Name: Coconut Basil Chicken Curry Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1½ pound chicken breasts (boneless and skinless, cut into small cubes); 2 tablespoon curry powder; ½ teaspoon chili powder; ¼ teaspoon salt (or to taste); ½ teaspoon pepper (or to taste); 1 onion (chopped); 3 cloves garlic (finely minced); 1 jalapeno pepper (seeded and chopped); ¼ cup basil (fresh and torn roughly); 2 tablespoon olive oil; 14 ounce coconut milk (1 can); ½ cup chicken broth (low sodium or no sodium added)

Jump to Recipe·4 from 11 reviews

If you are looking for a dish that bursts with vibrant flavors and cozy warmth, this Coconut Basil Chicken Curry Recipe should top your list. It’s a splendid blend of tender chicken pieces simmered in fragrant spices, creamy coconut milk, and fresh basil leaves, creating a beautifully balanced harmony of spice, sweetness, and herbaceous freshness. Perfect for busy evenings or impressing friends, this recipe feels fancy but comes together in just 30 minutes, making it an effortless yet deeply satisfying meal you’ll want to return to time and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows two side-by-side views of cooking chicken pieces in a black frying pan with a hexagon pattern. On the left side, raw chicken pieces are spread inside the pan, topped with yellow and red spices dusted unevenly over the chicken and a bit of black pepper scattered on top. On the right side, the chicken pieces have turned golden brown and cooked, showing a slightly crispy texture and evenly coated with the spices. The pan is on a white marbled surface. The lighting is bright and natural, highlighting the color change from raw to cooked. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting this Coconut Basil Chicken Curry Recipe right is all about having the right simple ingredients that each bring their own magic. Every component adds a layer of flavor, richness, or color that builds into a dish you won’t forget.

Chicken breasts (1½ pounds, boneless and skinless): Cubed for quick, even cooking and perfect absorption of spices.
Curry powder (2 tablespoons): The essential blend for that classic curry depth and warmth.
Chili powder (½ teaspoon): Adds a subtle kick without overwhelming the palate.
Salt (¼ teaspoon or to taste): Enhances all the natural flavors and spices.
Pepper (½ teaspoon or to taste): For a gentle heat and earthiness.
Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Helps brown the chicken beautifully while bringing a mild fruitiness.
Onion (1 large, chopped): Provides a sweet and savory base when cooked down to translucence.
Garlic (3 cloves, finely minced): Brings an aromatic punch that complements the curry spices perfectly.
Jalapeno pepper (1, seeded and chopped): Adds fresh heat and a bright pop of flavor.
Fresh basil (¼ cup, torn roughly): The secret herb that delivers a fresh, aromatic lift that sets this curry apart.
Coconut milk (14 ounces, canned): Adds luscious creaminess and naturally sweet notes that balance the spices.
Chicken broth (½ cup, low or no sodium): Keeps the curry rich but light, helping to build the sauce’s perfect consistency.

How to Make Coconut Basil Chicken Curry Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Chicken with Spices

Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the cubed chicken and immediately sprinkle the curry powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper. The key here is to coat the chicken evenly and cook it just until it begins to brown, about five minutes. This step locks in juices and creates a flavorful foundation for your curry.

Step 2: Sauté the Onion

Next, add the chopped onion into the skillet. Stir frequently and let it cook until translucent, which usually takes around five minutes. During this phase, the onion softens and releases its natural sweetness, which perfectly balances the spices.

Step 3: Add Garlic and Jalapeno for Aroma

Now, stir in the minced garlic and chopped jalapeno pepper. Cook for just 30 seconds until the garlic becomes aromatic, being careful not to burn it. This brief cooking amplifies their flavors, giving the curry an inviting depth and a hint of heat.

Step 4: Simmer with Coconut Milk and Broth

Pour in the chicken broth and the coconut milk. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium and let it simmer gently for about five minutes. This simmering melds all the flavors and thickens the sauce slightly. Don’t forget to taste and adjust the salt and pepper if needed. Right before turning off the heat, stir in the fresh basil to infuse the dish with its vibrant herbal essence.

Step 5: Serve Warm

Serve your gloriously fragrant Coconut Basil Chicken Curry warm, ideally over a bed of fluffy rice to soak up that delicious sauce. This final step is where all the hard work pays off – every bite should sing with harmonious flavors that make you feel right at home.

How to Serve Coconut Basil Chicken Curry Recipe

A white bowl filled with a layer of fluffy white rice at the bottom, topped with a thick layer of cooked chicken pieces coated in a shiny brown sauce mixed with bits of sautéed onions and green herbs scattered throughout. Fresh green leafy herbs are sprinkled on top, adding brightness and texture. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface with some green leaves visible around the edges. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding garnishes can elevate the dish visually and taste-wise. Fresh basil leaves scattered on top highlight the herbaceous notes, while a sprinkle of chopped cilantro or toasted coconut flakes adds vibrant color and an extra textural contrast.

Side Dishes

Pairing this curry with simple sides like steamed jasmine rice or warm naan bread creates the perfect canvas for soaking up the luscious sauce. You could also serve a cooling cucumber salad or a crisp green salad on the side to balance the curry’s warmth.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the curry in hollowed-out mini pumpkins or over coconut-infused quinoa. To impress guests, place the curry in small bowls garnished with edible flowers and microgreens. Presentation is all about matching the dish’s vibrant flavors with equally stylish serving ideas.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This Coconut Basil Chicken Curry Recipe keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to three days. Store it in an airtight container to preserve flavors and prevent the sauce from drying out. The curry often tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld.

Freezing

Feel free to freeze leftovers for up to two months. Use a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bags. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight to maintain the integrity of the creamy coconut sauce and tender chicken.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If the sauce has thickened too much, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up. Avoid microwaving at high heat to keep the chicken from drying out and preserve the fresh flavors.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add extra richness and stay juicy during cooking, making them a delicious alternative. Just cut them into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.

Is there a substitute for fresh basil?

If fresh basil isn’t available, you can use dried basil but add it earlier in the cooking process so it softens. However, fresh basil’s bright flavor is definitely preferred for this recipe.

Can I make this dish spicy?

Yes, you can increase the chili powder or add extra chopped jalapenos to taste. Adjusting the spice level to your liking is easy and lets this curry flex from gentle to fiery.

What type of rice pairs best with this curry?

Jasmine rice’s fragrant and slightly sticky texture complements the curry beautifully. Basmati rice also works well if you prefer long grains with a fluffy finish.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

It is naturally gluten-free, just be sure to check your curry powder and chicken broth labels to confirm no gluten-containing additives are included.

Final Thoughts

This Coconut Basil Chicken Curry Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s like a warm hug in a bowl—comforting, flavorful, and so easy to pull together. Once you try it, I’m confident it will become a beloved staple in your meal rotation too. So grab those simple ingredients and create a curry experience that feels both satisfyingly familiar and wonderfully fresh.