EatMee Recipes Logo
EatMee RecipesAuthentic Durban Indian & Comfort Food
Browse Recipes
Indian CuisineIndian FoodDurban Indian

Coconut Chicken Curry

Make authentic Coconut Chicken Curry with this foolproof recipe. Packed with rich traditional flavor, step-by-step photos, and cooking tips by Denisiya on EatMee Recipes.

4.8·28 reader ratings
Rate this recipe:
D
By DenisiyaPublished on November 23, 2022
Jump to RecipeWatch VideoLeave a Comment
Coconut Chicken Curry
⏱️
Prep Time20 mins
🍳
Cook Time40 mins
⌛
Total Time60 mins
🍽️
ServingsServes 3-4
Denisiya on YouTube @eatmeerecipes
@eatmeerecipesOfficial Channel

Cook Along With Denisiya on YouTube

Join over 60,000+ home chefs for weekly authentic Durban Indian cook-alongs, Instant Pot masterclasses, and family heritage recipes.

Subscribe (Free)60,000+ Subscribers • 900+ Videos

This Recipe Serves 3-4

Coconut Chicken Curry is a super simple meal to make & if you’re not a coconut lover – do not stress, there isn’t a pronounced coconut taste in it. The coconut enhances the flavours of the spices which makes this dish worth it.

In India, it is not as common to add coconut milk to a curry dish. In the north, people often only add water or a small amount of cream and butter. To thicken the consistency, most Indians use blended tomatoes or onions. South India is more likely to include coconut milk in their curries for a hint of sweetness.

This creamy meal is best enjoyed with naan.

🥗

Ingredients

Scale:
Base Yield: Serves 3-4
Advertisement
👩‍🍳

Step-by-Step Instructions

25 Steps
  1. Step 1

    Rinse & cut the chicken into cubes & place into a bowl.

    Step 1 visual guide
  2. Step 2

    Peel & chop the onion.

    Step 2 visual guide
  3. Step 3

    Rinse & blend the tomato.

    Step 3 visual guide
  4. Step 4

    Rinse & chop the bell peppers.

    Step 4 visual guide
  5. Step 5

    To a pot on medium heat, add in the coconut oil.

    Step 5 visual guide
  6. Step 6

    Add in the onions.

    Step 6 visual guide
  7. Step 7

    Mix & allow to sauté until the onions are translucent.

    Step 7 visual guide
  8. Step 8

    Once the onions have become translucent, add in turmeric powder, cracked black pepper, garam masala, coriander (dhania) powder, cumin (jeera) powder, cardamom (elachi) powder, red chilli flakes, chilli powder or masala & crushed ginger & garlic.

    Step 8 visual guide
  9. Step 9

    Mix well.

    Step 9 visual guide
  10. Step 10

    Thereafter, add in the cubed chicken & salt to taste.

    Step 10 visual guide
  11. Step 11

    Mix until the chicken is coated in the spices.

    Step 11 visual guide
  12. Step 12

    Cover with a lid & allow the chicken to seal in the spices for 5 minutes.

    Step 12 visual guide
  13. Step 13

    After 5 minutes, add in the blended tomato & curry leaves.

    Step 13 visual guide
  14. Step 14

    Pour in a little water.

    Step 14 visual guide
  15. Step 15

    Give it a stir.

    Step 15 visual guide
  16. Step 16

    Cover & cook for 5 minutes.

    Step 16 visual guide
  17. Step 17

    After 5 minutes, give it a stir, the tomatoes should be cooked at this point.

    Step 17 visual guide
  18. Step 18

    Add in the tomato paste & chopped bell peppers.

    Step 18 visual guide
  19. Step 19

    Next, it’s time to pour in the coconut milk.

    Step 19 visual guide
  20. Step 20

    Give it a stir until everything is well combined.

    Step 20 visual guide
  21. Step 21

    Cover & cook for a further 10 minutes.

    Step 21 visual guide
  22. Step 22

    After 10 minutes, the chicken should be cooked throughout & the milk would have thickened a bit.

    Step 22 visual guide
  23. Step 23

    Give it a stir & turn off the heat.

    Step 23 visual guide
  24. Step 24

    Plate & garnish with freshly chopped coriander (dhania).

    Step 24 visual guide
  25. Step 25

    This Coconut Chicken Curry can be served with roti, naan, rice or whatever you prefer.

    Step 25 visual guide
Video Tutorial

Watch How It's Made

Follow along with Denisiya's step-by-step video guide for Coconut Chicken Curry.

Watch on YouTubeSubscribe (60,000+)
Advertisement

Frequently Asked Questions & Cooking Tips

Expert kitchen guidance and troubleshooting for making the best Coconut Chicken Curry

What cuts of chicken work best for Coconut Chicken Curry?

Bone-in, skinless chicken pieces (such as thighs, drumsticks, and breasts with bone) yield the richest, most authentic flavor because the bones release gelatin into the gravy as it simmers.

How do I deepen the color and aroma of the curry gravy?

Braise your onions with whole spices (cinnamon stick, star anise, curry leaves) until deep golden brown before adding the ginger, garlic, and masala. Allowing the spices to fry for 30 seconds in hot oil blooms the essential oils.

Can I freeze leftover Coconut Chicken Curry?

Yes, this curry freezes wonderfully for up to 3 months in an airtight container. Note: If freezing, omit or remove the potatoes as their texture changes when frozen. You can easily add fresh boiled potatoes when reheating!

Denisiya - Founder & Chef at EatMee Recipes
About the Creator

Meet Denisiya

Hi, I'm Denisiya! Food lover, recipe developer, and founder of EatMee Recipes. I specialize in authentic South African Durban Indian cuisine, comforting curries, and modern Instant Pot adaptations. Every recipe on this site is tested in my personal kitchen to ensure you get mouth-watering, foolproof results every time.

Read Full Story →Get in Touch

Comments & Community

0

Have you tried this recipe or have questions for Denisiya? Join the conversation below.

No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts on this recipe!

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Handcrafted Pairings

You May Also Love to Cook

Explore more authentic Durban curries, traditional bakes, and comforting family favourites.