Coconut Butter Chicken Curry

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A rich, creamy Indian dish with tender chicken simmered in coconut milk and aromatic spices. This indian ready in about 75 minutes pairs chicken thighs, coconut milk, onions for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.0 (15 ratings) Prep: 30 min Cook: 45 min Serves 4 Indian cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Dice onions into 1/4-inch cubes and sauté in coconut oil over medium heat until golden brown, about 5 minutes. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Add chopped tomatoes, garam masala, turmeric, and salt. Cook for 8 minutes until tomatoes break down and form a thick sauce.
  3. Step 3: Add chicken thighs and cook for 5 minutes per side until golden. Pour in coconut milk and simmer for 25 minutes until chicken is tender.
  4. Step 4: Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with basmati rice.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Coconut Butter Chicken Curry take to make?

Total time is about 75 minutes (30 min prep + 45 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Coconut Butter Chicken Curry?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Coconut Butter Chicken Curry?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Coconut Butter Chicken Curry for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Coconut Butter Chicken Curry?

Indian indian like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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