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You are here: Home / Recipes / Main Dish / Chicken / Coconut Chicken Curry

Coconut Chicken Curry

Published September 2, 2020 by Lauren Vavala Harris

Thanks for sharing!

Coconut Chicken Curry is full of creamy, sweet coconut and spicy curry flavors. Make this easy recipe all in one pan, then add a side of veggies to make it a complete meal the whole family will love.

Coconut Curry Chicken with Broccoli on a light blue plate

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Creamy Coconut Chicken Curry is most definitely one of my top 5 favorite dinners to eat and it’s also pretty straightforward to make. It’s on our dinner menu once or twice a month, if not more.

Because of this recipe, I pretty much can’t stop eating anything that has been cooked with coconut milk. And, if it’s got curry powder in it, even better.

This recipe uses a blend of traditional yellow curry spice and red curry paste to give it a unique flavor. If you’re feeling even more adventurous, you might like Vadouvan Curry Chicken made with a French curry blend.

Everyone that I’ve made this recipe for, so far, has asked me to make it for them again. My mom, who is quite the cook herself, requests this curry chicken recipe whenever she comes to visit. And, Jaxon, my oldest son, has even said it’s his third favorite dinner (behind peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and chicken nuggets).

Why This Recipe Works

This is a really easy, healthy recipe to make all in just one pot. While it does take close to an hour, the majority of that time is just allowing the curry to simmer so that all the flavors can meld together.

While there may not be any leftovers, this is one of those meals that is even better the next day. It’s perfect for weekly meal prep too!

This recipe is naturally gluten free, dairy free, and low carb if you eat it on its own, over cauliflower rice, or zoodles.

How to Make Coconut Chicken Curry

What You Need To Make This Recipe

To make this recipe, you will need:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons curry powder
  • 1 tablespoon red curry paste
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 shallot (minced)
  • 2 pounds chicken (cut into bite size pieces)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 13.66 ounce can coconut milk
  • 1 8 ounce can tomato sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sugar

The entire recipe and instructions can also be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post. You can also print the recipe from the card, if needed.

Tip: I highly recommend using full fat coconut milk in this recipe, versus light, for the most coconut flavor.

Prep!

Cut the chicken into bite size pieces and mince the garlic and shallot.

Create!

Dutch oven with curry oil cooking

Add the olive oil to a Dutch oven or a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat.

Stir the curry powder into the oil and cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.

Curry Chicken in a Dutch oven

Next, add the red curry paste, garlic, and shallot and cook for 3-4 minutes, until the shallot is softened.

Seasoned Chicken on a White Cutting Board

Season the chicken with salt and pepper and add to the curry mixture, tossing to coat.

Reduce heat to medium and cook until the chicken is no longer pink in the center, about 5-7  minutes.

Coconut milk being poured in the chicken curry

Add the coconut milk, tomato sauce, and sugar.

Cover and simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 30 minutes. The longer you cook it, the more the flavors will develop.

Present!

Coconut Curry Chicken over Rice with Broccoli. A Green pot and wood spoon in the background

Serve this creamy Coconut Chicken Curry over rice or noodles, if desired.

Add a side of broccoli and a sprinkle of fresh, chopped cilantro for a pop of color and flavor.

Tips and Techniques

  • For the most coconut flavor, use canned, full-fat coconut milk
  • To lower the carbohydrate count even more use a sugar substitute, like erythritol or monk fruit, to replace the sugar.
  • Make a double batch – the leftovers are even more flavorful!
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Use within 3-4 days.

FAQ’s

What Do You Serve With Coconut Chicken Curry?

Coconut Chicken Curry is often served over rice. Other options include noodles, quinoa, cauliflower rice, or zoodles.

It pairs especially well with red peppers, broccoli, and cauliflower.

More Low Carb Chicken Dinner Recipes

Here are some more low carb chicken dinner recipes that you may like:

  • Garlic Butter Chicken and Cauliflower Skillet
  • Creamy Cajun Chicken
  • Keto Broccoli Chicken Bake
  • Keto Cajun Jambalaya
  • Creamy Buffalo Chicken Cauliflower Casserole
  • Ranch Bacon Chicken Casserole
  • Easy Garlic Chicken + VIDEO

Love this Coconut Chicken Curry recipe? Follow me on Pinterest, Instagram, and Facebook for more!

