• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to privacy navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Jo Cooks

Simple - Easy - Comfort

Join my free recipe email club!
Free eBook
  • Recipe Index
  • Cookbook
  • ABOUT JO
  • Contact
  • Facebook Instagram Pinterest Twitter YouTube
  • Dinner Ideas
  • Instant Pot
  • Slow Cooker
  • 30 Minute Meals
  • One Pot
  • Desserts
  • closeup shot of coconut chicken on a serving platter.
    Coconut Chicken
  • a bowl of coconut ginger chicken and vegetables
    Coconut Ginger Chicken & Vegetables
  • a bowl of rice topped with teriyaki chicken
    Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken
  • a plate of rice topped with chicken in oyster sauce
    Oyster Sauce Chicken
  • overhead shot of a bowl of thai red chicken curry with a side of rice
    Thai Red Chicken Curry
Home / Recipes
30 minutes
4.74 from 23 votes
29 Comments

Coconut Basil Chicken Curry

Jump to RecipePrint RecipeJump to Video
  • 554
  • 3158
by: Joanna Cismaru
04.23.19
Updated: 04.23.19

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

This Coconut Basil Chicken Curry is an incredibly fragrant coconut milk based curry that will be ready in just 30 minutes. Perfect for a busy weeknight.  

Coconut Basil Chicken Curry over rice in a white plate

Coconut Basil Chicken Curry

I love curries because they’re quick, full of flavor, and taste just as good the next day. My favorite curries by far are coconut milk based because they’re so creamy and delicious. This coconut basil chicken curry is an old recipe I’ve been making over the years and it’s easy, quick, requires only a few ingredients and it’s done all in one pot.

What Is Curry?

Originating in India, curry describes a variety of dishes, typically sauces, that contain a variety of exciting and complex spices. While this recipe is by no means authentic, it can best be described as a fusion of Thai and Indian flavors. I tried to make this dish as simple as possible with just a couple spices: curry and chili powder, which is enough to fully flavor this dish.

Coconut Basil Chicken Curry process shots

Ingredients in Coconut Basil Chicken Curry

This curry is quite light and fresh thanks to fragrant basil, a hint of jalapeno, and of course – garlic. Keep scrolling for measurements and instructions!

  • Chicken – While I used chicken breasts for this dish, boneless and skinless chicken thighs would work just as well.
  • Spices – Unlike more complicated curries, just a bit of chili powder and curry powder are enough to make this dish stand out.
  • Salt & Pepper – Season to taste, adjust according to the sodium content in your broth to follow.
  • Olive Oil – Use an oil of your choice, ideally something with a high smoking point as you will be using this to brown the chicken.
  • Onion – One large white onion works best.
  • Garlic – Minced finely and added to the onions once translucent, keep your nose close to the pan as the garlic will be finished once it’s aromatic.
  • Jalapeno – The slow burn of the jalapeno perfectly balances the richness of the coconut milk. The recipe calls for one entire pepper but adjust according to your spice tolerance!
  • Basil – Fresh is a must, no ifs ands or buts about it. You’ll want to use just a 1/4 cup of freshly torn Italian basil. Can Thai basil be used instead? Yes but keep in mind that not only is Thai basil sweeter but it is also stronger, so less is more in this case.
  • Chicken Broth – A half cup is all you’ll need of either low sodium or no sodium chicken stock.
  • Coconut Milk – One can of coconut milk will create a silky, rich base for this chicken curry.

Coconut Basil Chicken Curry process shots

What Can I Use Instead Of Chicken?

Meats

If you don’t have chicken available or would prefer a different protein, any number of meats will do. Steak, pork, salmon, shrimp, and scallops can all be substituted easily. Keep in mind that using other proteins means cooking times will vary.

Vegetarian

If you prefer to go meatless, there’s no dish easier to tweak than curry. Chickpeas are a great substitute and are incredibly low effort to incorporate. Just add a full well rinsed can of the legumes after the can of coconut milk and substitute chicken broth for veggie stock for a vegetarian feast. Cauliflower and eggplant also make nice meat replacements with an umami flavour. Again cooking times will vary.

