Easy Chicken Curry with Coconut Milk, Coconut Milk Chicken Curry Recipe - Edible Garden (2024)

39 Comments

Jump to Recipe

Easy Chicken Curry with Coconut Milk, Coconut Milk Chicken Curry Recipe - Edible Garden (1)Pin

Easy Chicken Curry with Coconut Milk – Learn how to make a basic and easy Indian-style chicken curry with coconut milk and spices. This is a relatively mild chicken curry recipe that’s fabulous because it goes with everything – rice, chapati, pulao, dosa, appam, puttu, etc.

There are so many variations to a coconut milk chicken curry and this is my own. There’s nothing special or majorly different in this recipe than the base of most Indian curries but I do like my chicken curry in a particular way, and this is it.

While generally my Indian non-vegetarian recipes are on the spicier side, both heat-wise and spice-wise, I like to keep coconut based curries on the milder side. That tends to brings out the flavour and sweetness of coconut milk which really should be the star in such recipes. I also like to keep tang to a minimum and so add tomatoes for the colour than for any major flavour.

Easy Chicken Curry with Coconut Milk, Coconut Milk Chicken Curry Recipe - Edible Garden (2)Pin

You can adapt this chicken curry with coconut milk recipe in many different ways to suit your palates and I have mentioned some variations below, while I explain the flow of how I make it. If you use canned or packaged coconut milk, this is a very easy dish to put together in under 30 mins. Making your own coconut milk will obviously elevate the flavour of the curry but it’s not essential in this dish, in my opinion. Since I like the gravy to be a bit on the thicker side, I used ground poppy seed paste, something that is unavailable in Singapore and so more used and appreciated in Sydney 🙂 TH and I have different choices (he’s a vegetarian) and we rarely comment on each other’s choices but after making this chicken curry, I told him for the first time that I wish he could taste it.

I have a few more chicken recipes in the site and my favourites are dry chilli chicken, Kerala chicken curry, and butter chicken masala. Try them! You can also check out how to make coconut milk at home.

Easy Chicken Curry with Coconut Milk, Coconut Milk Chicken Curry Recipe - Edible Garden (3)Pin

Easy Chicken Curry with Coconut Milk - Coconut Milk Chicken Curry Recipe

nags

Chicken curry with coconut milk - An easy, coconut milk chicken curry that comes together in less than 60 minutes, perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Servings 4

Ingredients

  • 250 gm of cleaned and cubed chicken pieces
  • 1 cup of sliced onions
  • 2 tbsp of oil I use coconut oil
  • 1/2 tsp of turmeric powder
  • 1 tsp of cumin powder
  • 2 tsp of coriander powder
  • 1/2 tsp of red chilli powder
  • 1 " piece of ginger
  • 2 green chillies adjust to taste
  • 2 flakes of garlic
  • A few cubes of ripe tomato
  • 1 tbsp of poppy seeds soaked for 15 mins (see notes)
  • 2 cups of thin coconut milk see notes
  • 1 cup of thick coconut milk
  • A small bunch of chopped coriander leaves for garnish

Instructions

  • Heat oil in a wide pan and add the sliced onions. Fry until golden brown

  • Grind the green chillies, garlic, and ginger together coarsely

  • Add the spice powders – chilli, coriander, cumin, and turmeric – to the fried onions. Saute for 20 seconds

  • Now add the ground chilli paste and tomatoes to the above. Fry again for a minute, the mixture will turn fragrant

  • Add the cleaned chicken pieces to this, along with the thin coconut milk + 1 more cup of water. Add salt. Bring this to boil

  • Meanwhile, grind the soaked poppy seeds in 2-3 tbsp water into a smooth paste. I use the same grinder as I used for chilli paste

  • Add poppy seed paste to the curry and when it comes to boil, lower heat and cook closed for 15-20 mins or until the chicken pieces are cooked. The gravy will also thicken a bit

  • On low heat, add the thick coconut milk and mix well

  • Do not boil for too long after the thick coconut milk is added. If you feel the gravy is too watery, boil the curry in an open pan before adding the thick coconut milk

  • Once it’s heated through and just begins to boil, add the chopped coriander leaves, adjust salt, and remove from flame

  • Serve hot!

