If you’re looking for a flavorful and quick meal, this 30-minute tender coconut milk chicken recipe is a must-try. This dish is rich, creamy, and packed with aromatic spices, making it a perfect choice for a weeknight dinner. Whether you use chicken thighs, drumsticks, or even a slow cooker, this recipe delivers a delicious and comforting dish that pairs well with steamed rice or noodles.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs (700g) chicken thighs or drumsticks
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch ginger, grated
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari for a gluten-free option)
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or water
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Prep Time
- Preparation: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken
Pat dry the chicken thighs or drumsticks and season them with salt, pepper, turmeric, and paprika. This step enhances the flavor and ensures a beautiful golden color when seared.
2. Sear the Chicken
Heat coconut oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear on both sides for about 3–4 minutes until golden brown. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
3. Sauté the Aromatics
In the same pan, add the chopped onion, garlic, and ginger. Sauté until fragrant and the onions turn translucent. Stir in the cumin and coriander powder, cooking for another minute.
4. Simmer in Coconut Milk
Pour in the coconut milk and chicken broth. Stir in the soy sauce and lime juice. Bring to a gentle simmer.
5. Cook the Chicken
Return the chicken to the pan, ensuring it is submerged in the coconut milk sauce. Cover and let it cook for about 10–15 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and fully cooked through.
6. Serve and Enjoy
Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot with steamed rice or flatbread. This dish also works well in coconut milk crockpot recipes, allowing for slow cooking if you prefer a richer depth of flavor.
Cooking Tips and Variations
- For a spicier kick, add chopped chilies or a dash of red pepper flakes.
- If you prefer a chicken in coconut milk recipe with more sauce, increase the coconut milk quantity by half a cup.
- This dish is naturally gluten-free, making it a great choice for those looking for gluten-free coconut milk recipes.
- You can use chicken thigh coconut milk in a crockpot for an easy, slow-cooked version. Just combine all ingredients and cook on low for 6 hours.
- Swap drumsticks for boneless chicken thighs if you prefer a faster cooking time.
This coconut chicken thigh recipe is simple, flavorful, and perfect for busy days. Whether you’re making Thai chicken with coconut milk or just exploring chicken thigh recipes with coconut milk, this dish is sure to be a family favorite!
