Description

Ready to transform your weeknight routine? Creamy Coconut Milk Chicken is a quick dinner that delivers big flavor with minimal effort. Juicy, golden-seared chicken thighs simmer in a silky coconut milk sauce, balanced with fresh ginger, garlic, and vibrant veggies. Serve this easy recipe over fluffy rice or with naan for a comforting meal everyone will love. Perfect for busy nights, meal prep, or impressing guests with cozy, healthy food ideas!

Ingredients

6 bone-in, skinless chicken thighs

1 can (13.5 oz / 400 ml) full-fat coconut milk

1 large red bell pepper, sliced

1 medium yellow onion, sliced

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated

Juice of 1 lime

1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro

1 red chili or Fresno chili, thinly sliced (optional)

2 tablespoons olive oil

salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Pat chicken thighs dry and season with salt and black pepper on both sides.

2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken thighs for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove to a plate.

3. Reduce heat to medium. Add onion to the skillet and cook until soft, about 3 minutes. Stir in garlic and ginger, cooking 1 minute until fragrant.

4. Add bell pepper and optional chili. Sauté 2 minutes.

5. Pour in coconut milk, scraping up browned bits. Stir in lime juice and half the cilantro.

6. Return chicken thighs to skillet, spooning sauce over. Cover and simmer on low for 20–25 minutes until chicken is cooked through and tender.

7. Adjust salt or lime to taste. Top with remaining cilantro and serve hot over rice or with flatbread.

Notes

For extra veggies, add a handful of baby spinach or snap peas in the last 5 minutes of simmering.

Chicken breasts may be substituted but require less simmer time to avoid overcooking.

Sauce thickens as it stands; thin with a splash of coconut milk or water when reheating.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Global, Asian-inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh + sauce (about 250g)
Calories: 370
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 330mg
Fat: 26g
Saturated Fat: 13g
Unsaturated Fat: 11g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 7g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 26g
Cholesterol: 110mg

Keywords: quick dinner, easy recipe, healthy, coconut milk, chicken, weeknight meal, food ideas