If you’re craving a meal that feels like a warm hug after a long day, you absolutely have to try this Easy Coconut Curry Chicken Over Rice for a Cozy Weeknight Dinner Recipe. It’s a delightful blend of tender chicken, rich coconut milk, vibrant spices, and fresh ingredients that come together in a comforting curry perfect for any night of the week. Whether you’re a curry newbie or a seasoned fan, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and bold flavor, making your weeknight dinner feel completely special without the fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple yet essential ingredients work beautifully together to create a luscious coconut curry that’s both creamy and flavorful. Each component adds a unique texture, color, or depth of taste that makes this dish truly satisfying and vibrant.
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast (1 pound): Bite-sized pieces ensure quick cooking and perfect tender bites.
- Full-Fat Coconut Milk (1 can, 14 ounces): Adds rich creaminess and a subtle sweetness to the curry sauce.
- Curry Powder (1 tablespoon): The star spice blend that infuses the whole dish with warm, aromatic flavors.
- Medium Onion (1, diced): Provides a savory base and sweetness as it softens in the pan.
- Garlic Cloves (3, minced): Introduce pungent, aromatic qualities that enhance every bite.
- Fresh Ginger (1 tablespoon, grated or minced): Adds a zesty kick and freshness that brightens the dish.
- Bell Peppers (1 cup, sliced, any color): Bring vibrant color and a mild crunch for texture contrast.
- Low-Sodium Vegetable Broth (1 cup): Deepens the curry flavors without overpowering the coconut.
- Cooked Jasmine or Basmati Rice (2 cups): The perfect base to soak up all the luscious curry sauce.
- Fresh Cilantro (1 handful): Adds a fresh herbal note at the end that lifts the whole dish.
- Fresh Lime Juice (1 squeeze): A bright finish that balances the creamy richness beautifully.
How to Make Easy Coconut Curry Chicken Over Rice for a Cozy Weeknight Dinner Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat a large skillet over medium heat, add a splash of oil, and toss in the diced onion. Sauté the onion for about 3 to 4 minutes until it becomes translucent and fragrant, setting the stage for those cozy flavor foundations.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Ginger
Next, stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger. Let them cook for just a minute until their wonderful scents fill the kitchen — this little step is where the magic really starts to build.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Now it’s time to add the chicken pieces. Season them with a bit of salt and pepper, then cook for 5 to 7 minutes until the chicken is no longer pink and starts to turn golden around the edges. This makes the chicken juicy and ready to soak in the curry flavors.
Step 4: Toss in the Bell Peppers
Add your colorful bell peppers to the skillet and stir everything together. Let them soften for 2 to 3 minutes, giving the dish a lovely pop of color and just the right crunch to contrast the creamy sauce.
Step 5: Sprinkle the Curry Powder
Sprinkle your curry powder evenly over the mixture, stirring it in well so every piece of chicken and vegetable is coated in that warm, inviting spice blend. This step adds depth and character to your curry.
Step 6: Pour in Coconut Milk and Broth
Pour the full-fat coconut milk and vegetable broth into the pan, stirring everything together. Bring the curry to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes. This allows all the flavors to mingle and the sauce to thicken slightly for creamy perfection.
Step 7: Prepare the Rice
While your curry simmers, cook your jasmine or basmati rice according to the package instructions. The fluffy rice will be the perfect bed to soak in all that luxurious curry sauce.
Step 8: Serve and Garnish
Once the curry is perfectly cooked, spoon it generously over your warm rice. Garnish with fresh cilantro and finish with a squeeze of lime juice for that final burst of brightness that will have you coming back for seconds.
How to Serve Easy Coconut Curry Chicken Over Rice for a Cozy Weeknight Dinner Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh cilantro is an absolute must for this dish, adding vibrant green freshness. A squeeze of lime juice right before serving helps cut through the richness, balancing the creaminess with a zesty zing that wakes up your taste buds.
Side Dishes
This curry pairs beautifully with simple cucumber salad for a crisp contrast, or lightly steamed greens like spinach or bok choy to add a bit more color and nutrients to your plate. A side of warm naan or roti bread wouldn’t hurt either if you love soaking up every last drop of sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your Easy Coconut Curry Chicken Over Rice for a Cozy Weeknight Dinner Recipe in individual coconut shells or colorful bowls to amp up the tropical feel. You can also add toasted coconut flakes on top for an extra layer of texture and tropical flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover curry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen over time, making your next meal even more delicious.
