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Basil Chicken Coconut Curry

Basil Chicken Coconut Curry: A Flavor-Packed Family Favorite

Basil Chicken Coconut Curry is a quick, flavorful dish that combines coconut milk and fresh basil for a delightful family meal.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Marinating Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Thai
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Spice Mix
  • 1 tablespoon Cumin
  • 1 teaspoon Cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon Ground Cloves omit if not available
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Cardamom can be replaced with ½ teaspoon more cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Black Pepper freshly ground is best
  • 1 teaspoon Chili Powder adjust based on spice tolerance
  • 1 teaspoon Salt use sea or kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Turmeric substituting not recommended
For the Chicken
  • 1 pound Chicken Breasts (or Thighs) thighs can be juicier
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil can substitute with coconut oil
For the Vegetables
  • 1 medium Onion use shallots for milder flavor
  • 3 cloves Garlic freshly minced preferred
  • 1 medium Jalapeño Peppers remove seeds for less heat
For the Sauce
  • 1 can Coconut Milk unsweetened variety recommended
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce can substitute with soy sauce
  • 1 cup Fresh Basil Leaves add extra for garnish
  • 1 tablespoon Ginger fresh ginger offers best flavor
For Serving
  • 2 cups Cooked Brown Rice (or other grains) quinoa or cauliflower rice are great alternatives

Equipment

  • Skillet
  • mixing bowl
  • Measuring Spoons
  • Knife
  • Cutting board

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a small bowl, combine the spices: cumin, cinnamon, ground cloves, ground cardamom, black pepper, chili powder, salt, and turmeric. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
  2. In a large bowl, coat your chicken breasts or thighs with the spice mix, ensuring each piece is well-covered. Cover the bowl and allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature.
  3. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add chopped onion and sliced jalapeño peppers, sautéing for about 3 minutes until they are soft and fragrant.
  4. In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil and let it heat up. Carefully add half of the marinated chicken pieces, cooking for about 6-7 minutes until browned and cooked through.
  5. Pour the coconut milk into the skillet and bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Stir the mixture well, cooking until it begins to bubble and thicken slightly, about 3-4 minutes.
  6. Add the browned chicken and sautéed vegetables back into the skillet with the coconut milk. Stir in fresh basil leaves and grated ginger, allowing the mixture to simmer for another 2 minutes.
  7. Spoon your Basil Chicken Coconut Curry over cooked brown rice. Garnish with extra fresh basil to enhance the dish's visual appeal and flavor.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bowlCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 30gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 75mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 5gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 800IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 40mgIron: 2.5mg

Notes

Leftovers taste even better the next day! Store them for quick lunch options or pair with a side like steamed broccoli.

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