Step by Step Coconut Milk Chicken Curry Recipe

1. Heat oil in a wide pan and add the sliced onions. Fry until golden brown (they need to brown a bit more than in the picture below).

Easy Chicken Curry with Coconut Milk, Coconut Milk Chicken Curry Recipe - Edible Garden (4)Pin

2. Grind the green chillies, garlic, and ginger together coarsely.

Easy Chicken Curry with Coconut Milk, Coconut Milk Chicken Curry Recipe - Edible Garden (5)Pin

3. Add the spice powders – chilli, coriander, cumin, and turmeric – to the fried onions. Saute for 20 seconds.

Easy Chicken Curry with Coconut Milk, Coconut Milk Chicken Curry Recipe - Edible Garden (6)Pin

4. Now add the ground chilli paste and tomatoes to the above. Fry again for a minute, the mixture will turn fragrant.

Easy Chicken Curry with Coconut Milk, Coconut Milk Chicken Curry Recipe - Edible Garden (7)Pin

5. Add the cleaned chicken pieces to this,

Easy Chicken Curry with Coconut Milk, Coconut Milk Chicken Curry Recipe - Edible Garden (8)Pin

along with the thin coconut milk + 1 more cup of water. Add salt. Bring this to boil.

Easy Chicken Curry with Coconut Milk, Coconut Milk Chicken Curry Recipe - Edible Garden (9)Pin

6. Meanwhile, grind the soaked poppy seeds in 2-3 tbsp water into a smooth paste. I use the same grinder as I used for chilli paste.

Easy Chicken Curry with Coconut Milk, Coconut Milk Chicken Curry Recipe - Edible Garden (10)Pin

Add poppy seed paste to the curry and when it comes to boil, lower heat and cook closed for 15-20 mins or until the chicken pieces are cooked. The gravy will also thicken a bit.

Easy Chicken Curry with Coconut Milk, Coconut Milk Chicken Curry Recipe - Edible Garden (11)Pin

7. On low heat, add the thick coconut milk and mix well.

Easy Chicken Curry with Coconut Milk, Coconut Milk Chicken Curry Recipe - Edible Garden (12)Pin

8. Do not boil for too long after the thick coconut milk is added. If you feel the gravy is too watery, boil the curry in an open pan before adding the thick coconut milk. Once it’s heated through and just begins to boil, add the chopped coriander leaves, adjust salt, and remove from flame.

Easy Chicken Curry with Coconut Milk, Coconut Milk Chicken Curry Recipe - Edible Garden (13)Pin

Serve hot!

Variations and Notes:

  1. You can add more tomatoes if you want or omit it completely
  2. If you want a ‘whiter’ curry, omit the chilli powder and increase amount of green chillies, to taste
  3. I use poppy seeds as a gravy thickener. Other options are to use cashew nut paste (soaked cashew nuts ground with water) or more thick coconut milk or coconut cream
  4. You can use curry leaves as garnish instead of coriander leaves but avoid using both
  5. You can try this same recipe with chicken pieces with bone. It’s hard for me to find that kind cleaned and prepared so I always opt for chicken breast. Adjust cooking time according to size of chicken pieces
  6. You can make a vegetarian version of this curry by substituting chicken with soya chunks, potatoes, or a mixture of both. A mix of vegetables may also turn out well
  7. Regarding thin and thick coconut milk – if using canned coconut milk, buy full cream variety (not the low fat or whatever) and for the 2 cups thin milk, dilute with 1:1 water. When you need to add the thick coconut milk, add it as is. Check this post if making coconut milk at home

For chicken curry with coconut milk recipe in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Marathi, Kannada, etc, please use Google translate button in the sidebar.

Easy Chicken Curry with Coconut Milk, Coconut Milk Chicken Curry Recipe - Edible Garden (2024)

FAQs

At what stage do you add coconut milk to a 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!

