This Coconut Milk Chicken recipe combines juicy chicken breasts simmered in a creamy and flavorful coconut milk sauce, making it the perfect quick and easy dinner. With exotic spices and fresh tomatoes, this dish offers a comforting, savory experience with every bite. Ready in about 30 minutes, it’s an ideal weeknight meal for anyone craving a flavorful and simple dish.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1 to 1½ inch thick)

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin

• 1 teaspoon smoked or sweet paprika

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for spice)

• 1 to 1½ teaspoons salt (or to taste)

• ¼ to ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (or to taste)

• 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided

• 1 small yellow onion, finely diced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon tomato paste

• 2 cups seeded and diced tomatoes (or 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes, well drained)

• 14 ounces can of unsweetened coconut milk, shaken and stirred

• Chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish

• Lime wedges, for serving

Directions

1. Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Combine spices, salt, and pepper in a small bowl, then rub the seasoning mixture all over the chicken.

2. Brown the chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 6 to 7 minutes on each side, or until browned. Remove the chicken, cover, and set aside.

3. Create the sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil. Sauté onions for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 20 seconds. Stir in tomato paste, then add diced tomatoes. Cook for 5 minutes until the tomatoes are soft.

4. Cook the chicken in the sauce: Stir in coconut milk and bring to a simmer. Return the chicken breasts to the pan, reduce the heat, and cook for 4-5 more minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

5. Garnish and serve: Adjust the salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges.

Nutrients

• Calories: 341 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 12g

• Protein: 26g

• Fat: 20g

• Saturated Fat: 9g

• Cholesterol: 73mg

• Sodium: 941mg

• Potassium: 676mg

• Fiber: 2g

• Sugar: 4g

• Vitamin A: 500 IU

• Vitamin C: 13mg

• Calcium: 59mg

• Iron: 2mg

A Blend of Flavors: Spices and Coconut Milk

The key to the flavor profile of Coconut Milk Chicken lies in the blend of spices used to season the chicken and the creamy coconut milk sauce. The chicken breasts are first coated with a seasoning mix that includes ground cumin, paprika, dried oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. These spices create a base of warmth and complexity that infuses the chicken with flavor.

Once the chicken is browned, the sauce is made by sautéing onions, garlic, and tomato paste, creating a fragrant base that complements the richness of the coconut milk. The addition of diced tomatoes brings freshness and a slight acidity, which helps to balance the creaminess of the coconut milk. The result is a flavorful sauce that clings to the chicken, creating a rich and indulgent dish that’s not overly heavy but still deeply satisfying.

Why Coconut Milk Chicken Is Ideal for Weeknight Meals

One of the main reasons Coconut Milk Chicken is the perfect weeknight meal is its speed and simplicity. In just about 30 minutes, you can have a flavorful dish on the table, even on the busiest days. The chicken breasts are quickly browned to develop flavor, then simmered in the coconut milk sauce, allowing the spices to meld and the chicken to become tender and juicy.

Additionally, this dish doesn’t require any complicated cooking techniques or hard-to-find ingredients. Most of the spices and seasonings used in this recipe are pantry staples, and coconut milk is widely available in grocery stores. With just a few simple ingredients and a few easy steps, you can create a meal that feels special but doesn’t take much time or effort.

Cooking the Chicken: Achieving the Perfect Brown and Tender Chicken

The first step in making Coconut Milk Chicken is browning the chicken breasts. This not only gives the chicken a golden, crispy exterior but also adds flavor by caramelizing the surface. The key to getting the chicken perfectly browned is to cook it over medium heat and not overcrowd the pan. The chicken should be cooked for about 6 to 7 minutes on each side, ensuring it gets a nice sear without overcooking the interior.

Once the chicken is browned, it is removed from the skillet and set aside while the sauce is prepared. This method helps preserve the chicken’s tenderness and allows it to remain juicy when it’s returned to the pan to cook in the coconut milk sauce. The chicken will absorb the sauce’s rich flavors, ensuring every bite is full of savory goodness.

Creating the Sauce: A Rich and Creamy Base

After the chicken is browned and set aside, the sauce is created in the same skillet, ensuring that all the delicious fond (the caramelized bits left in the pan) is incorporated into the dish. The onions are sautéed until soft, releasing their natural sweetness, and then garlic is added to provide an aromatic depth. Tomato paste is stirred in next, followed by diced tomatoes, which add acidity and freshness to the sauce.

The magic happens when the coconut milk is added. It turns the mixture into a creamy sauce that perfectly complements the savory flavors of the chicken and spices. The coconut milk brings a subtle sweetness that balances the richness of the dish and makes it feel indulgent without being overly heavy. The sauce is simmered for a few minutes to allow the flavors to come together, and then the chicken is returned to the pan to finish cooking in the sauce.

Nutritional Benefits of Coconut Milk Chicken

Coconut Milk Chicken not only offers great flavor but also provides some impressive nutritional benefits. With 26 grams of protein per serving, it’s an excellent source of lean protein, helping to support muscle repair and overall body function. The dish also contains healthy fats from the coconut milk and olive oil, including saturated fats that come from coconut oil, which are beneficial when consumed in moderation.

While the dish is rich and creamy, it’s not overly high in calories. Each serving contains approximately 341 calories, making it a filling and satisfying meal without being overly indulgent. The meal is also a good source of potassium, which helps maintain healthy blood pressure, as well as fiber and vitamins A and C, both of which contribute to a healthy immune system and skin health.

Serving Suggestions: Pairing Coconut Milk Chicken

Coconut Milk Chicken pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. For a lighter meal, serve the chicken with a simple salad or sautéed vegetables. The creamy sauce complements vegetables such as spinach, kale, or roasted bell peppers, adding freshness and a burst of color to the plate.

For a more substantial meal, serve the chicken with rice or quinoa. The rice soaks up the flavorful coconut milk sauce, making each bite even more delicious. Alternatively, you can serve the dish with warm naan bread or crusty bread to soak up the sauce, creating a more hearty and filling meal.

To balance out the richness of the dish, you can add a side of lime wedges. The acidity from the lime juice cuts through the creaminess, providing a refreshing contrast. Garnishing the chicken with fresh cilantro adds a pop of color and a fresh, herbal note that ties the dish together.

Conclusion: A Simple Yet Satisfying Dish

Coconut Milk Chicken is the epitome of a comforting, flavorful meal that’s both quick and easy to prepare. With its creamy coconut milk sauce, exotic spices, and juicy chicken breasts, this dish delivers an irresistible combination of savory and slightly sweet flavors. Whether you’re cooking for your family, hosting guests, or simply treating yourself to something delicious, this recipe is guaranteed to satisfy your cravings. In just 30 minutes, you can enjoy a meal that’s rich in flavor and packed with nutrients. Coconut Milk Chicken is perfect for those looking for a satisfying dinner that’s full of flavor without spending hours in the kitchen. Give it a try, and you’ll quickly see why this dish will become a staple in your weeknight dinner rotation!