Name: Easy Coconut Milk Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-489682H7M5S
Total time: 3 h 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 (13 ounce) can coconut milk (about 1 ½ cups); 3 to 4 Tablespoons lime juice; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 ½ teaspoons minced garlic or about 2 cloves; 1 Tablespoon honey or coconut sugar; ½ teaspoon sweet paprika or smoked paprika; ½ teaspoon turmeric powder; ½ teaspoon curry powder; 2 teaspoons to 1 Tablespoon grated ginger or ¼ teaspoon ground ginger; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; ½ teaspoon kosher salt; 1 ¼ to 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts; 1 Tablespoon avocado or coconut oil (for stove top cooking); Optional slurry to thicken sauce – ½ Tablespoon cornstarch mixed with ½ Tablespoon water; Cilantro and/or green onion, for garnishing; Lime wedges, for serving

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 12 reviews

This Easy Coconut Milk Chicken Recipe is an absolute game-changer when it comes to effortless weeknight dinners that feel luxurious. Imagine tender, juicy chicken breasts bathed in a creamy, aromatic coconut milk marinade that’s kissed by vibrant spices like turmeric, cumin, and curry powder. Whether you choose to cook it on the stovetop, in the Instant Pot, or bake it in the oven, this recipe guarantees a rich sauce and deeply infused flavors that’ll have you hooked from the first bite. It’s gluten-free, flavorful, and wonderfully simple to prepare, making it perfect for busy evenings or special occasions alike.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl holds a smooth, thick sauce with a light tan color that has a few small darker specks evenly spread throughout. The sauce fills most of the bowl, sitting on a white marbled surface that creates a soft, clean background. The bowl’s rim has a slight yellowish tint from the sauce sticking near the edges. There are no other layers or items present in this simple, focused image photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are charmingly simple yet play vital roles in creating the luscious, fragrant profile of this dish. From the creamy coconut milk that provides richness to the zesty lime juice brightening everything up, each one brings something unique to the table.

1 (13 ounce) can coconut milk: The creamy base that ties all the flavors together and gives the sauce its velvety texture.
3 to 4 Tablespoons lime juice: Adds a tangy freshness that balances the richness perfectly.
1 teaspoon ground cumin: Introduces warm, earthy notes that deepen the flavor.
1 ½ teaspoons minced garlic: Provides an aromatic punch essential for that home-cooked depth.
1 Tablespoon honey or coconut sugar: Light sweetness that rounds out the spice mix gently.
½ teaspoon sweet or smoked paprika: Brings a subtle smoky undertone and beautiful color.
½ teaspoon turmeric powder: Adds earthiness plus a gorgeous golden hue.
½ teaspoon curry powder: A blend of spices that injects complexity and warmth.
2 teaspoons to 1 Tablespoon grated ginger: Fresh zing and sharpness that keeps things lively.
¼ teaspoon black pepper: Light heat and subtle bite.
½ teaspoon kosher salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors.
1 ¼ to 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts: The star protein that soaks up the marinade beautifully.
1 Tablespoon avocado or coconut oil: For searing on the stovetop to add that lovely crust.
Optional slurry (½ Tablespoon cornstarch + ½ Tablespoon water): Useful for thickening the sauce to your preferred consistency.
Cilantro and/or green onion: For fresh, bright garnishing on serving.
Lime wedges: To add an extra citrus burst as desired.

How to Make Easy Coconut Milk Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade and Chicken

Start by whisking all the marinade ingredients together in a bowl until smooth and well combined. Place your chicken breasts in a shallow dish or a resealable bag, then pour over the marinade. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours, or for even better flavor, let it chill up to 24 hours. This resting time lets the chicken soak in all those vibrant spices and creamy coconut milk, making every bite bursting with flavor.

Step 2: Cooking in the Instant Pot

For a set-it-and-forget-it approach, place the marinated chicken onto a cooking trivet inside the Instant Pot. Pour the marinade over the top, seal the lid, and set to pressure cook on high for 10 minutes (increase to 12-13 minutes if your chicken breasts are thick). Once done, allow a natural pressure release for 10 minutes. Rest the chicken, then shred it with forks and toss back into the pot with the thickened sauce you create by adding a cornstarch slurry. This method ensures the chicken is tender and infused with creamy sauce that clings perfectly.

