Imagine a dish so luxuriously creamy and packed with exotic flavors that it transforms an ordinary weeknight dinner into a culinary adventure. This Chicken in Creamed Coconut Sauce is not just a meal—it's a one-skillet journey through Asian-inspired cuisine that promises to tantalize your senses and leave you craving more. With just a few simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you'll create a restaurant-quality dish that looks impressive but comes together with minimal effort.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Asian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 1 can coconut milk
- 2 tablespoons curry powder
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken by patting the thighs dry with paper towels and seasoning generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of oil and carefully place the chicken thighs skin-side down to brown. Cook for 5-6 minutes until the skin is crispy and golden brown.
- Flip the chicken thighs and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes on the other side. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside on a plate.
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add chopped onions. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until they become translucent and softened.
- Add minced garlic and curry powder to the onions. Stir continuously for 1 minute to release the aromatic flavors and prevent burning.
- Pour in the coconut milk, stirring to combine with the onions, garlic, and curry powder. Scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pan for extra flavor.
- Carefully return the chicken thighs to the skillet, nestling them into the creamy coconut sauce. Reduce heat to low and cover.
- Simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Remove the lid and let the sauce reduce for an additional 5 minutes to thicken if desired.
- Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve hot, spooning the creamy coconut sauce over the chicken. Optionally, garnish with fresh chopped cilantro or green onions.
Tips
- Pat the chicken thighs completely dry before seasoning to ensure a crispy, golden-brown skin that seals in maximum flavor.
- Use medium-high heat when initially browning the chicken to achieve that perfect crisp without burning.
- Don't rush the onion and garlic sautéing step—allowing them to soften slowly releases their natural sweetness and deepens the overall flavor profile.
- Choose a good quality curry powder for the most authentic and robust taste. Fresh spices make a significant difference.
- For an extra luxurious sauce, consider using full-fat coconut milk, which provides a richer, creamier texture.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) without overcooking.
- Let the sauce reduce slightly at the end to concentrate the flavors and create a more luxurious consistency.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Cholesterol: 140mg
