Description
Creamy Coconut Milk Chicken is a luscious, one-pan meal that delivers rich flavor without dairy. Juicy chicken thighs simmer in a fragrant coconut sauce infused with garlic, ginger, and lime. Perfect for busy weeknights when you need something both comforting and simple.
Ingredients
1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
0.5 teaspoon paprika
0.5 teaspoon salt
0.25 teaspoon black pepper
13.5 oz full-fat coconut milk
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
Cooked rice or naan, for serving
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 3–4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
2. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add onions and sauté until translucent, about 3 minutes. Stir in garlic and ginger, cooking another minute until fragrant.
3. Sprinkle in turmeric, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to coat the onions and release the flavors.
4. Pour in the coconut milk and stir to combine. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
5. Return the chicken to the skillet. Cover and simmer on low heat for 12–15 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and tender.
6. Stir in lime juice and sprinkle with fresh cilantro just before serving. Serve hot with your favorite side.
Notes
Use full-fat coconut milk for the richest sauce.
Chicken breasts work too but may cook quicker—don’t overcook!
Add chili flakes or a chopped red chili if you prefer some heat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 recipe
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 410mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 22g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: Coconut chicken, dairy-free chicken dinner