Spicy Coconut Curry Chicken Delight
Indulge in the rich and aromatic flavors of Spicy Coconut Curry Chicken Delight, featuring tender chicken pieces simmered to perfection in a creamy coconut milk sauce infused with spices and herbs. This delightful dish offers a harmonious balance of heat from serrano peppers and warmth from garam masala and turmeric, along with a touch of sweetness from brown sugar. Fresh cilantro and basil brighten the dish, making it a perfect meal for sharing with friends and family. Serve it over fluffy rice for a satisfying dinner that's both comforting and exotic.
3
Servings
317
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
chicken legs (thighs attached)
2 (cut into stewing pieces)
onion
1 (sliced)
garlic cloves
4-5 (chopped)
serrano peppers
2 (halved)
garam masala
1 1/2 teaspoons (mixed with water to make a paste)
turmeric
1/2 teaspoon (mixed with water to make a paste)
vegetable oil (canola or your choice)
2 tablespoons (for cooking)
star anise
1 (use 3 petals)
salt
1 tablespoon (to taste)
fresh ground pepper
1/4 teaspoon (to taste)
fish sauce
1 tablespoon (for added umami)
brown sugar
1 tablespoon (to balance flavors)
coconut milk
1 (400 ml) can (for creaminess)
fresh cilantro
1/2 cup (chopped for garnish)
basil leaves
4-5 (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
1
Start by cutting the chicken legs and thighs into stewing pieces, ensuring both bone and skin remain on for richer flavor. If preferred, chicken breasts can also be used, but dark meat is recommended for better taste.
2
In a small bowl, mix the garam masala and turmeric with a splash of water to create a smooth, runny paste. Set this aside for later use.
3
Heat the vegetable oil in a thick-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the halved serrano peppers and star anise. Sauté for about 1 minute to release their aromatic flavors.
4
Add the chopped garlic and sliced onion to the pot. Cook for a few minutes until the onions become soft and begin to brown, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
5
Stir in the prepared curry paste and continue to cook for an additional 3 minutes, stirring frequently to incorporate the flavors.
6
Introduce the chicken pieces into the pot, followed by salt and freshly ground pepper. Cook for approximately 25 minutes, stirring often, until the chicken is golden brown all around.
7
Pour in 1/2 cup of water and add the fish sauce. Use a wooden spoon to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Bring the mixture to a boil and let it simmer for about 5 minutes.
8
Now, add the coconut milk and brown sugar, stirring to combine, and bring the entire dish to a gentle boil for about 7 to 8 minutes.
9
Once the coconut milk is bubbling, reduce the heat and let the curry simmer for an additional 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
10
Finally, stir in the chopped cilantro and basil (if using) for a fresh, vibrant touch.
11
Serve hot over a bed of fluffy rice and enjoy the delightful flavors of your Spicy Coconut Curry Chicken!
Nutrition Information
20g
Fat
10g
Carbs
23g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main flavor profile of Spicy Coconut Curry Chicken Delight?
This dish features rich and aromatic flavors from a creamy coconut milk sauce infused with serrano peppers, garam masala, turmeric, and a touch of sweetness from brown sugar.
Which cut of chicken is recommended for this recipe?
Chicken legs and thighs with the bone and skin remain on are recommended for a richer flavor, though chicken breasts can also be used.
How do I prepare the spices for the curry paste?
Mix the garam masala and turmeric with a splash of water in a small bowl to create a smooth, runny paste.
How many calories are in a single serving?
There are 317 calories per serving.
What is the protein content of this dish?
Each serving contains 23g of protein.
What type of oil should be used for cooking?
Vegetable oil, such as canola oil, is recommended for heating in the pot.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to make 3 servings.
What type of peppers provide the heat in this curry?
Two halved serrano peppers are used to provide the heat.
How much fat is in one serving?
There are 20g of fat per serving.
What are the total carbohydrates per serving?
Each serving contains 10g of carbohydrates.
What aromatics are sautéed first in the oil?
The halved serrano peppers and star anise petals are sautéed for about 1 minute to release their flavors.
How long should the onions and garlic be cooked?
Cook the chopped garlic and sliced onion for a few minutes until the onions become soft and begin to brown.
How long does the chicken need to cook before adding liquids?
The chicken should cook for approximately 25 minutes until it is golden brown all around.
What ingredients are used to deglaze the pot?
Use 1/2 cup of water and 1 tablespoon of fish sauce to deglaze the pot and scrape up browned bits.
What is the purpose of adding fish sauce?
Fish sauce is added to provide a deeper umami flavor to the curry.
How much coconut milk is required?
One 400 ml can of coconut milk is needed for the recipe.
Why is brown sugar added to the sauce?
Brown sugar is used to balance the heat and savory flavors with a touch of sweetness.
When should the fresh herbs be added?
Stir in the chopped cilantro and basil at the very end for a fresh, vibrant touch.
How should the dish be served?
It is best served hot over a bed of fluffy rice.
What is the preparation for the star anise?
The recipe calls for using 3 petals of the star anise.
How much garam masala is required?
The recipe uses 1 1/2 teaspoons of garam masala.
Is turmeric used in this recipe?
Yes, 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric is used to make the curry paste.
What is the total ingredient count for this recipe?
There are 15 ingredients in total.
How long should the curry simmer after adding coconut milk?
Bring it to a gentle boil for 7 to 8 minutes, then reduce heat and simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
Are basil leaves mandatory?
Basil leaves are listed as optional for garnish.
What category does this recipe belong to?
This recipe is categorized under Curries.
What are the specific preparation instructions for the onions?
The onion should be sliced before being added to the pot.
How much salt is recommended?
1 tablespoon of salt is recommended, or to taste.
What is the preparation for the garlic?
The 4-5 garlic cloves should be chopped before cooking.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include coconut curry, chicken, spicy, curry recipe, comfort food, easy dinner, and asian cuisine.