The sweet richness of coconut milk meets the bold, peppery brightness of fresh basil in this comforting and easy-to-make chicken curry. With tender chicken thighs simmered in a fragrant blend of spices, this dish is a warming, soulful meal that’s both exotic and accessible. Whether you’re a curry enthusiast or just diving into the world of homemade Southeast Asian flavors, this recipe is a guaranteed hit. It’s balanced with spice, creamy texture, and citrusy brightness—perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or impressing guests without spending hours in the kitchen.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 teaspoon salt
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1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
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1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
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Small pinch ground cloves
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1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
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1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
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1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
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1/2 teaspoon turmeric
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1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1 1/2-inch chunks
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1 large onion, sliced root to tip
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5 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh ginger
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1 to 2 jalapeño peppers, seeded and minced
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2 tablespoons canola oil, rice bran oil, or ghee
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1 (14-ounce) can coconut milk
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1 tablespoon lime juice, or to taste
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12 to 20 fresh basil leaves, torn
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Hot cooked rice, for serving
Directions:
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In a small bowl, mix together salt, coriander, cumin, cloves, cinnamon, cardamom, pepper, cayenne, and turmeric. Set aside.
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Heat oil in a wok or deep sauté pan over high heat. When the oil just begins to smoke, add the onions and jalapeños. Stir-fry for 3 minutes, letting them sear while stirring occasionally.
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Add ginger, garlic, and spice mix. Cook, stirring for 1 minute.
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Add coconut milk and chicken pieces. Stir to coat the chicken thoroughly.
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Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat, cover, and cook for 20 minutes or until the chicken is tender.
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Turn off heat. Stir in basil leaves and lime juice. Adjust salt and lime juice to taste.
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Serve hot over rice.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: 444 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
The Origin of Basil Chicken in Coconut Curry Sauce
Curry is one of the world’s most beloved comfort foods, with roots stretching across India, Southeast Asia, and even parts of the Caribbean and Africa. While many types of curry exist, this Basil Chicken in Coconut Curry Sauce recipe finds its inspiration in Thai and Indian cuisines, which both celebrate the bold use of spices, coconut milk, and fresh herbs. The dish seamlessly blends the creamy richness of Thai coconut curry with the warming spice profile commonly found in Indian-style curries.
The use of basil in curry dishes is particularly popular in Thai cuisine, where holy basil and Thai sweet basil lend a unique, peppery brightness to otherwise rich and creamy sauces. Combining that with chicken thighs, which are known for their tenderness and deeper flavor, creates a balanced and satisfying dish that hits all the right notes—spicy, sweet, herby, and savory.
This version is a home cook’s dream: easy to prepare, customizable to heat tolerance, and deeply aromatic. It represents a fusion of traditional techniques with everyday pantry ingredients, making it accessible even for novice cooks.
Why This Recipe Works So Well
There are many chicken curry recipes out there, but this one stands out due to its thoughtful blend of spices, freshness from the basil, and creamy consistency from coconut milk. Here’s why this recipe deserves a place in your regular rotation:
- Depth of Flavor: The combination of ground spices—coriander, cumin, cinnamon, cardamom, turmeric, and cloves—builds a complex, earthy base that pairs beautifully with the rich coconut milk.
- Fresh Ingredients: Jalapeños add a punch of heat, while garlic and ginger provide the aromatic lift. Fresh basil and lime juice stirred in at the end offer brightness and contrast.
- Balanced Creaminess: Coconut milk provides luscious texture and subtle sweetness, balancing the heat and earthy spices without overpowering the dish.
- Quick Cooking Time: Despite the layered flavors, this dish comes together in about 35 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight dinner option.
- One-Pan Meal: You only need one sauté pan or wok, making cleanup quick and easy.
Nutritional Benefits of This Dish
This Basil Chicken in Coconut Curry Sauce isn’t just delicious—it’s nutritious, too. Here’s a closer look at what makes this dish good for your body as well as your taste buds:
- High in Protein: With about 31 grams of protein per serving, chicken thighs make this a muscle-friendly meal.
