Name: Coconut Milk Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Fusion / Tropical
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; 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 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes, well drained); 14 ounces can unsweetened coconut milk (shaken and stirred); Chopped fresh cilantro; Lime wedges

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 2 reviews

I absolutely love this Coconut Milk Chicken Recipe because it delivers such a rich, comforting flavor with surprisingly simple ingredients. The creamy coconut milk perfectly balances the warming spices, making each bite a delightful blend of savory and slightly sweet notes. Whenever I make this dish, it feels like a cozy hug in a bowl—something that’s easy enough for weeknights but special enough for guests. It’s become one of my favorite go-to recipes when I want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Coconut Milk Chicken Recipe

What really draws me to this Coconut Milk Chicken Recipe is the incredible harmony of flavors. The smoky paprika and earthy cumin paired with a touch of cayenne pepper create a warm, inviting spice profile that’s perfectly mellowed by the creamy coconut milk. The tomato paste and diced tomatoes add a subtle tang and sweetness that round everything out beautifully. I love how the sauce thickens just enough to coat the chicken, giving each bite a luscious, silky texture that’s simply irresistible.

Beyond flavor, this recipe is wonderfully straightforward and forgiving. I appreciate how it doesn’t require exotic ingredients or complicated steps, but it still feels like a restaurant-quality dish. Whether I’m serving it to family on a busy weeknight or bringing it to a dinner party, it strikes the perfect balance between comfort and elegance. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to introduce friends and family to the delicious possibilities of cooking with coconut milk without intimidating them.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a dark pan filled with diced cooked tomatoes and translucent chopped onions. The tomatoes are bright red and slightly soft, while the onions are small white pieces with a golden-brown tint. A wooden spoon with a worn texture rests on the right side of the pan, partly touching the mixture. The background surface is a white marbled texture photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are simple yet essential, each playing a key role in building the layers of flavor and the beautiful texture of the dish. The spices bring warmth and depth, the chicken is tender and juicy, and the coconut milk adds smoothness and richness to the sauce.

1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Choose breasts about 1 to 1½ inch thick for even cooking and juicy results.
1 teaspoon ground cumin: This adds a warm, earthy aroma that forms the base of the spice blend.
1 teaspoon smoked or sweet paprika: For a subtle smoky flavor and beautiful color.
1 teaspoon dried oregano: Provides a gentle herbal note that complements the spices.
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper: Just enough heat to enliven the dish without overpowering it.
1 to 1½ teaspoons salt: Essential for balancing the flavors; adjust to your taste.
¼ to ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: Adds subtle sharpness and depth.
3 tablespoons olive oil (divided): For sautéing and creating the flavorful base.
1 small yellow onion (finely diced): Adds sweetness and body to the sauce.
3 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses the dish with aromatic warmth.
1 tablespoon tomato paste: Enhances richness and adds a touch of acidity.
2 cups seeded and diced tomatoes (or 1 can, well drained): Provides freshness and texture.
14 ounces canned unsweetened coconut milk: The star of the dish, delivering creamy texture and mellow sweetness.
Chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish): Brings a pop of color and fresh herbaceous flavor.
Lime wedges (for serving): Perfect for adding a bright, tangy contrast before eating.

Directions

Step 1: Shake the can of coconut milk well before opening to combine the cream and water inside. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and set them aside so they’re ready for seasoning.

Step 2: In a small bowl, mix together the ground cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper thoroughly. This spice blend is the secret to the dish’s deeply layered flavors.

Step 3: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Rub the seasoning mixture evenly all over each chicken breast. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 6 to 7 minutes on each side, until browned and almost cooked through. Cooking time varies depending on the thickness—use a meat thermometer to check for about 160°F before the next step. Remove chicken from skillet and cover to keep warm.

Step 4: Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the same skillet. Toss in the diced onions and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until they become soft and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 20 seconds until fragrant.

Step 5: Mix in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to deepen its flavor. Then, add the diced tomatoes and let them simmer for 5 minutes, until they soften and meld with the onion and garlic mixture.

Step 6: Pour in the coconut milk and stir everything together. Raise the heat slightly to bring the sauce to a simmer, then allow it to cook gently for 5 minutes, letting the sauce thicken slightly.

Step 7: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Lower the heat to medium-low and cook for another 4 to 5 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the chicken is fully cooked.

Step 8: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges to squeeze over the top just before eating.

Servings and Timing

This Coconut Milk Chicken Recipe serves four hearty portions—perfect for a family meal or lunch leftovers. Prep time takes about 10 to 15 minutes, mainly for dicing vegetables and seasoning the chicken. The total cook time runs around 25 to 30 minutes from start to finish. Altogether, you can expect to have this dish ready in approximately 40 minutes without any resting or cooling time needed, making it ideal for a quick yet satisfying dinner.