Coconut Basil Chicken Curry in a black skillet

How To Make Coconut Basil Chicken Curry

  • Season the chicken: Cube chicken and place in a small bowl. Add the chili and curry powder as well as salt and pepper before mixing well. Set aside.
  • Brown the chicken: The key to achieve perfectly cooked and wonderfully flavored chicken is to brown the pieces in olive oil. Make sure the pan is not crowded or else the chicken will not brown.
  • Sauté aromatics: Add the onion and sauté till translucent. Followed by the garlic and jalapeno.
  • Finish the curry: The moment that garlic becomes fragrant, add your chicken stock and coconut milk. You’ll let this come to a boil before reducing to medium heat and further cooking for 5 more minutes. Taste test and adjust salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm over fluffy rice and devour!

Curry In An Instant Pot?

Rather than using the stovetop and saucepan method, this curry can be prepared in an instant pot in a matter of minutes. Turn the instant pot to the sauté setting and add the olive oil, onion, and garlic. Once the garlic is fragrant the other ingredients can be added. Turn on the poultry setting and set a timer for 5 minutes. Always wait a further 10 minutes for the pressure to release naturally before opening. For more information on preparing an instant pot curry, refer to this recipe.

How To Store Curry

Curry should be safely sealed in an airtight container and refrigerated for 3 days. If you want this curry to last, my advice is to freeze it. Ensure that it is fully cooled before sealing and use a shallow container to ensure even freezing. Stir well while reheating.

Coconut Basil Chicken Curry over rice

Craving More Homemade Curries? Try These:

  • Coconut Shrimp Curry
  • Thai Red Chicken Curry
  • Indian Salmon Curry With Saffron Rice
  • Instant Pot Butter Chicken

Looking for more recipes? Follow on... My Newsletter Pinterest Facebook Instagram

overhead shot of a bowl of coconut basil chicken curry

Coconut Basil Chicken Curry

4.74 from 23 votes
Prep: 10 mins
Cook: 20 mins
Total: 30 mins
Author: Joanna Cismaru
Serves: 4
Print Pin Rate
This Coconut Basil Chicken Curry is an incredibly fragrant coconut milk based curry and ready in just 30 minutes. Perfect for a busy weeknight.  

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 lb chicken breasts boneless and skinless (2 or 3 depending on size), cut into small cubes
  • 2 tbsp curry powder
  • 1/2 tsp chili powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt or to taste
  • 1/2 tsp pepper or to taste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 onion chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic finely minced
  • 1 jalapeno pepper seeded and chopped
  • 1/4 cup basil fresh and torn roughly
  • 14 oz coconut milk (1 can)
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth low sodium or no sodium added
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • Add the chicken to a small bowl and sprinkle the curry powder, chili powder and salt and pepper. Toss the chicken so that each piece is well seasoned. Set aside.
  • In a large skillet add the olive oil and heat over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 5 minutes, just until the chicken starts to brown. 
  • Add the onion to the skillet and cook until onion is translucent, about 5 more minutes. 
  • Stir in the garlic and jalapeno pepper and cook for another 30 seconds just until the garlic becomes aromatic.
  • Add the chicken broth and coconut milk to the skillet. Bring to a boil, then turn down the heat to a medium and cook for 5 more minutes. Taste for seasoning and adjust with salt and pepper as needed. Stir in the basil and remove from heat.
  • Serve warm over rice.

Video

Recipe Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutrition: Nutritional information does not include rice. Please keep in mind that nutritional information is a rough estimate and can vary greatly based on products used.

Nutrition Information:

Calories: 483kcal (24%)Carbohydrates: 8g (3%)Protein: 39g (78%)Fat: 33g (51%)Saturated Fat: 20g (125%)Cholesterol: 108mg (36%)Sodium: 373mg (16%)Potassium: 970mg (28%)Fiber: 1g (4%)Sugar: 1g (1%)Vitamin A: 300IU (6%)Vitamin C: 10.6mg (13%)Calcium: 54mg (5%)Iron: 5.1mg (28%)
Course:Main Course
Cuisine:American, Indian, Thai
Keyword:30 minute meals, chicken curry, coconut basil chicken curry, coconut basil sauce
Tried this recipe? Rate it belowtag @jocooks on instagram and hashtag it #jocooks!

