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Coconut Milk Chicken

Coconut Milk Chicken
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Coconut Milk Chicken is a quick and easy dish that combines tender chicken with a rich and creamy coconut milk sauce infused with warm spices. This tropical-inspired meal is perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining guests, offering a comforting yet vibrant flavor profile that is family-friendly and nutritious.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, diced

Dairy-Free Sauce Base

  • 1 can (13.5 oz) full-fat coconut milk

Aromatics

  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated

Spices

  • 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)

Other Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or coconut oil
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
  • Fresh cilantro or basil, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces, mince the garlic, grate the ginger, and dice the onion to have everything ready for cooking.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the garlic, ginger, and onions and cook for 3–4 minutes until soft and fragrant, creating a flavorful base for the sauce.
  3. Brown the Chicken: Add the diced chicken pieces to the pan and brown them on all sides for about 5 minutes, locking in the juices and flavor.
  4. Add Spices and Coconut Milk: Sprinkle ground turmeric, cumin, and chili powder over the chicken and stir well to coat evenly. Pour in the coconut milk and mix thoroughly to combine all ingredients into a creamy sauce.
  5. Simmer Until Tender: Reduce the heat to low and simmer uncovered for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Cook until the chicken is fully cooked through and the sauce thickens slightly.
  6. Finish with Lime and Herbs: Remove the pan from heat, stir in fresh lime juice for brightness, and sprinkle chopped cilantro or basil on top before serving.

Notes

  • Use full-fat coconut milk for the creamiest and richest texture.
  • Avoid overcooking the chicken to keep it tender and juicy.
  • Toast the spices gently right after sautéing aromatics to enhance their flavors.
  • Add lime juice at the end to retain its fresh citrus aroma without bitterness.
  • Choosing chicken thighs over breasts will yield moister, more flavorful results.

Nutrition

Keywords: coconut milk chicken, creamy chicken recipe, quick chicken dinner, tropical chicken dish, dairy-free chicken

Find it online: https://ninagourmet.com/coconut-milk-chicken/