- Rich in Healthy Fats: Coconut milk is a great source of medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which may support energy levels and metabolism.
- Low Carb-Friendly: This dish has just 10g of carbs per serving, making it ideal for those following a low-carb or keto lifestyle (when paired with cauliflower rice).
- Antioxidants Galore: Spices like turmeric, cardamom, and cloves are loaded with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Gut-Healthy Ingredients: Garlic and ginger are known for their antimicrobial and digestive health benefits.
Customizations and Substitutions
One of the best parts of this recipe is how customizable it is to your preferences or dietary needs.
- Make It Vegetarian: Swap chicken for tofu or chickpeas. Just be sure to sauté them properly so they soak up the curry flavors.
- Boost the Veggies: Add spinach, zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms for more nutrients and texture.
- Use Chicken Breast: Prefer leaner meat? You can use boneless, skinless chicken breast instead—just reduce cook time slightly to prevent drying out.
- Dairy-Free and Gluten-Free: Naturally, this dish is both dairy-free and gluten-free, which makes it a great fit for multiple dietary plans.
What to Serve with Basil Chicken in Coconut Curry Sauce
Although it’s rich and satisfying on its own, pairing it with a complementary base or side can enhance the full experience:
- Steamed Jasmine or Basmati Rice: A neutral, fluffy rice is perfect to absorb the flavorful sauce.
- Cauliflower Rice: A great low-carb alternative for those watching their carbohydrates.
- Flatbreads or Roti: While not traditional with Thai curry, soft breads like naan or chapati are excellent for scooping up every last drop of curry.
- Light Cucumber Salad or Pickled Vegetables: Something fresh and acidic balances the richness of the coconut sauce.
How Spicy Is This Dish?
This dish is mild to medium spicy, depending on how many jalapeños and how much cayenne pepper you use. The spice level is entirely adjustable:
- Want more heat? Leave in the jalapeño seeds or add more cayenne.
- Prefer it mild? Use just one jalapeño (seeded) and skip the cayenne altogether.
You’re in full control, making it ideal for families with different spice preferences.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
This dish not only tastes amazing fresh but also gets even better as leftovers. Here’s how to store and reheat it:
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer-Friendly: Freeze for up to 2 months. Just reheat gently in a saucepan with a splash of water or coconut milk to loosen the sauce.
- Meal Prep Win: It holds up beautifully in lunch containers and is perfect for busy weekday lunches or dinners.
Perfect for Entertaining
Want to impress guests with minimal effort? This Basil Chicken in Coconut Curry Sauce is perfect for casual dinner parties. The fragrance alone as it simmers will make people hungry. Serve it buffet-style with rice and toppings like chopped cilantro, lime wedges, or even toasted cashews for a bit of crunch.
It’s universally appealing, caters to many diets, and is upscale enough in flavor to be served at special gatherings—yet simple enough to whip up on a busy Tuesday evening.
Tips for Success
- Use Fresh Spices: Spices lose potency over time. Make sure your ground spices aren’t stale—fresh spice = better flavor.
- Don’t Skip the Basil: Fresh basil is essential. Dried basil won’t have the same impact, so if you don’t have fresh, consider adding fresh cilantro instead.
- Sear the Onions: Searing gives depth and slight caramelization that enhances the overall flavor. Don’t rush this step.
- Simmer Gently: Once the coconut milk is in, a gentle simmer helps prevent curdling and keeps the sauce silky.
- Finish with Acid: Lime juice is the final step, and it brings the entire dish together with brightness and balance.
Conclusion
This Basil Chicken in Coconut Curry Sauce is the kind of dish that delivers big, bold flavors with minimal time and effort. It’s a one-pot meal that checks all the boxes: healthy, comforting, aromatic, and satisfying. Whether you’re an experienced home cook or a beginner in the kitchen, you’ll love how approachable and flexible this recipe is.
The fusion of sweet coconut milk, warming spices, and fresh basil makes this curry stand out from the crowd. It’s not just food—it’s an experience. The vibrant aroma, the rich, golden hue, and the harmonious layering of flavors are all signs of a recipe crafted with care.