If you try this recipe, I would really appreciate it if you would please leave a comment and star rating. Thanks!

Coconut Curry Chicken over Rice with Broccoli
Print

Coconut Chicken Curry

Coconut Chicken Curry is full of creamy, sweet coconut and spicy curry flavors. Make this easy recipe all in one pan, then add a side of veggies to make it a complete meal the whole family will love.
Course Main Dish
Cuisine Chicken, Gluten Free, Low Carb
Prep Time 10 minutes minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes minutes
Total Time 55 minutes minutes
Servings 8 servings
Calories 260kcal
Author Lauren Harris

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons curry powder
  • 1 tablespoon red curry paste
  • 2 cloves garlic * minced
  • 1 shallot * minced
  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts * cut into bite size pieces
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 13.66 ounce can coconut milk * full fat
  • 1 8 ounce can tomato sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • Add the olive oil to a Dutch oven or a large, deep skillet (with a lid) over medium-high heat.
  • Stir the curry powder into the oil and cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
  • Add the red curry paste, garlic, and shallot and cook for 3-4 minutes, until the shallot is softened.
  • Season the chicken with salt and pepper and add to the curry mixture, tossing to coat.
  • Reduce the heat to medium and continue to cook the chicken until it is no longer pink in the center, about 5-7 minutes.
  • Add the coconut milk, tomato sauce, and sugar. Mix well.
  • Set the heat to low, cover and simmer, stirring occasionally for about 30-45 minutes. 
  • Serve over rice, noodles, or cauliflower rice, if desired. 

Notes

Tips and Techniques

  • For the most coconut flavor, use canned, full-fat coconut milk
  • To lower the carbohydrate count even more use a sugar substitute, like erythritol or monk fruit, to replace the sugar.
  • Make a double batch – the leftovers are even more flavorful!
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Use within 3-4 days.
** Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 260kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 24g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 72mg | Sodium: 145mg | Potassium: 554mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 475IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 21mg | Iron: 1.2mg

This recipe was originally published on January 15, 2016. The recipe and images were updated in September 2018. The post, including more thorough instructions, tips, techniques, and FAQ’s, was updated in July 2020.

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Filed Under: Chicken, Gluten Free, Low Carb, Main Dish, Recipes

Comments

  1. Mary V says

    June 22, 2018 at 12:25 pm

    I love ❤️ this recipe. I only wish I could eat it more often. Great leftover too. If you have any that is.

    Reply
    • Lauren says

      June 22, 2018 at 1:27 pm

      I agree! I think it’s even better the next day, but we rarely have leftovers haha!

      Reply
  2. Natasha says

    July 25, 2016 at 10:42 am

    I’ve always wanted to try curry chicken. I need to add curry powder to my spice collection and this recipe seems simple enough. Yum!

    Reply
    • ourlittleeverything says

      July 25, 2016 at 3:51 pm

      We use curry powder so much! I hope you like it!

      Reply
  3. Ruthie Ridley says

    July 23, 2016 at 12:20 am

    Mmm I love curry and this looks delicious!

    Reply
    • ourlittleeverything says

      July 23, 2016 at 4:08 pm

      Thanks Ruthie!

      Reply
  4. Jamie says

    July 22, 2016 at 9:48 am

    I have never tried cooking with curry before! I think this is a recipe I need to try!

    Reply
    • ourlittleeverything says

      July 23, 2016 at 4:11 pm

      Definitely try curry – it’s so good and it doesn’t really make your house smell forever….or I got used to it? haha!

      Reply
  5. Kristen says

    July 22, 2016 at 2:44 am

    Yummy! This looks SO good!

    Reply
    • ourlittleeverything says

      July 23, 2016 at 4:12 pm

      Thank you!

