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Creamy Coconut Milk Chicken served over white rice with cilantro garnish

Coconut Milk Chicken: A Simple 30-Minute Creamy Thai Dinner

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  • Author: Jennifer
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: Thai
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

Tender poached chicken simmered in a rich coconut milk sauce with Thai red curry paste, ginger, garlic, and aromatics. This flavorful dish is creamy, mildly spicy, and perfect served over steamed rice with fresh herbs and lime.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil (or canola oil)
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 red chili, minced
  • 2 (14-ounce) cans coconut milk
  • 2 to 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 3 tablespoons red curry paste
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 1/2 lbs chicken breast, sliced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • Cilantro for garnish
  • Chili oil or chili crunch for garnish
  • Scallions for garnish
  • Fresh lime wedges
  • Steamed rice for serving

Instructions

1. Heat a large deep skillet over medium heat and add the coconut oil.

2. Add diced onion and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until softened.

3. Stir in minced ginger, garlic, and chopped red chili and cook for about 2 minutes until fragrant.

4. Pour in the coconut milk, soy sauce, brown sugar, salt, pepper, and red curry paste. Stir until well combined.

5. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

6. Add the sliced chicken breast into the coconut milk sauce and reduce the heat to medium-low.

7. Allow the chicken to gently poach for 15 to 20 minutes, making sure the sauce stays at a low simmer and does not boil.

8. Once the chicken is cooked through, remove from heat or keep on very low heat to prevent overcooking.

9. Stir in a squeeze of fresh lime juice or chopped cilantro for brightness if desired.

10. Serve the chicken and coconut sauce over steamed rice and garnish with chili oil or chili crunch, scallions, cilantro, and lime wedges.


Notes

Chicken thighs can be used instead of chicken breast and will remain extra moist. They may require a few additional minutes of cooking time.

Keep the sauce at a gentle simmer while cooking to maintain tender, juicy chicken.

Add extra red curry paste or chili oil if you prefer a spicier dish.

Fresh lime juice and herbs added at the end help brighten the rich coconut flavor.

Nutrition information is approximate and may vary depending on ingredients used.


Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 420
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 720mg
  • Fat: 27g
  • Saturated Fat: 18g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 10g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 34g
  • Cholesterol: 85mg