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.
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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!
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.
Next, 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 heat to medium and cook until the chicken is no longer pink in the center, about 5-7 minutes.
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!
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
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If you try this recipe, I would really appreciate it if you would please leave a comment and star rating. Thanks!
Coconut Chicken Curry
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
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.
Nutrition
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.
Mary V says
I love ❤️ this recipe. I only wish I could eat it more often. Great leftover too. If you have any that is.
Lauren says
I agree! I think it’s even better the next day, but we rarely have leftovers haha!
Natasha says
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!
ourlittleeverything says
We use curry powder so much! I hope you like it!
Ruthie Ridley says
Mmm I love curry and this looks delicious!
ourlittleeverything says
Thanks Ruthie!
Jamie says
I have never tried cooking with curry before! I think this is a recipe I need to try!
ourlittleeverything says
Definitely try curry – it’s so good and it doesn’t really make your house smell forever….or I got used to it? haha!
Kristen says
Yummy! This looks SO good!
ourlittleeverything says
Thank you!
Bella says
Yummy yummy, I love curry!! Ill have to try this recipe out!
http://xoxobella.com
ourlittleeverything says
Thanks for stopping by Bella 🙂
Ashleigh says
Oh wow, this cauliflower recipe looks wonderful! I love trying new recipes and I love cauliflower. Thank you for sharing!!!
ourlittleeverything says
The cauliflower is definitely my favorite part! Thanks for stopping by!
Alexis Prieto says
This looks so good! I could almost smell the curry just reading this…
ourlittleeverything says
Haha! Thank you!
Rachel says
Wow! This looks so good! I have to try this at home!
ourlittleeverything says
Hope you love it!
Casey says
I looooove coconut curry! Think I need to make this ASAP!
ourlittleeverything says
Hope you love it!
Brooke says
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
ourlittleeverything says
Thanks so much Brooke!
Miri says
Looks great! I love curry. 🙂
ourlittleeverything says
Thanks Miri!
Renee Alexis says
I love Chicken Curry! This recipe is a must try!
ourlittleeverything says
Thanks Renee!
Scarlett says
omg this looks so good!! have to try this soon! thanks for sharing!
ourlittleeverything says
Thanks for stopping by!
Ros Emely@stressfreemommies says
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!
ourlittleeverything says
yes, it’s so easy! I hope you love it!
Rachel Ritlop says
YUMMY! Need to make this! Thanks!
rachel | http://www.theconfusedmillennial.com
ourlittleeverything says
Thanks Rachel 🙂
Joanna says
Yum! I want to try this out. That cauliflower especially looks super tasty with these seasoning.
ourlittleeverything says
It really is good! I hope you try it!
Joscelyn says
Yum! Love curries and I love the addition of cauliflower too!
ourlittleeverything says
The cauliflower is my favorite!
jessica says
this sounds so yummy! and I bet my kids would even eat it! definitely pinning this
ourlittleeverything says
Mine does so hopefully yours will too 🙂
Brittany says
I’m not a huge fan of coconut but with curry I think I might like it. This looks great!
ourlittleeverything says
Hmm it definitely has a coconut flavor to it, but maybe 🙂
Sarah Hartland says
I will definitely be trying this. Chicken curry was a staple in college. Thanks for sharing! Pinned it 🙂
ourlittleeverything says
Thank you Sarah!
Greta says
This looks amazing. I love anything with chicken so I’ll have to try this!
Greta | http://www.gretahollar.com
ourlittleeverything says
Thanks Greta!
Robbi says
I love a good curry. I’ll have to give this a try. Thanks for sharing!
ourlittleeverything says
Hope you love it!
Marina says
I cook something similar with the veggie only…I’m vegan 😉
ourlittleeverything says
Oh definitely. I’d just mix in a variety of veggies – I was vegetarian for 10 years 🙂
Jennifer Hall says
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.
ourlittleeverything says
Broccoli works great with curry as well – I also make a curry broccoli salad that’s really good!
Sheila Jo says
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!)
ourlittleeverything says
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!
Lacey Hanson says
This sounds so delicious. I love creative ways to add veggies to meals so the cauliflower addition sounds awesome!
ourlittleeverything says
It’s my favorite part!
Chelsea says
Looks amazing, lady!!! YUM!
ourlittleeverything says
Thanks Chelsea!
Melissa says
Looks delish! Must try!
ourlittleeverything says
Thank you!
Breharne says
Yum! I am crazy for anything with coconut milk/cream in ot at the moment so will definitely give this a try.
ourlittleeverything says
ME too!!
Christina Shoemaker says
I love curry and this sounds amazing! Plus you included garlic which basically is my favorite. Thanks for sharing!
ourlittleeverything says
oh my…we go through some garlic!
Amber says
Sounds good. I need a good curry recipe.
ourlittleeverything says
Thanks Amber 🙂