      Reply
  6. Bella says

    July 22, 2016 at 1:44 am

    Yummy yummy, I love curry!! Ill have to try this recipe out!

    http://xoxobella.com

    Reply
    • ourlittleeverything says

      July 23, 2016 at 4:12 pm

      Thanks for stopping by Bella 🙂

      Reply
  7. Ashleigh says

    July 22, 2016 at 12:41 am

    Oh wow, this cauliflower recipe looks wonderful! I love trying new recipes and I love cauliflower. Thank you for sharing!!!

    Reply
    • ourlittleeverything says

      July 23, 2016 at 4:12 pm

      The cauliflower is definitely my favorite part! Thanks for stopping by!

      Reply
  8. Alexis Prieto says

    July 22, 2016 at 12:24 am

    This looks so good! I could almost smell the curry just reading this…

    Reply
    • ourlittleeverything says

      July 23, 2016 at 4:12 pm

      Haha! Thank you!

      Reply
  9. Rachel says

    July 21, 2016 at 11:30 pm

    Wow! This looks so good! I have to try this at home!

    Reply
    • ourlittleeverything says

      July 23, 2016 at 4:13 pm

      Hope you love it!

      Reply
  10. Casey says

    July 21, 2016 at 11:04 pm

    I looooove coconut curry! Think I need to make this ASAP!

    Reply
    • ourlittleeverything says

      July 23, 2016 at 4:13 pm

      Hope you love it!

      Reply
  11. Brooke says

    July 21, 2016 at 9:21 pm

    This recipe looks amazing! I share a lot of food posts, so I’d like to think i’m a little biased, but I can’t wait to try this one. Wonderful photos and love everything about it. Thanks for sharing!

    Brooke

    Reply
    • ourlittleeverything says

      July 22, 2016 at 8:45 am

      Thanks so much Brooke!

      Reply
  12. Miri says

    July 21, 2016 at 8:16 pm

    Looks great! I love curry. 🙂

    Reply
    • ourlittleeverything says

      July 22, 2016 at 8:44 am

      Thanks Miri!

      Reply
  13. Renee Alexis says

    July 21, 2016 at 7:43 pm

    I love Chicken Curry! This recipe is a must try!

    Reply
    • ourlittleeverything says

      July 21, 2016 at 8:11 pm

      Thanks Renee!

      Reply
  14. Scarlett says

    July 21, 2016 at 4:24 pm

    omg this looks so good!! have to try this soon! thanks for sharing!

    Reply
    • ourlittleeverything says

      July 21, 2016 at 8:11 pm

      Thanks for stopping by!

      Reply
  15. Ros Emely@stressfreemommies says

    July 21, 2016 at 2:10 pm

    Delicious recipe. I love the combination of curry and coconut together. Your recipe it’s pretty simple to make , so I will be trying it soon. thanks!

    Reply
    • ourlittleeverything says

      July 21, 2016 at 8:12 pm

      yes, it’s so easy! I hope you love it!

      Reply
  16. Rachel Ritlop says

    July 21, 2016 at 1:53 pm

    YUMMY! Need to make this! Thanks!

    rachel | http://www.theconfusedmillennial.com

    Reply
    • ourlittleeverything says

      July 21, 2016 at 8:12 pm

      Thanks Rachel 🙂

      Reply
  17. Joanna says

    July 21, 2016 at 1:43 pm

    Yum! I want to try this out. That cauliflower especially looks super tasty with these seasoning.

    Reply
    • ourlittleeverything says

      July 21, 2016 at 8:13 pm

      It really is good! I hope you try it!

      Reply
  18. Joscelyn says

    July 21, 2016 at 12:22 pm

    Yum! Love curries and I love the addition of cauliflower too!

    Reply
    • ourlittleeverything says

      July 21, 2016 at 8:12 pm

      The cauliflower is my favorite!

      Reply
  19. jessica says

    July 21, 2016 at 12:12 pm

    this sounds so yummy! and I bet my kids would even eat it! definitely pinning this

    Reply
    • ourlittleeverything says

      July 21, 2016 at 8:10 pm

      Mine does so hopefully yours will too 🙂

      Reply
  20. Brittany says

    July 21, 2016 at 11:54 am

    I’m not a huge fan of coconut but with curry I think I might like it. This looks great!

