5 Delicious Coconut Milk Chicken Recipes You'll Love

If you're a fan of creamy, rich flavors in your chicken dishes, you'll find that incorporating coconut milk is a delightful twist that can elevate your meals to new heights. Coconut milk chicken recipes blend exotic flavors with comforting familiarity, creating dishes that are both nourishing and delicious. Here, we explore five mouthwatering coconut milk chicken recipes, each promising a unique taste of the tropics mixed with the savory goodness of chicken. Let's dive into the culinary journey and learn how to make these irresistible dishes!

1. Thai Green Curry Chicken

Thai Green Curry Chicken is a celebration of aromatic herbs and spices. Here’s how to prepare this flavorful dish:

• 1 can (13.5 ounces) coconut milk
• 2 tbsp green curry paste
• 1 tbsp fish sauce
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1 lb boneless chicken (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 cup bamboo shoots
• 1 cup Thai basil leaves
• 1-2 Thai chilies, sliced (optional for heat)

How to Make Thai Green Curry Chicken:

1. In a wok or large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of coconut cream (the thick part that rises to the top of the can) over medium heat.
2. Add the green curry paste, stir, and fry until fragrant (about 2 minutes).
3. Pour in the rest of the coconut milk, fish sauce, and sugar, stirring well to combine.
4. Add the chicken, cook until no longer pink, about 5-6 minutes.
5. Stir in the bell pepper and bamboo shoots, cooking for another 5 minutes until the vegetables soften.
6. Turn off the heat, sprinkle in the Thai basil, and let the residual heat wilt it.
7. Garnish with sliced chilies if you like it spicy.

🌿 Note: Thai basil has a unique anise-like flavor; if unavailable, you can use regular basil, but the taste will differ slightly.

2. Coconut Milk Braised Chicken

Braising chicken in coconut milk imparts a tender, juicy texture with a sauce that’s perfect for sopping up with rice:

• 6 chicken thighs
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 inch ginger, grated
• 2 cans (13.5 ounces each) coconut milk
• 1 lemongrass stalk, bruised
• 1 tsp turmeric powder
• Juice of 1 lime
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make Coconut Milk Braised Chicken:

1. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
2. Heat the oil in a Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, and brown the chicken on all sides, then set aside.
3. In the same pot, sauté onions until they are soft. Add garlic and ginger, cook for 1 minute.
4. Pour in the coconut milk, add lemongrass, turmeric, and lime juice. Return the chicken to the pot, ensuring it’s mostly submerged in the milk.
5. Bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook for about 45 minutes, turning the chicken occasionally.
6. Remove the chicken, increase heat to thicken the sauce if needed, and adjust seasoning.

🍗 Note: This dish can be prepared in advance; the flavors deepen as it sits.

3. Filipino Chicken Adobo in Coconut Milk

This variation of the classic Filipino Adobo brings a creamy twist with the addition of coconut milk:

• 8 chicken drumsticks
• ½ cup soy sauce
• ¾ cup white vinegar
• 1 can (13.5 ounces) coconut milk
• 1 tbsp whole peppercorns
• 1 head garlic, cloves crushed
• 2 bay leaves
• Salt to taste

How to Make Filipino Chicken Adobo in Coconut Milk:

1. Combine chicken, soy sauce, and vinegar in a bowl, marinate for at least 30 minutes.
2. Heat a pot over medium-high heat, add the marinated chicken along with the marinade.
3. Add coconut milk, peppercorns, garlic, bay leaves, and salt.
4. Simmer, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through, and the sauce has thickened, about 30-40 minutes.

🌴 Note: The vinegar in Adobo cuts through the richness of the coconut milk beautifully.

4. Coconut Lime Chicken with Zoodles

Here’s a healthier twist with zoodles (zucchini noodles) to serve alongside this tangy and sweet chicken dish:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 can (13.5 ounces) light coconut milk
• Zest and juice of 2 limes
• 1 tbsp honey
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 medium zucchini, spiralized
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

How to Make Coconut Lime Chicken with Zoodles:

1. In a bowl, mix coconut milk, lime zest, lime juice, honey, and garlic.
2. Add chicken, marinate for at least 1 hour or overnight.
3. Cook chicken in a skillet or grill until thoroughly cooked.
4. Meanwhile, sauté zoodles in a pan until just tender, seasoning with salt and pepper.
5. Slice chicken and serve atop zoodles, garnished with cilantro.

💡 Note: Zoodles are a fantastic low-carb alternative to traditional pasta, soaking up the flavors of the sauce perfectly.

5. Slow Cooker Coconut Chicken and Sweet Potatoes

For those busy days, a slow cooker recipe comes in handy:

• 4-5 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)
• 1 can (13.5 ounces) coconut milk
• 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
• 1 onion, sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper

How to Make Slow Cooker Coconut Chicken:

1. Place all ingredients except the bell pepper into the slow cooker.
2. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, adding the bell pepper for the last 30 minutes to retain color and texture.
3. Season to taste and serve with rice or naan.

As we've journeyed through these five coconut milk chicken recipes, we've seen how versatile and flavorful chicken can become when paired with coconut milk. Each dish offers a unique taste profile, from the aromatic Thai Green Curry Chicken to the comforting simplicity of the Slow Cooker Coconut Chicken. These recipes are not just about creating meals; they're about bringing a bit of tropical warmth to your kitchen, making every meal a special occasion. Whether you're looking for a quick midweek meal or a dish to impress at dinner parties, these recipes offer options for everyone. Enjoy your cooking adventure with coconut milk, and may each bite be as delightful as the last.

Can I use coconut cream instead of coconut milk in these recipes?

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Yes, coconut cream can be used in place of coconut milk for a richer, thicker consistency. You might need to adjust the amount of other liquids in the recipe to achieve the desired sauce texture.

Is there a vegetarian option for these coconut milk recipes?

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Absolutely! You can replace chicken with tofu, tempeh, or an array of vegetables like eggplant, chickpeas, or cauliflower in these recipes. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

How can I make these dishes less spicy?

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To reduce the heat, simply decrease the amount of chili or chili paste in the recipes. You can also remove the seeds from the chili peppers to tone down the spiciness further.

Can I freeze these coconut milk chicken dishes?

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Most coconut milk dishes freeze well. However, be aware that the texture might slightly change upon thawing, and sauces might separate. Stir well after reheating to re-emulsify the sauce.