How to Serve This Coconut Milk Chicken Recipe

The image shows a black frying pan filled with a creamy orange sauce with chunks of red tomatoes and green herbs scattered throughout. Inside the sauce, there are five browned, cooked chicken pieces that have a slightly crispy texture. The sauce looks rich and smooth, covering the chicken partially and pooling in the spaces between. Green leafy herbs like cilantro or parsley are sprinkled on top, adding a fresh touch. The pan sits on a white marbled surface with a blurred gray cloth in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Whenever I serve this coconut milk chicken, I love pairing it with fragrant jasmine or basmati rice. The fluffy rice soaks up the creamy sauce beautifully, turning every mouthful into a rich, comforting experience. For a bit of texture and freshness, I often add a simple cucumber and red onion salad on the side, dressed with a light lime vinaigrette that complements the dish’s warm spices.

Presentation-wise, I like to plate the chicken breasts whole, spoon a generous ladle of the coconut sauce over the top, and scatter fresh cilantro leaves for color and vibrancy. Lime wedges on the side invite everyone to add a zesty brightness. For drinks, a crisp, chilled white wine such as a Sauvignon Blanc or a light, citrusy beer matches this dish perfectly. If you prefer non-alcoholic options, a sparkling water infused with lime or a cold ginger tea balances the creaminess wonderfully.

This Coconut Milk Chicken Recipe is incredibly versatile—it works well for cozy family dinners when you want a warming meal, but it also shines when served for casual dinner parties or celebrations. I always recommend serving it hot to enjoy the rich, fragrant sauce at its best, but it also holds up well if kept warm for a short time before serving. Portion-wise, one chicken breast per person with sides feels just right for a fulfilling meal.

Variations

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how easy it is to customize. If you want a bit more heat, I sometimes add extra cayenne or a fresh chili pepper when cooking the onions. For a milder version suited to kids, I cut back on the cayenne and add a little honey to the sauce for extra sweetness.

If you’re cooking for dietary preferences, this dish adapts beautifully. Using tofu or chickpeas instead of chicken makes a fantastic vegan version, and it’s naturally gluten-free as long as you check that your tomato paste doesn’t contain additives. Swapping chicken thighs instead of breasts also works well—thighs add juiciness and absorb the flavors even better.

For a different cooking method, I sometimes finish the dish in the oven after searing the chicken on the stovetop. This ensures even cooking and frees up the skillet to simmer the sauce separately. Alternatively, you can slow cook the ingredients together for a few hours on low heat if you want a hands-off approach that melts the flavors together even more deeply.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover coconut milk chicken in airtight containers—glass ones work best to avoid retaining any odors. It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. I recommend storing the chicken breasts and sauce together so the flavors continue to meld and the sauce keeps the meat moist.

Freezing

This dish freezes nicely if you want to prepare in advance. I let the chicken cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. It’s best consumed within 2 months for optimal flavor and texture. When freezing, I find portioning into individual servings makes reheating much easier.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the chicken and sauce on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Be careful not to boil as coconut milk can separate. Alternatively, reheating in the microwave on medium power in short intervals works well, just cover it to retain moisture. Adding a splash of water or extra coconut milk while reheating helps restore the sauce’s creamy consistency.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great alternative and tend to be more forgiving during cooking. They stay juicier and add a bit more richness to the dish. Just adjust the cooking time slightly since thighs can take a bit longer to cook through.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this Coconut Milk Chicken Recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free tomato paste and verify any canned tomatoes you use don’t contain additives with gluten. It’s a safe and tasty option for those avoiding gluten.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

You can easily make a vegan version by swapping chicken for firm tofu or chickpeas. Just follow the same steps with these substitutes, and you’ll have a delicious plant-based meal with all the creamy, spicy flavors intact.

What can I serve with this coconut milk chicken?

I love serving this dish with steamed jasmine or basmati rice to soak up the sauce. Roasted vegetables or a fresh salad with tangy dressing also pair well. For drinks, crisp white wine or a citrusy sparkling water complement the flavors beautifully.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The safest way is to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature—it should read 165°F. The chicken should feel firm but juicy, and the juices should run clear when cut. Cooking times vary depending on size, so this helps get perfect results every time.

Conclusion

I hope you’re inspired to give this Coconut Milk Chicken Recipe a try soon. It’s one of those dishes that never fails to satisfy with its rich flavors and comforting creaminess, yet it’s so simple to make at home. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, it’s a meal that feels like a little celebration in every bite. I can’t wait for you to experience how delicious and heartwarming this recipe is—enjoy every moment of making and eating it!