan bread. 
  2. Store any leftovers in a tightly covered container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat before serving.
  3. If your curry powder contains salt, then leave out any additional salt until you taste the finished dish. Most curry powders do not contain salt, though.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size:
  • Calories: 328
  • Sugar: 4.1 g
  • Sodium: 75.7 mg
  • Fat: 17.4 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 9.7 g
  • Fiber: 3.4 g
  • Protein: 34.2 g
  • Cholesterol: 103.4 mg