Description
Silky coconut milk chicken brings Caribbean comfort right to kitchen tables with exotic spices dancing through tender meat. Rich flavors blend perfectly, promising a delightful meal that satisfies both hunger and culinary curiosity without complex preparation.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
Main Cooking Liquid:
- 1 can (14 ounces/400 milliliters) coconut milk
Cooking Oils and Aromatics:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or coconut oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
Spices and Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1–2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
Garnish and Optional Heat:
- Fresh cilantro or basil
- Optional: Red pepper flakes or chili
Instructions
- Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium heat, creating a golden cooking surface.
- Carefully place chicken breasts into the hot pan, allowing them to develop a rich, caramelized exterior for 5-6 minutes on each side. Transfer the seared chicken to a temporary plate.
- In the same fragrant skillet, introduce finely chopped onions and minced garlic, gently sautéing until they become translucent and aromatic.
- Sprinkle the spice medley of turmeric, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper, creating a vibrant flavor foundation.
- Gently cascade coconut milk into the skillet, bringing the mixture to a gentle, bubbling simmer.
- Nestle the previously seared chicken back into the creamy liquid, allowing it to cook thoroughly for approximately 15 minutes, ensuring the meat reaches a perfect internal temperature.
- As a final flourish, scatter freshly chopped cilantro across the dish, adding a burst of color and herbaceous brightness just before serving.
Notes
- Swap chicken breasts with thighs for richer, more tender meat that stays juicy during cooking.
- Use full-fat coconut milk to create a luxurious, velvety sauce with deeper flavor complexity.
- Consider adding diced bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition and vibrant color to the dish.
- Toast spices briefly before adding liquid to enhance their aromatic oils and intensify overall taste profile.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Thai
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 340 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg