Coconut Curry Chicken Recipe: A Deliciously Spicy and Flavorful Dish
Category: Main Course
Serves: 4
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
This Coconut Curry Chicken recipe is a beautiful blend of fresh ingredients and aromatic spices that come together in a creamy coconut sauce. Itβs a dish that offers a perfect balance of heat, tang, and sweetness, creating a deliciously complex flavor profile. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Coconut milk | 400g |
| Fresh ginger | 20g |
| Fresh chili pepper | 1 |
| Lemongrass | 1 stalk |
| Coarse sea salt | 1 tablespoon |
| Black peppercorns | 1 tablespoon |
| Lime | 1 |
| Brown sugar | 10g |
| Chicken breast (boneless) | 800g |
| Rice flour | 30g |
| Green Thai curry powder | 20g |
| Vegetable oil | 10g |
| Garlic | 1 clove |
| Fresh chili pepper (for garnish) | 1 |
| Fine salt | to taste |
| Chives | to taste |
Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Coconut Broth
Begin by preparing the aromatic coconut broth that will infuse your chicken with rich flavors. Take a fresh chili pepper, remove the stem, and cut it in half, keeping the seeds inside. Peel the ginger using a vegetable peeler, then cut off the root of the lemongrass and chop the stalk into three sections. In a large saucepan, pour the coconut milk and add the coarse sea salt, brown sugar, and lemongrass.
Next, zest the lime, ensuring you only take the outermost skin. Add the lime zest to the pan, and stir to combine the ingredients. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 30 minutes from the moment it starts boiling. After this time, remove the broth from the heat, and strain it to remove the lemongrass and other solids before using it to cook the chicken.
Step 2: Preparing the Chicken
While the broth is simmering, cut the chicken breast into bite-sized cubes. Once the chicken is cut, coat the pieces in rice flour, shaking off any excess flour using a fine strainer or sieve. The flour will help give the chicken a light crisp texture when cooked.
Step 3: Cooking the Chicken
Slice the fresh chili pepper into thin strips. This will add a touch of heat to the dish while cooking. Next, heat a wok over medium-high heat. When the wok is hot, add the vegetable oil. Let the oil heat up, and then add the chili strips and the crushed garlic clove. Stir to release the flavors, allowing them to infuse the oil for about a minute.
Once the oil is aromatic, add the rice-floured chicken cubes to the wok. Stir-fry the chicken for around 1 minute until the pieces start to brown. After the chicken has started to cook, sprinkle the green Thai curry powder over the chicken and continue to stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes. This will allow the spices to coat the chicken and release their flavors.
Step 4: Finalizing the Dish
Now that the chicken is cooked through, pour the prepared coconut broth over the chicken, making sure to cover the pieces evenly. Let everything simmer together for another 5 minutes, ensuring that the chicken absorbs the flavors of the broth. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
Once the chicken is tender and well-coated with the coconut curry sauce, season with fine salt to taste. Remove the wok from the heat.
Step 5: Serving
To serve, plate the coconut curry chicken, making sure to spoon the rich coconut sauce over the chicken. For an extra touch of freshness and color, garnish with finely chopped chives and extra fresh chili slices if desired. Serve the dish while itβs hot, and enjoy the fusion of creamy coconut milk, tangy lime, aromatic herbs, and the gentle heat of chili.
Tips for Perfect Coconut Curry Chicken
- Rice Flour Coating: Donβt skip the rice flour coating for the chicken. It helps achieve a tender and crispy texture that holds the curry sauce beautifully.
- Adjusting Spice Levels: If you prefer a milder dish, you can reduce the amount of chili or remove the seeds from the chili peppers. For a spicier kick, leave the seeds in or add an extra chili.
- Pairing Suggestions: Serve your coconut curry chicken with steamed jasmine rice or rice noodles for a complete meal. You can also pair it with a light, crisp salad to balance the richness of the curry.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 420 kcal |
| Protein | 40g |
| Fat | 26g |
| Carbohydrates | 16g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sugar | 5g |
| Sodium | 500mg |
| Cholesterol | 80mg |
This Coconut Curry Chicken is a wonderful dish to enjoy with family and friends. The creamy coconut broth is infused with vibrant flavors from fresh herbs, chili, and lime, creating a meal that’s both comforting and exciting. Perfect for a cozy dinner or when you’re craving something with a little spice, this dish will quickly become a favorite in your cooking repertoire.
Enjoy cooking and eating this flavorful coconut curry chicken, and remember to check out more of our delicious recipes here at Love With Recipes!