What does coconut milk do to curry? ›

Coconut milk or water both give the dish different tastes and consistency. Coconut milk as a curry sauce base makes the dish creamy, sweet and give it a thicker consistency. The sweetness of the milk reduces the sharpness of spices and heat making the dish a little mild.

Is it better to use coconut cream or milk for curry? ›

It is thicker, has a higher fat content and is scoop-able throughout. 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.

How to make a thick coconut milk curry? ›

Lite coconut milk will not do the job (and will change the flavor, by the way). Go to the store and buy some flour. Make a slurry (equal parts of flour and cold water), bring the curry to a boil and slowly add the slurry while stirring until you reach the desired consistency.

Should I use canned coconut milk for curry? ›

The coconut milk cools the spices in curry and adds its signature nutty-sweet flavor and thick texture. Curries are much easier to make than you think; just combine coconut milk with red, green, yellow, or any curry paste or dried curry spice mixes like Madras or garam masala.

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 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 cream do you use for curry? ›

Clotted cream is amazing and it doesn't just have to be used on scones! By adding it to this curry it gives it that nice creamy flavour, but I do find it very subtle so its not over powering. Funny enough it makes it almost taste like a korma but has more of a tomato flavour than coconut.

How do you make coconut milk taste better? ›

In a blender, combine the coconut, water, and salt. Blend, and then blend some more. Strain through a nut bag (makes it easy!) or fine strainer. Sweeten to taste if you like, I usually use a few drops of liquid stevia, or maple syrup.

Do you put yogurt or coconut milk 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.

Why can't you boil coconut milk? ›

Coconut milk curdles when cooked too long at high temperatures. Coconut milk is a thick and creamy liquid that's extracted from the pulpy meat of a coconut. It's widely used in Indian, South Asian, Pacific Island and Caribbean cuisine to bring a creamy, cool flavor to spicy curries, stews and stir-fries.

Is evaporated coconut milk the same as coconut milk? ›

The process of evaporation involves heating the coconut milk to allow the water to vaporize, leaving a thicker and creamier consistency. This concentrated coconut milk is often used in cooking and baking to add richness and flavor to dishes.

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.

What is the spice in curry? ›

Some also define a number of expected ingredients. In the United States, curry powder is expected to contain at least these ingredients: turmeric, coriander, fenugreek, cinnamon, cumin, black pepper, ginger, and cardamom. The 1999 East African Standard (EAS 98:1999) does not define an ingredient baseline.

What spices go well with coconut? ›

Toss in some fresh vegetables over a base of lemongrass, garlic, ginger, chilli, keifer lime leaves, coriander, cumin and turmeric, and tuck into a warm, creamy coconut feast.

How do I add coconut milk to curry without curdling? ›

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.

Can you add coconut milk to hot curry? ›

Coconut milk or cream can be used to balance out the heat in Thai and coconut-based curries. Acidic ingredients like lemon juice or vinegar can cut through the spiciness and provide a tangy flavor. Yogurt or sour cream can help cool down the heat and add a creamy texture to the curry.

Do you mix coconut milk before using? ›

Not shaking or stirring the can.

It's totally OK if this happens — you just want to mix it into the rest of the milk before using. Follow this tip: Shake the can before opening it or gently stir it once open to ensure the cream on top mixes into the thinner milk.

Will coconut milk cool a hot curry? ›

Coconut milk or cream

Coconut milk is a vegan option for all curries. You can also try adding a splash of milk, if that's all you have to hand. Milk contains a protein called casein which actually breaks down capsaicin and makes it less spicy – both full-fat and skimmed do the trick nicely.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Horacio Brakus JD

Last Updated:

Views: 6244

Rating: 4 / 5 (51 voted)

Reviews: 82% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Horacio Brakus JD

Birthday: 1999-08-21

Address: Apt. 524 43384 Minnie Prairie, South Edda, MA 62804

Phone: +5931039998219

Job: Sales Strategist

Hobby: Sculling, Kitesurfing, Orienteering, Painting, Computer programming, Creative writing, Scuba diving

Introduction: My name is Horacio Brakus JD, I am a lively, splendid, jolly, vivacious, vast, cheerful, agreeable person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.