Golden Coconut Turmeric Chicken Curry Recipe: Bright & Dreamy

Warm spices dance through this creamy coconut turmeric chicken curry that transports you straight to the vibrant kitchens of Southeast Asia.

Rich golden hues swirl with fragrant aromatics, promising a deeply satisfying meal.

Tender chicken bathes in a luxurious sauce that balances earthy turmeric with smooth coconut milk.

Layers of complex flavors merge seamlessly, creating a harmony of taste and texture.

Each bite offers a delightful blend of warmth and comfort that speaks to traditional cooking methods.

This curry brings bold, comforting notes that transform an ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary experience.

Flavor Variations for Coconut Turmeric Chicken

• Vegetarian Curry Swap: Replace chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, maintaining the same spice profile and cooking method for a plant-based protein alternative.
• Seafood Variation: Substitute chicken with white fish like cod or halibut, reducing cooking time to prevent overcooking and preserving delicate fish texture.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Base: Skip traditional rice and serve curry over cauliflower rice for a lighter, keto-friendly option that complements the rich, creamy sauce.
• Instant Pot Express: Adapt the entire recipe for pressure cooking by reducing liquid and cooking time, creating a faster one-pot meal with identical flavor intensity.

Serving Suggestions for Chicken Curry

• Flavor Fusion Plate: Pair this curry with fragrant jasmine rice to soak up the rich, creamy sauce and complement the warm spices.
• Restaurant-Style Presentation: Serve in a wide, shallow bowl with a sprinkle of fresh coriander and crispy fried shallots on top for a stunning visual and textural contrast.
• Healthy Side Boost: Add a small cucumber and yogurt salad on the side to provide a cool, refreshing counterpoint to the curry's intense flavors and help balance the heat.
• Protein Power-Up: Top the dish with toasted cashews or almonds for extra crunch and a nutty layer that enhances the coconut and turmeric profile.

Storage Advice for Coconut Turmeric Chicken Curry

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer curry to freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Avoid freezing broccoli for best texture.
• Warm gently in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken stock to restore moisture and prevent sticking.
• Heat in short 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly. Cover with a microwave-safe lid to retain moisture and prevent splattering.

FAQs

• What are the key health benefits of turmeric in this curry?

Turmeric contains curcumin, a powerful anti-inflammatory compound that helps reduce bodily inflammation, boosts immunity, and supports heart health. It also provides antioxidants that can help protect cells from damage.

• Is this curry considered a spicy dish?

This curry has a mild to moderate spice level. The combination of star anise, cinnamon, and other spices creates a warm, aromatic flavor without overwhelming heat, making it suitable for most palates.

• Can I make this curry dairy-free?

Yes, the recipe is naturally dairy-free. It uses coconut cream instead of dairy, which also adds richness and a subtle tropical flavor to the dish.

What Makes Coconut Turmeric Chicken Curry So Delicious

• Boost Flavor Complexity: Layers of aromatic spices like star anise, cinnamon, and turmeric create a rich, multidimensional taste profile that transforms ordinary chicken into an exciting culinary adventure.
• Simplify Cooking Process: One-pot method reduces kitchen cleanup, allowing home cooks to prepare a gourmet meal with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction.
• Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe enables quick ingredient swaps or vegetable additions, making it perfect for adapting to family preferences or pantry availability.
• Nutritional Powerhouse: Packed with anti-inflammatory turmeric, protein-rich chicken, and nutrient-dense broccoli, this curry delivers a wholesome meal that supports overall wellness.

Ingredients for Coconut Turmeric Curry Chicken

• Chicken: Succulent meat that forms the base of this hearty curry.

• Star Anise, Cinnamon: Warm spices that provide deep, complex flavor to the curry.
• Garlic, Ginger, Turmeric: Aromatic ingredients that add layers of zesty and earthy notes.
• Spice Mix: A blend of seasonings that enhances the overall taste profile of the dish.

• Stock: Provides moisture and depth to the curry sauce.
• Coconut Cream: Adds rich, creamy texture and subtle sweetness.

• Broccoli Florets: Fresh green vegetable that adds nutrition and color to the curry.

• Coriander: Fresh herb that brings brightness and freshness to the final dish.
• Crispy Fried Shallots: Crunchy topping that provides a delightful textural contrast.

• Rice: Serves as the perfect accompaniment to soak up the flavorful curry sauce.

How to Prepare Creamy Coconut Turmeric Chicken Curry

Step 1: Create Spice Blend

Combine all ground spices in a small bowl, mixing thoroughly to ensure even distribution.

Step 2: Toast Whole Spices

• Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat
• Add star anise and cinnamon
• Toast spices for 2 minutes until fragrant and releasing their essential oils

Step 3: Sauté Onions

Add chopped onions to the pot and cook for 2 minutes until they become translucent and slightly golden.

