True-to-Form Chicken Curry with Coconut Milk

By Lauren Mitchell, Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-04-07 · Updated 2026-04-07

A vibrant curry made with genuine spices simmered to authentic perfection, featuring tender chicken and creamy coconut milk for an aromatic, balanced dish. This indian-inspired one pot ready in about 60 minutes pairs chicken thighs, onion, garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 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.

★ 4.3 (15 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 40 min Serves 4 Indian cuisine 480 cal/serving

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Ingredients

1.25 pounds chicken thighs
1 large onion
5 garlic cloves
1.5 tablespoons grated fresh ginger
3 tablespoons curry powder
2 teaspoons ground coriander
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
1 can (13.5 ounces) coconut milk
1 cup chicken broth
2 tablespoons lime juice
2 tablespoons coconut oil
1 cup chopped green beans
3 tablespoons chopped cilantro
1 teaspoon salt

Equipment for this recipe

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Instructions

Step 1: Cut 1.25 pounds chicken thighs into 1-inch pieces and season with 1 teaspoon salt.
Step 2: Heat 2 tablespoons coconut oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 chopped onion, 5 minced garlic cloves, and 1.5 tablespoons grated ginger. Sauté for 5 minutes until onion is translucent and fragrant.
Step 3: Stir in 3 tablespoons curry powder, 2 teaspoons ground coriander, and 1 teaspoon ground turmeric. Cook for 1 minute until spices are deeply aromatic and the oil begins to separate from the mixture.
Step 4: Add chicken pieces and stir to coat evenly with spices. Cook for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chicken is lightly browned on all sides.
Step 5: Pour in 1 can (13.5 ounces) coconut milk and 1 cup chicken broth. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 25 minutes.
Step 6: Add 1 cup chopped green beans and continue simmering for 10 minutes until beans are tender but still crisp.
Step 7: Stir in 2 tablespoons lime juice and 3 tablespoons chopped cilantro. Cook for 2 more minutes until flavors meld and the sauce is slightly thickened. Adjust salt if needed before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does True-to-Form Chicken Curry with Coconut Milk take to make?

Total time is about 60 minutes (20 min prep + 40 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 True-to-Form Chicken Curry with Coconut Milk?

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 True-to-Form Chicken Curry with Coconut Milk?

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 True-to-Form Chicken Curry with Coconut Milk 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 True-to-Form Chicken Curry with Coconut Milk?

Indian one pot 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.