1. Home
  2. Recipes
  3. Creamy Chicken Curry

Creamy Chicken Curry

Featured in Chicken dishes that always work.

This Creamy Chicken Curry nails the balance of rich flavors, warming spices, and satisfying protein. Chicken breasts are coated in cumin, coriander, and turmeric for bold flavor. Coconut milk gives a creamy touch to counter jalapeño heat and cayenne kick, while garlic, tomatoes, and ginger build complexity. A squeeze of lemon cuts through the richness. This dish comes together in 30 minutes and works great for both busy nights and entertaining guests. Tailor the spice level and serve with rice or naan for a complete meal.
Pin it Share it Send it Print it Jump To Recipe
Maria from tastyhush
Updated on Thu, 03 Apr 2025 16:54:22 GMT
Tender chicken swimming in a smooth, spicy curry sauce. Pin it
Tender chicken swimming in a smooth, spicy curry sauce. | tastyhush.com

This tangy Brazilian coconut chicken transforms ordinary chicken into a lush, fragrant dinner that mixes spiciness with creaminess in every mouthful. The velvety coconut milk balances the punch of the seasonings, while ginger, garlic, and bold spices create layered flavors that improve as they simmer together. You'll find yourself making extra sauce - it's fantastic drizzled over everything from plain rice to roasted vegetables!

I made this dish when hosting friends who all enjoy robust flavors but have different spice tolerances. Everyone raved about it – even my spice-wary mother-in-law cleaned her plate and asked for the recipe!

Key Ingredients

  • Cayenne Pepper: Creates a gradual warmth that builds with each bite.
  • Coconut Milk: Choose full-fat for the creamiest sauce.
  • Fresh Ginger: Adds a zingy warmth that enhances other flavors.
  • Jalapeños: Provides freshness and a spicy punch.
  • Boneless Chicken: Thighs work better for absorbing the delicious seasonings.
  • Cumin: Delivers that earthy undertone that grounds the entire dish.

Cooking Instructions

Prepare your seasonings: Mix turmeric, cumin, coriander, pepper, garlic powder, salt, and cayenne in a bowl.

Season the chicken: Coat each piece thoroughly to let flavors sink in.

Sear until golden: Heat oil and cook chicken until beautifully browned and fragrant.

Layer the flavors: Remove chicken and sauté the aromatics in the same pan, scraping up all those flavorful bits.

Create your sauce: Pour in coconut milk and stir until well combined and aromatic.

Finish cooking chicken: Return chicken to pan, nestling it into the sauce.

Finish with herbs: Stir in fresh herbs and sprinkle more on top before serving.

A bowl of chicken with sauce. Pin it
A bowl of chicken with sauce. | tastyhush.com

Vibrant Brazilian Culinary Heritage

Brazilian cooking combines indigenous ingredients with Portuguese techniques, creating flavorful dishes like this one that typically feature coconut and generous spicing.

Why Coconut Milk Makes Everything Better

Coconut milk distributes the spices throughout while tempering the heat, creating a perfectly balanced flavor profile.

The Magic of One-Pan Cooking

Cooking in a single pan lets flavors build up, making each bite more delicious than the last.

What To Serve With It

Pair it with some light rice or smooth polenta and add some zesty pickled vegetables for a nice balance.

Nutritional Advantages

You'll get protein from the chicken, healthy fats from the coconut, and beneficial compounds from turmeric and ginger, making it both delicious and nutritious.

A bowl of chicken with herbs and spices. Pin it
A bowl of chicken with herbs and spices. | tastyhush.com

This Brazilian coconut chicken shows how simple components can create something truly memorable. The aromatic spices and creamy coconut make it perfect for both quiet family suppers and lively gatherings with friends.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can chicken thighs be swapped for chicken breasts in this curry?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless thighs turn out super juicy and cook in about the same time, roughly 6-8 minutes per side. Just make sure they hit 165°F internally.
→ How can I make this curry more or less spicy?
For more heat, add extra cayenne, keep the jalapeño seeds, or throw in a serrano pepper. To tone it down, reduce cayenne, use half a jalapeño, and take out all seeds.
→ What sides go well with Creamy Chicken Curry?
Pair it with basmati rice, naan, or even low-carb cauliflower rice. A cool cucumber yogurt salad is a great way to balance the warm spices.
→ Can I cook this curry ahead of time?
For sure! It actually tastes better after sitting overnight as the flavors meld. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
→ Can canned tomatoes be used instead of fresh ones here?
Definitely! A 14.5 oz can of diced tomatoes (drained) works great when fresh ones aren’t handy or in season.

Creamy Chicken Curry

Creamy Chicken Curry combines tender chicken with smooth coconut milk, spicy jalapeño, and fragrant spices. It's a quick one-pan meal that can be whipped up in only 30 minutes.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
30 Minutes
Total Time
45 Minutes
By: Maria

Category: Poultry

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Indian-inspired flavors

Yield: 4 Servings (4 chicken fillets plus sauce)

Dietary: Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

→ Spice Blend

01 1 teaspoon turmeric
02 1 teaspoon ground cumin
03 ½ teaspoon black pepper (adjust if needed)
04 1 teaspoon salt
05 ½ teaspoon garlic powder
06 1 teaspoon ground coriander
07 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper

→ Main Components

08 3 tablespoons coconut or olive oil, divided
09 3 medium tomatoes, diced
10 1 medium onion, finely chopped
11 1 jalapeño, deseeded and diced
12 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
13 4 skinless, boneless chicken breast fillets
14 3 cloves of garlic, minced
15 2 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro
16 1 can (14 ounces) unsweetened coconut milk
17 2 tablespoons fresh-squeezed lemon juice

Instructions

Step 01

Toss the coriander, turmeric, cumin, garlic powder, cayenne, salt, and black pepper together in a large bowl. Stir them up well until they're totally blended. This is the foundation for your seasoning magic!

Step 02

Toss your chicken breasts into the spice mixture. Rub every piece well with the blend, ensuring they’re evenly coated all over for that bold, seasoned taste.

Step 03

In a big pan, heat 2 tablespoons of oil over medium heat. Once the oil's ready, place the chicken in and fry each side for 6-8 minutes till golden and cooked through. Set them aside on a plate and lightly cover them with foil to stay juicy.

Step 04

With the same pan, don’t wipe it down—the leftover bits pack flavor! Add the remaining oil, then toss in the onion, garlic, ginger, and jalapeño. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion’s soft and translucent.

Step 05

Add chopped tomatoes and the lemon juice to the pan. Give it a stir and add a pinch of salt and pepper if you like. Cook until the tomatoes break down and create a slightly saucy texture, roughly 5 minutes.

Step 06

Pour the coconut milk into the pan and stir until it’s nicely combined. Let it simmer gently for around 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and become creamy.

Step 07

Place the chicken (plus any juices sitting on the plate) back into the pan. Keep the heat low and cook for another 5 minutes so the chicken can soak up the saucy flavors.

Step 08

Finish up by adding a sprinkle of parsley or cilantro for a pop of fresh flavor. Serve it warm with naan or rice to scoop up all that creamy sauce.

Notes

  1. This cozy dish combines the rich creaminess of coconut milk with aromatic spices for an adventurous taste.
  2. For less heat, cut down on the cayenne and jalapeño, or leave the jalapeño seeds for extra spice.
  3. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3-5 days. The flavors actually get better as they sit!

Tools You'll Need

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Big frying pan
  • Sharp knife and cutting board
  • Measuring spoons
  • Foil to cover chicken

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 622
  • Total Fat: 41 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 15 g
  • Protein: 52 g