Creamy Indian Coconut Chicken Curry
Indulge in the rich and aromatic flavors of this Creamy Indian Coconut Chicken Curry, a delightful adaptation of a traditional yellow chicken curry from India. The dish is infused with vibrant spices like curry powder, cinnamon, and ginger, complemented by the creamy texture of coconut milk and yogurt. This exotic curry is perfect for warming the soul, and it’s best enjoyed alongside warm, fluffy Naan bread and fragrant Jasmine or Basmati rice. Whether you’re hosting friends or seeking a comforting meal for yourself, this dish promises to be a feast for the senses.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
Olive oil
3 tablespoons (none)
Onion
1 small (chopped)
Garlic cloves
2 (minced)
Curry powder
3 tablespoons (none)
Ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon (none)
Paprika
1 teaspoon (none)
Bay leaf
1 (none)
Fresh gingerroot
1/2 teaspoon (grated)
White sugar
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Salt
to taste (none)
Chicken breast halves
2 (skinless, boneless, cut into bite-size pieces)
Tomato paste
1 tablespoon (none)
Plain yogurt
1 cup (none)
Coconut milk
3/4 cup (none)
Lemon
1/2 (juiced)
Cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Instructions
1
Begin by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes lightly browned, stirring occasionally.
2
Next, stir in the minced garlic, curry powder, ground cinnamon, paprika, bay leaf, grated ginger, white sugar, and a pinch of salt. Continue to sauté the mixture for about 2 minutes until the spices become fragrant.
3
Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the skillet, followed by the tomato paste, plain yogurt, and coconut milk. Stir the ingredients thoroughly to ensure the chicken is well coated.
4
Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the curry simmer uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
5
After simmering, carefully remove and discard the bay leaf. Stir in the freshly squeezed lemon juice and the cayenne pepper to add a touch of heat. Allow the curry to simmer for an additional 5 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Indian Coconut Chicken Curry?
It is a rich and aromatic dish that adapts traditional Indian yellow chicken curry, featuring vibrant spices, coconut milk, and yogurt for a creamy texture.
What are the main spices used in this chicken curry?
The curry is infused with curry powder, ground cinnamon, paprika, a bay leaf, and fresh grated ginger.
What type of chicken should I use?
The recipe calls for two skinless, boneless chicken breast halves, cut into bite-size pieces.
Can I substitute chicken breasts with thighs?
Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts with boneless, skinless chicken thighs if you prefer a juicier meat texture.
What makes the curry sauce creamy?
The combination of 1 cup of plain yogurt and 3/4 cup of coconut milk creates the signature creamy texture of this dish.
What is the best way to serve this curry?
This dish is best enjoyed alongside warm, fluffy Naan bread and fragrant Jasmine or Basmati rice.
How long does it take to simmer the chicken?
The chicken should simmer uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, or until it is cooked through and tender.
Is this curry very spicy?
The spice level is moderate, but you can adjust the heat by increasing or decreasing the amount of cayenne pepper added at the end.
How do I prepare the onions for this recipe?
Chop one small onion and sauté it in 3 tablespoons of olive oil until it becomes lightly browned.
When should I add the garlic and ginger?
Minced garlic and grated ginger should be added to the skillet after the onions have browned, along with the other dry spices.
Do I need to use tomato paste?
Yes, one tablespoon of tomato paste is added to help thicken the sauce and provide a deep, savory flavor.
Why is sugar added to the curry?
A half teaspoon of white sugar is included to balance the acidity of the tomato paste and lemon juice.
Should the bay leaf be left in the dish?
No, you should carefully remove and discard the bay leaf after the initial simmering period before serving.
When is the lemon juice added?
Freshly squeezed lemon juice is stirred in after the 20-25 minute simmer to brighten the flavors.
How much cayenne pepper should I use?
The recipe suggests 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, which can be adjusted based on your personal heat preference.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
To make it dairy-free, you can replace the plain yogurt with a dairy-free yogurt alternative or use extra coconut milk.
What type of oil is best for sautéing the base?
The recipe recommends using 3 tablespoons of olive oil for sautéing the onions and spices.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
You will need 2 minced garlic cloves for this recipe.
Is the coconut milk canned or from a carton?
For the best creamy results, canned full-fat coconut milk is generally preferred for Indian curries.
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of plain yogurt?
Yes, Greek yogurt can be used, though it may result in a slightly thicker sauce compared to regular plain yogurt.
Is this a quick dinner recipe?
Yes, with a simmering time of about 25-30 minutes and simple prep, it is considered a great quick dinner option.
Does this recipe use fresh ginger?
Yes, it uses 1/2 teaspoon of freshly grated gingerroot for an authentic aromatic profile.
What are the tags associated with this recipe?
The recipe is tagged as Indian cuisine, chicken curry, coconut milk, spicy, comfort food, quick dinner, easy recipe, and aromatic spices.
How do I ensure the chicken is well coated?
Add the chicken pieces to the skillet along with the tomato paste, yogurt, and coconut milk, and stir thoroughly before simmering.
Should I cover the pan while the curry simmers?
The instructions specify to let the curry simmer uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes.
Can I add vegetables to this curry?
While not in the original recipe, you can easily add peas, bell peppers, or spinach during the simmering process.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free, but always double-check your curry powder and yogurt labels to be certain.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
How do I reheat the curry?
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or coconut milk if the sauce has thickened too much.
What is the total simmering time?
The total simmering time is approximately 25 to 30 minutes: an initial 20-25 minutes for the chicken and a final 5 minutes after adding lemon juice.