Freezing
This curry freezes beautifully. Just let it cool completely, transfer to a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for a quick and comforting meal.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring often to prevent sticking. Add a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much. It will taste just as delightful as fresh!
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs add a bit more richness and stay tender and juicy in this curry. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may take a little longer to cook through.
Is this recipe spicy?
This Easy Coconut Curry Chicken Over Rice for a Cozy Weeknight Dinner Recipe has a mild warmth thanks to the curry powder but isn’t overpoweringly spicy. You can always add fresh chili or a pinch of cayenne if you like a bit more heat.
What type of rice works best?
Jasmine and basmati rice are both excellent because their fluffy texture and delicate aroma complement the rich curry sauce perfectly. They also absorb the sauce beautifully without becoming mushy.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Definitely! Swap the chicken for hearty vegetables like cauliflower, chickpeas, or tofu, and it still tastes incredible. Just adjust cooking times to ensure your veggies are tender and well-coated with the curry sauce.
What can I do if I don’t have fresh ginger?
If fresh ginger isn’t on hand, you can use about 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger instead. It won’t be as bright but will still provide that warm, slightly spicy note that’s important for the dish.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Coconut Curry Chicken Over Rice for a Cozy Weeknight Dinner Recipe is one of those dishes that brings joy in every bite. It’s approachable, packed with flavor, and perfect for when you want a little comfort without spending hours in the kitchen. I encourage you to give it a try soon—you might just find your new favorite weeknight dinner ritual!
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Easy Coconut Curry Chicken Over Rice for a Cozy Weeknight Dinner Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian-inspired
Description
This Easy Coconut Curry Chicken Over Rice is a flavorful and cozy weeknight dinner that combines tender chicken pieces simmered in a creamy coconut curry sauce with fragrant jasmine or basmati rice. Quick to prepare and full of aromatic spices, this dish is perfect for a comforting meal any night of the week.
Ingredients
Chicken and Curry Sauce
- 1 pound Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 can (14 ounces) Full-Fat Coconut Milk
- 1 tablespoon Curry Powder
- 1 medium Onion, diced
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Fresh Ginger, grated or minced
- 1 cup Bell Peppers, sliced (Any color)
- 1 cup Low-Sodium Vegetable Broth
Rice and Garnish
- 2 cups Cooked Jasmine or Basmati Rice
- 1 handful Fresh Cilantro, for garnish
- 1 squeeze Fresh Lime Juice, for serving
Instructions
- Sauté Onion: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a splash of oil. Once hot, add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent, forming the flavor base for the curry.
- Add Garlic and Ginger: Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for another minute until fragrant to build depth in the sauce.
- Cook Chicken: Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the skillet, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 5-7 minutes until the chicken is no longer pink and starts to brown.
- Add Bell Peppers: Mix in the sliced bell peppers and cook for 2-3 minutes until they are slightly softened but still retain some crunch.
- Add Curry Powder: Sprinkle the curry powder evenly over the chicken and vegetables, stirring well to coat everything in the warm spices.
- Simmer Curry Sauce: Pour in the full-fat coconut milk and low-sodium vegetable broth. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 10 minutes to thicken slightly and allow flavors to meld.
- Prepare Rice: While the curry simmers, cook the jasmine or basmati rice according to the package instructions until fluffy.
- Serve: Once the curry sauce has thickened and the chicken is fully cooked, serve the curry spooned over the cooked rice. Garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of fresh lime juice for brightness and freshness.
Notes
- Use full-fat coconut milk for a rich and creamy sauce; light versions may result in a thinner curry.
- Adjust the curry powder amount based on desired spice level.
- Fresh ginger adds a bright, zesty flavor. If unavailable, ground ginger can be used but in smaller quantities.
- For extra protein, add chickpeas or substitute chicken with tofu to make it vegetarian.
- Make sure to cook the rice separately according to package instructions; jasmine or basmati rice works best for aromatic flavor.