Step 3: Cooking on the Stovetop

Heat your pan and add oil until sizzling, then sear the marinated chicken breasts for a couple of minutes per side to build a nice crust. Remove the chicken and add the remaining marinade to the pan, stirring to deglaze by scraping up those flavorful bits. Return the chicken to the pan, cover partially, and simmer gently until fully cooked—around 10-15 minutes. Let the chicken rest before slicing or shredding, then toss it back in the sauce to soak up every last drop of deliciousness. This technique creates a darker, more caramelized sauce and chicken with rich depth.

How to Serve Easy Coconut Milk Chicken Recipe

This image shows a round black bowl filled with a creamy yellow dish that looks like a stew or curry with soft, uneven chunks mixed in. The food has small green herb bits spread throughout, adding some color contrast. Two thin, light green lime slices sit on top, near the center of the bowl. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface that gives a clean and bright background. The texture of the dish looks smooth and thick, with some visible small pieces giving it a slightly chunky look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh garnishes are the perfect finishing touch to brighten this creamy dish. A sprinkle of chopped cilantro or sliced green onions adds a fresh herbal lift, while lime wedges provide just the right amount of acidity when squeezed over the top. These little extras are key to balancing the richness of the coconut milk sauce and making each bite vibrant and satisfying.

Side Dishes

This Easy Coconut Milk Chicken Recipe pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Classic jasmine or basmati rice soaks up the sauce wonderfully, while cauliflower rice is a great low-carb option. For a vegetable-packed meal, steamed broccoli or roasted Brussels sprouts add texture and a bit of crunch, contrasting the creamy chicken perfectly. A light salad can also help maintain balance and freshness on your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Serving this Easy Coconut Milk Chicken Recipe can be as fun as making it. Try layering the shredded chicken over warm tortillas or naan for a unique fusion wrap. You could also stuff it into pita pockets along with fresh veggies for a quick lunch. For dinner parties, serve the chicken atop a bed of coconut-infused quinoa and decorate with edible flowers or microgreens for a stunning presentation that tastes as good as it looks.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store your chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Because this recipe is so richly flavored, the leftovers often taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld together. Just remember to keep the sauce and chicken well combined to prevent drying out.

Freezing

If you want to keep this delicious Easy Coconut Milk Chicken Recipe on hand for longer, freezing is an excellent option. Place the cooled chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave at medium power. Add a splash of water or coconut milk if the sauce has thickened too much, stirring occasionally to bring back that lovely creamy consistency. Avoid overheating to keep the chicken tender and the sauce luscious.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts in this Easy Coconut Milk Chicken Recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs work beautifully and often cook faster due to their tenderness and thickness. They also add a little more moisture and richness to the dish. Just keep an eye on cooking time to avoid overcooking.

What can I substitute if I don’t have all the spices listed?

No worries! If you’re missing certain spices like curry powder or turmeric, you can adjust by increasing the others like cumin or paprika for a warm, savory profile. Ginger and garlic are key for freshness, so try not to skip those. This recipe is forgiving, so feel free to experiment with what you have.

Is this recipe suitable for a gluten-free diet?

Yes! This Easy Coconut Milk Chicken Recipe is naturally gluten-free since it doesn’t use any wheat-based ingredients. Just make sure any additional sides or garnishes you add are gluten-free as well.

Can I make this recipe spicier?

Definitely! If you love a little heat, adding ¼ to ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the marinade will give it a nice kick that complements the creamy coconut milk without overpowering the dish.

Can I prepare the marinade and freeze it ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the marinade in advance and freeze it without the chicken. Thaw fully before mixing with the chicken to marinate. This is a great way to save time on busy days!

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly wonderful about how simple ingredients can come together to create such a comforting and flavorful dish. This Easy Coconut Milk Chicken Recipe is one of those treasured finds that feels both special and incredibly approachable. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, it’s sure to become a new favorite that you’ll want to make again and again. Give it a try, and enjoy every creamy, aromatic bite!

Easy Coconut Milk Chicken Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need