Step 4: Brown Chicken

Add chicken pieces to the pot, cooking until the exterior turns white and no longer appears pink.

Step 5: Introduce Aromatics

• Add minced garlic
• Add grated ginger
• Add ground turmeric
• Cook the mixture for 1 minute to release their vibrant flavors

Step 6: Activate Spice Mix

Sprinkle prepared spice blend into the pot and stir continuously for 30 seconds to prevent burning and distribute flavors evenly.

Step 7: Create Curry Base

• Pour in chicken stock
• Add coconut cream
• Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer
• Cook for 12 minutes, allowing flavors to meld together

Step 8: Add Vegetables

Introduce broccoli florets and simmer for an additional 3 minutes until they are tender yet crisp.

Step 9: Finish and Garnish

• Let the curry cool for 5 minutes.
• Stir in fresh chopped coriander.
• Serve over steamed rice.
• Garnish with additional coriander and crispy fried shallots.

Pro Tips for Turmeric Chicken Curry

• Toast whole spices like star anise and cinnamon before adding other ingredients to release their essential oils and enhance the curry's aromatic profile.
• Cook chicken until just no longer pink outside to prevent overcooking and maintain tender, juicy meat during the simmering process.
• Mix dry spices separately before adding to ensure even distribution and prevent clumping, creating a more harmonious flavor throughout the curry.
• Add broccoli florets in the last 3 minutes of cooking to maintain crisp texture and vibrant green color while preventing mushy vegetables.
• Sprinkle crispy fried shallots and fresh coriander just before serving to add contrasting textures and bright, fresh flavors to the rich curry.

Coconut Turmeric Chicken Curry Recipe

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4.7 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 37 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Kerala’s soul-warming coconut turmeric chicken curry combines aromatic spices with tender chicken in a creamy, golden sauce. Fragrant rice and fresh herbs complete this comforting dish that brings Indian coastal flavors straight to your plate.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 500 g chicken thigh fillets (cut into small slices)
• 2 cups chicken stock/broth (low sodium)

Spices and Seasonings:

• 3 tsp turmeric (finely grated or 1 1/2 tsp powder)
• 1 1/2 tsp garam masala
• 1 1/2 tsp coriander powder
• 1 1/2 tsp cooking/kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp cumin powder
• 1/2 tsp fennel powder (or more garam masala)
• 1 teaspoon garlic (finely grated)
• 1 teaspoon ginger (finely grated)
• 3 star anise
• 1 cinnamon stick

Other Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons coconut oil (vegetable or canola oil)
• 1 onion (finely diced)
• 400 g coconut cream (unsweetened)
• 1 large head broccoli (florets cut small)
• 1 cup coriander/cilantro leaves (lightly packed, plus extra for garnish)
• Crispy fried shallots (for garnish)
• Rice – jasmine or basmati recommended

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Instructions

1. Craft a fragrant spice blend by thoroughly mixing selected dry seasonings in a petite mixing vessel.
2. Ignite a large pot over medium-high flame, introducing cooking oil to create a sizzling base.
3. Gently toast whole star anise and cinnamon stick for precisely 2 minutes, releasing their aromatic essence.
4. Introduce diced onions, sautéing until they transform into translucent, golden fragments.
5. Layer chicken pieces into the pot, allowing exterior to caramelize and lose raw appearance.
6. Infuse the mixture with minced garlic, grated ginger, and vibrant turmeric, stirring for 60 seconds to awaken their intense flavors.
7. Sprinkle prepared spice mixture, continuously stirring to prevent burning and distribute seasonings evenly.
8. Pour in rich chicken stock and luxurious coconut cream, bringing the liquid to a gentle simmer.
9. Reduce heat, allowing curry to develop depth for approximately 12 minutes, ensuring chicken reaches perfect tenderness.
10. Incorporate crisp broccoli florets, permitting them to soften and absorb surrounding flavors for 3 minutes.
11. Remove from heat, letting curry rest and meld flavors for 5 minutes.
12. Finish by folding fresh chopped coriander throughout the curry.
13. Plate over fragrant rice, garnishing with additional coriander and crispy fried shallots for textural contrast.

Notes

• Toast whole spices briefly to unlock deeper, richer flavor profiles before adding other ingredients.
• Balance heat levels by adjusting turmeric and chili quantities for personal preference or dietary needs.
• Use bone-in chicken thighs for extra moisture and richness, which prevents dry meat during cooking.
• Swap broccoli with seasonal vegetables like cauliflower or spinach to create versatile curry variations.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 22 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Indian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 520 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 580 mg
• Fat: 40 g
• Saturated Fat: 30 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg