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Coconut Milk Chicken Recipe

Sara Adams
Enjoy tender chicken breasts simmered in a creamy coconut sauce with this easy, one-pan Coconut Milk Chicken recipe.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine American, Indian, thai
Servings 4

Equipment

  • Large skillet

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts 1 to 1½ inch thick
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked or sweet paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper If you like spicy food use 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper. If you don't like spicy food, omit the cayenne pepper.
  • 1 to 1½ teaspoons salt or to taste
  • ¼ to ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper or to taste
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil divided
  • 1 small yellow onion finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 2 cups seeded and diced tomatoes or use 1 can 14 ounces diced tomatoes, well drained
  • 14 ounces can of unsweetened coconut milk shaken and stirred
  • chopped fresh cilantro for garnish
  • lime wedges for serving

Instructions
 

  • Prep. Shake the can of coconut milk well, then open and give it a quick stir to combine. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and set aside.
  • Make the seasoning. In a small mixing bowl, combine cumin, paprika, oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper; stir until thoroughly incorporated.
  • Cook. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Rub the seasoning mixture all over the chicken breasts, then add the chicken to the heated oil and cook for 6 to 7 minutes on each side or until browned and almost cooked through. Cooking time will depend on the size of the chicken breasts. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate; keep covered.
  • Sauté. Add remaining olive oil to the skillet; add onions to the heated oil and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, or until tender and translucent. Stir in garlic and cook for 20 seconds. Add a tablespoon of tomato paste and stir until well combined. Then stir in the tomatoes and continue to cook for 5 minutes, or until the tomatoes are soft.
  • Cook down the coconut milk and combine. Stir in the coconut milk and bring to a simmer; let simmer for 5 minutes, or until the sauce thickens. Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook for 4 to 5 more minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. The chicken is done when its internal temperature registers at 165˚F.
  • Taste and adjust before serving. Taste the sauce for salt and pepper; adjust accordingly. Garnish your coconut milk chicken with cilantro or parsley, and serve with lime wedges.

Notes

Calories: 341kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 26g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Cholesterol: 73mg | Sodium: 941mg | Potassium: 676mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 500IU | Vitamin C: 13mg | Calcium: 59mg | Iron: 2mg