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coconut milk chicken

Coconut Milk Chicken

Tender poached chicken in a creamy coconut milk sauce with Thai curry paste, aromatics, and spices.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Thai

Ingredients
  

  • 1 Tablespoon Coconut Oil or canola oil
  • ▢1 Onion diced
  • ▢1 Tablespoon Fresh Ginger minced
  • ▢4 Garlic Cloves minced
  • ▢1 Red Chili minced
  • 2 14-ounce cans Coconut Milk
  • 2 to 3 Tablespoons Soy Sauce
  • 3 Tablespoons Red Curry Paste
  • 1 Tablespoon Brown Sugar
  • 1 1/2 lbs. Chicken Breast sliced
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon Pepper
Toppings:
  • Cilantro Chili Oil or Chili Crunch, Scallions, Fresh Lime
  • Steamed Rice

Method
 

Sauté the Aromatics
  1. Heat a large, deep skillet over medium heat and add the coconut oil (or canola oil).
  2. Add the diced onion and cook for about 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it begins to soften.
  3. Stir in the minced ginger, chopped red chili, and minced garlic. Cook for another 2 minutes until fragrant and well combined.
Add the Coconut Milk
  1. Pour in the canned coconut milk and stir gently.
  2. Add the brown sugar, soy sauce, salt, pepper, and red curry paste. Mix well until the curry paste fully blends into the creamy coconut sauce.
Poach the Chicken
  1. Carefully add the sliced chicken breast to the simmering coconut milk mixture.
  2. Reduce the heat to medium-low and keep the mixture at a gentle simmer. Avoid boiling, as high heat can make the chicken tough.
  3. Let the chicken simmer for about 15–20 minutes, or until it is fully cooked and tender.
Keep the Chicken Tender
  1. Do not overcook the chicken. Once it is cooked through, remove the pan from heat or lower the heat to very low.
  2. Gentle poaching in the coconut sauce helps the chicken stay moist and prevents a rubbery texture.
Finish and Serve
  1. For a fresh, bright flavor, stir in a squeeze of lime juice or sprinkle in chopped cilantro just before serving.
  2. Spoon the coconut milk chicken and sauce over bowls of steamed rice. Top with chili oil or chili crunch, sliced scallions, and fresh cilantro. Add extra chili oil or chili crunch if you prefer more heat and flavor.

Notes

Chicken thighs can be used instead of chicken breast; they may require slightly longer cooking time.