Golden Spiced Coconut Chicken with Fresh Basil Over Fluffy White Rice
This Golden Spiced Coconut Chicken is a creamy, fragrant curry-style dish made with juicy chicken, aromatic spices, and rich coconut milk. Served with steamed white rice and fresh basil, it’s the ultimate comfort food that’s both wholesome and full of flavor. A must-try if you love easy coconut chicken curry recipes!
Ingredients:
1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized chunks
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon coconut oil (or neutral oil)
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 jalapeño, finely minced (adjust for desired spice level)
1 teaspoon turmeric powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon paprika
1 can (14 oz) full-fat coconut milk
Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Fluffy cooked white rice, for serving
Instructions:
1. Season the Chicken
Pat chicken dry and season lightly with salt and pepper. This helps lock in flavor while cooking.
2. Sauté Aromatics
Heat 1 tablespoon of coconut oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
Add chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 3 minutes.
Stir in the ginger, garlic, and minced jalapeño. Cook for another 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Toast the Spices
Sprinkle in turmeric, cumin, coriander, and paprika. Stir well to coat the aromatics in spices, releasing their flavors.
4. Cook the Chicken
Add the seasoned chicken pieces to the skillet. Cook until lightly browned on all sides, about 5–6 minutes.
5. Make the Coconut Sauce
Pour in the full can of coconut milk, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
Stir well, bring to a gentle simmer, and reduce the heat to low.
Cover and cook for 15–20 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
6. Finish with Fresh Basil
Remove from heat and stir in fresh basil leaves. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or spice if needed.
7. Serve & Enjoy
Spoon the golden spiced coconut chicken over fluffy white rice. Garnish with extra basil for a fresh, fragrant finish.
Recipe Notes & Tips:
For extra richness, add a splash of lime juice or a drizzle of honey before serving.
This dish also pairs beautifully with jasmine rice, coconut rice, or warm naan bread.
You can substitute chicken with shrimp, tofu, or vegetables for a vegetarian-friendly version.
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