This coconut milk chicken is a rich, comforting dish made with tender chicken breasts simmered in a creamy, lightly spiced coconut sauce. It’s the kind of recipe that feels special enough for guests but simple enough for a busy weeknight. The coconut milk creates a silky sauce that keeps the chicken juicy while soaking up warm, savory flavors.
Perfect served over rice, mashed potatoes, or with crusty bread to soak up every drop of sauce, this dish delivers big flavor using simple pantry ingredients.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Creamy without using heavy cream
- One-pan meal with minimal cleanup
- Naturally dairy-free and gluten-free
- Comforting, flavorful, and family-friendly
- Easy to customize with vegetables or spice
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Paprika
- Garlic powder
- Olive oil
For the Coconut Sauce
- Onion, finely chopped
- Garlic cloves, minced
- Coconut milk (full-fat for best results)
- Chicken broth
- Tomato paste
- Ground cumin
- Ground coriander
- Chili flakes (optional, for heat)
- Fresh lime juice or lemon juice
Optional Garnish
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
Instructions
1. Season the Chicken
Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. This helps build flavor from the very first step.
2. Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and sear for about 4–5 minutes per side, until golden brown. The chicken does not need to be fully cooked at this stage.
Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Build the Sauce
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and lightly golden, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
Add the tomato paste, cumin, coriander, and chili flakes (if using). Stir well and cook for about 1 minute to deepen the flavor of the spices.
4. Add the Coconut Milk
Pour in the coconut milk and chicken broth, stirring until the sauce is smooth and well combined. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
5. Simmer the Chicken
Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Spoon some sauce over the top of the chicken.
Lower the heat, cover, and simmer for 12–15 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
6. Finish the Dish
Once the chicken is cooked through, stir in a squeeze of fresh lime or lemon juice to brighten the flavors. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed.
Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro before serving.
Tips for the Best Coconut Chicken
- Use full-fat coconut milk for the creamiest sauce
- Don’t overcook the chicken — simmer gently to keep it juicy
- Deglaze the pan when cooking onions to capture all the flavor
- Adjust spice level by adding or omitting chili flakes
Serving Suggestions
This creamy coconut chicken pairs beautifully with:
- Steamed white or jasmine rice
- Basmati rice or coconut rice
- Mashed potatoes
- Roasted vegetables
- Warm flatbread or naan-style bread
Variations & Add-Ins
- Add vegetables: Spinach, bell peppers, green beans, or zucchini work well
- Make it spicier: Add curry powder or extra chili flakes
- Swap protein: Use chicken thighs for extra richness
- Low-carb option: Serve over cauliflower rice
Storage & Reheating
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
- Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, stirring the sauce to keep it smooth
- Add a splash of broth or coconut milk if the sauce thickens
Final Thoughts
This coconut milk chicken breasts recipe is proof that simple ingredients can create something truly comforting and flavorful. The creamy coconut sauce, warm spices, and tender chicken come together in one pan for a meal that feels both cozy and impressive.
Whether you’re cooking for your family or entertaining guests, this dish is guaranteed to be a hit, and once you try it, it’ll likely earn a permanent spot in your dinner rotation.
