Description
Succulent coconut milk chicken elevates weeknight dinners with rich, aromatic flavors from Southeast Asian cuisine. Fragrant spices and tender chicken create a simple yet luxurious meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Proteins:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Liquid Ingredients:
- 1 can (13.5 ounces/400 milliliters) coconut milk
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Aromatics and Spices:
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch fresh ginger, grated
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Garnish:
- Fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Warm a spacious skillet with olive oil at medium temperature, creating a sizzling surface for seasoned chicken breasts.
- Caramelize chicken pieces until they develop a rich golden exterior, approximately 5-6 minutes per side, then transfer to a holding plate.
- In the identical skillet, transform onions, minced garlic, and grated ginger into a fragrant, translucent foundation, releasing their aromatic essence.
- Awaken the spices – turmeric, cumin, and paprika – by toasting them briefly, allowing their complex flavors to bloom and intensify.
- Stream coconut milk into the skillet, creating a luxurious, creamy base that will gently envelope the chicken.
- Reintroduce the seared chicken into the simmering sauce, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated and bathed in the spiced coconut liquid.
- Allow the chicken to poach delicately in the sauce for 10-12 minutes, guaranteeing complete cooking and maximum flavor absorption.
- Elevate the dish with a vibrant sprinkle of fresh cilantro, transforming the presentation and adding a bright, herbal note.
- Serve alongside fluffy rice or roasted vegetables to complement the creamy, spice-infused chicken.
Notes
- Customize spice levels by adjusting turmeric, cumin, and paprika to suit personal taste preferences.
- Enhance protein options by substituting chicken with tofu, shrimp, or plant-based alternatives for dietary flexibility.
- Ensure chicken remains juicy by using a meat thermometer to check internal temperature reaches 165°F without overcooking.
- Boost nutritional value by adding extra vegetables like bell peppers or spinach during the simmering process for increased texture and vitamins.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Thai
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 299 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 19 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 31 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg