Kuala Lumpur Spiced Coconut Chicken Curry

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-07-21 · Updated 2026-07-21

A fragrant Malaysian-inspired chicken curry simmered in rich coconut milk with aromatic spices and fresh herbs. This Malaysian-inspired chicken recipe, ready in about 50 minutes, pairs chicken thighs, coconut oil, onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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.

Ingredients

• 500 g, boneless and skinless, cut into chunks chicken thighs
• 2 tbsp coconut oil
• 1 medium, finely chopped onion
• 4, minced garlic cloves
• 1 inch, grated ginger
• 1 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tbsp coriander powder
• 1 tsp cumin powder
• 1/2 tsp red chili powder
• 1 small cinnamon stick
• 400 ml coconut milk
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 10 fresh curry leaves
• to taste salt
• handful, chopped for garnish fresh cilantro
• 100 ml water

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Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp coconut oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add 1 medium finely chopped onion and sauté for 5 minutes until translucent.
2. Step 2: Stir in 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 inch grated ginger, 1 tsp turmeric powder, 1 tbsp coriander powder, 1 tsp cumin powder, 1/2 tsp red chili powder, and 1 small cinnamon stick; cook for 2 minutes until aromatic.
3. Step 3: Add 500 g boneless chicken thigh chunks and sear for 4-5 minutes until lightly browned.
4. Step 4: Mix in 2 tbsp tomato paste and 400 ml coconut milk, then add 10 fresh curry leaves and 100 ml water. Season with salt to taste.
5. Step 5: Bring to a gentle simmer, cover and cook for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chicken is tender and sauce thickens.
6. Step 6: Garnish with a handful of chopped fresh cilantro before serving with steamed rice.