Spicy Indonesian-Inspired Coconut Chicken Curry
A fragrant Indonesian-style chicken curry simmered in creamy coconut milk with bold spices, served over steamed jasmine rice for a comforting meal. This indonesian-inspired chicken ready in about 45 minutes pairs coconut oil, finely chopped shallots, minced garlic cloves 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb, cut into 1-inch pieces boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tbsp coconut oil
- 3, finely chopped shallots
- 4, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tbsp, grated fresh ginger
- 2 tbsp red chili paste
- 1 tsp ground turmeric
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin powder
- 1 13.5 oz can coconut milk
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tbsp palm sugar or brown sugar
- 1 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 cups, for serving steamed jasmine rice
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp coconut oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add 3 finely chopped shallots, 4 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger; sauté for 3-4 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
- Step 2: Stir in 2 tbsp red chili paste, 1 tsp ground turmeric, 1 tsp coriander powder, and 1/2 tsp cumin powder; cook while stirring for 1 minute to bloom the spices.
- Step 3: Add 1 lb cut chicken thighs to the skillet, stirring to coat the pieces in the spice mixture. Cook for 5 minutes until the chicken starts to brown.
- Step 4: Pour in 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk and 1/2 cup water, stirring to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer, then add 1 tbsp palm sugar and 1 tbsp fish sauce.
- Step 5: Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Step 6: Remove from heat and stir in 1 tbsp fresh lime juice and 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro.
- Step 7: Serve hot over 2 cups steamed jasmine rice, spooning extra sauce over the top for a rich, spicy meal.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Spicy Indonesian-Inspired Coconut Chicken Curry take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (15 min prep + 30 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 Spicy Indonesian-Inspired Coconut 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 coconut oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Spicy Indonesian-Inspired Coconut 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 Spicy Indonesian-Inspired Coconut 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 Spicy Indonesian-Inspired Coconut Chicken Curry?
Indonesian chicken 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.