    Reply
    • ourlittleeverything says

      July 21, 2016 at 8:10 pm

      Hmm it definitely has a coconut flavor to it, but maybe 🙂

      Reply
  21. Sarah Hartland says

    July 21, 2016 at 11:53 am

    I will definitely be trying this. Chicken curry was a staple in college. Thanks for sharing! Pinned it 🙂

    Reply
    • ourlittleeverything says

      July 21, 2016 at 8:09 pm

      Thank you Sarah!

      Reply
  22. Greta says

    July 21, 2016 at 10:24 am

    This looks amazing. I love anything with chicken so I’ll have to try this!

    Greta | http://www.gretahollar.com

    Reply
    • ourlittleeverything says

      July 21, 2016 at 8:09 pm

      Thanks Greta!

      Reply
  23. Robbi says

    July 21, 2016 at 9:44 am

    I love a good curry. I’ll have to give this a try. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
    • ourlittleeverything says

      July 21, 2016 at 8:09 pm

      Hope you love it!

      Reply
  24. Marina says

    July 21, 2016 at 9:37 am

    I cook something similar with the veggie only…I’m vegan 😉

    Reply
    • ourlittleeverything says

      July 21, 2016 at 8:09 pm

      Oh definitely. I’d just mix in a variety of veggies – I was vegetarian for 10 years 🙂

      Reply
  25. Jennifer Hall says

    July 21, 2016 at 9:23 am

    I must admit the title of this post/recipe is what peaked my interest. I love chicken and I never would have thought to add coconut milk to the chicken. This sounds like a great chicken recipe to try out and it sounds like it is easy to make. My family however prefers broccoli so thank you for mentioning that I could use it instead of cauliflower.

    Reply
    • ourlittleeverything says

      July 21, 2016 at 8:08 pm

      Broccoli works great with curry as well – I also make a curry broccoli salad that’s really good!

      Reply
  26. Sheila Jo says

    July 21, 2016 at 9:22 am

    We make a similar dish at my house and top it with toasted coconut! Trader Joe’s sells a tasty garlic naan (in the frozen section) that pairs well with ours. Your version looks great – may give it a try! (If an 8-year-old ranks it just below PB&J and chicken nuggets, it MUST be delicious!)

    Reply
    • ourlittleeverything says

      July 21, 2016 at 8:08 pm

      I love naan – great idea! My poor child has to try everything we make…this one just happened to be one he didn’t complain about – yay!

      Reply
  27. Lacey Hanson says

    July 21, 2016 at 9:19 am

    This sounds so delicious. I love creative ways to add veggies to meals so the cauliflower addition sounds awesome!

    Reply
    • ourlittleeverything says

      July 21, 2016 at 8:07 pm

      It’s my favorite part!

      Reply
  28. Chelsea says

    July 21, 2016 at 8:36 am

    Looks amazing, lady!!! YUM!

    Reply
    • ourlittleeverything says

      July 21, 2016 at 8:07 pm

      Thanks Chelsea!

      Reply
  29. Melissa says

    July 21, 2016 at 8:34 am

    Looks delish! Must try!

    Reply
    • ourlittleeverything says

      July 21, 2016 at 8:07 pm

      Thank you!

      Reply
  30. Breharne says

    July 21, 2016 at 8:03 am

    Yum! I am crazy for anything with coconut milk/cream in ot at the moment so will definitely give this a try.

    Reply
    • ourlittleeverything says

      July 21, 2016 at 8:07 pm

      ME too!!

      Reply
  31. Christina Shoemaker says

    July 21, 2016 at 7:34 am

    I love curry and this sounds amazing! Plus you included garlic which basically is my favorite. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
    • ourlittleeverything says

      July 21, 2016 at 8:06 pm

      oh my…we go through some garlic!

      Reply
  32. Amber says

    July 21, 2016 at 7:28 am

    Sounds good. I need a good curry recipe.

    Reply
    • ourlittleeverything says

      July 21, 2016 at 8:05 pm

      Thanks Amber 🙂

      Reply

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Welcome, I'm Lauren!

Delicious Little Bites is where I share all types of recipes from appetizers to desserts. You will also find plenty of keto, gluten free, and vegetarian recipes here to help you put a delicious meal on the table every night that the whole family will love! Read More...

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