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Sweet Coconut Curry Basil Chicken. recipe image

Coconut Curry Basil Chicken.

A quick, fragrant coconut curry with tender chicken, fresh basil, and optional crunchy cashews served over rice.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pounds chicken breasts or thighs cut into bite-size pieces
  • 2 tablespoons curry powder regular or spicy
  • 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil salted butter or olive oil
  • 1 yellow onion sliced or chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic chopped
  • 1-2 jalapeños seeded if desired and chopped
  • 1 can full-fat coconut milk
  • 2 teaspoons tamari, soy sauce, or fish sauce
  • 2 teaspoons honey
  • 2 cups finely shredded kale or spinach
  • salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 cup fresh basil Thai basil or sweet basil
  • 1/2 cup roasted cashews optional
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • steamed rice for serving

Equipment

  • Large Skillet
  • Knife
  • Cutting Board
  • Spatula or wooden spoon
  • Measuring Spoons
  • Measuring Cups

Method
 

  1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the butter or olive oil.
  2. Add the chicken pieces, curry powder, and the sliced or chopped onion to the hot skillet; cook for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken begins to brown.
  3. Add the chopped garlic and jalapeños, then cook another 2 minutes, stirring so the garlic does not burn.
  4. Pour in the coconut milk, then stir in the tamari (or soy sauce or fish sauce) and honey until combined.
  5. Mix in the shredded kale or spinach and season with salt and black pepper; reduce heat to medium and simmer 5–10 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the greens are wilted.
  6. Stir in the fresh basil, lime juice, and roasted cashews (if using) just before serving.
  7. Serve the coconut curry basil chicken over steamed rice with extra basil or lime if desired.

Notes

  • You can substitute kale, spinach, sliced zucchini, or chopped bell peppers as noted.
  • Use regular or spicy curry powder depending on your heat preference.
  • Cashews are optional but add a pleasant crunch.
  • Adjust jalapeños and curry powder to control spiciness.
  • Mix the spicy curry powder spices well if making the homemade blend.