Recipe originally published March 2013 and it has been updated with new pictures and video.

Meet Joanna Cismaru

I’m Joanna (Jo for short) and this is my blog where I share with you my culinary adventures. Here you will find a variety of recipes using simple everyday ingredients and creating wonderful, delicious and comforting meals, including some decadent desserts.

30 recipes from around the world cover.

Never miss a recipe!

Subscribe and get a FREE dinner recipes ebook!

overhead shot of an apple pie with a slice missing and a pie lifter in the empty space
Previous Post
Classic Apple Pie
overhead shot of a whole chicken in a pressure cooker
Next Post
Pressure Cooker Whole Chicken

Primary Sidebar

Joanna Cismaru

Hey there!

I'm Joanna (Jo for short) and this is my blog where I share with you my culinary adventures. Here you will find a variety of recipes using simple everyday ingredients and creating wonderful, delicious and comforting meals, including some decadent desserts.

Read More…

My Cookbook

Order Now: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Indie Bound | Books-A-Million

Never miss a recipe!

Subscribe and get a FREE dinner recipes ebook!

Sign me up

Dinner Recipes

a wooden spoon lifting a salisbury steak out of the skillet

Salisbury Steak

closeup of beef stew in a dutch oven with a ladle inside.

Beef Stew

overhead shot of zucchini lasagna in a baking dish

Zucchini Lasagna

a white bowl full with american goulash and a fork inside stacked on top of an empty bowl

American Goulash (Chop Suey)

two plate with sloppy joes and buns next to a greens salad

Sloppy Joes

beef barley soup in a white bowl with a spoon inside.

Beef Barley Soup

overhead shot of chicken broccoli and rice casserole in a pot

One Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

creamy chicken lazone in a skillet garnished with parsley.

Chicken Lazone

Popular Now

a hand dipping a chicken tender in ranch dressing

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

a fork stabbing a garlic butter steak bite in a skillet full of them

Garlic Butter Steak Bites

a prime rib roast sliced on a plate

Prime Rib Roast

side view shot of a cinnamon bun with a bite taken out of it on a plate

Cinnabons Cinnamon Rolls

side view shot of a hand dipping a piece of naan bread into the bowl of chicken tikka masala

Instant Pot Chicken Tikka Masala

close up of the layers on the homemade croissant

Homemade Croissants

overhead shot of crusty bread loaf

No Knead Bread

side view shot of two halves of a chicken salad sandwich stacked on a plate exposing the centers

The Best Chicken Salad

Jo Cooks...

Flavors from around the world

No matter what household we have all grown up in, there is something that has brought us all together here and that is a love and appreciation of food. Food that is from cultures and cuisines across the world has always been a staple of the blog. I'm excited to bring you all a taste of each corner of the earth, every last bite seasoned to perfection and served up with love - from my kitchen to yours.
spring rolls cut in half in a black bowl with peanut sauce.

Asian

overhead shot of a fork with spaghetti twirled around it in a plate full of spaghetti.

Italian

tex mex seasoning in a tiny wooden spoon.

Mexican

sweet cheese buns stacked on top of each other with the top one broken in half.

Romanian

sideview shot of butter chicken on a plate over white rice garnished with parsley

Indian

overhead of falafel on a plate with tzatziki, feta, tomatoes and onions.

Middle Eastern

Trending Now

overhead shot of oven baked chicken breasts in a baking dish

Baked Chicken Breast

overhead shot of oven baked chicken thighs in a pan

Oven Baked Chicken Thighs

a whole roast chicken surrounded by potatoes

Roast Chicken

a prime rib roast sliced on a plate

Prime Rib Roast

Browse All
  • Easy Dinners
  • Instant Pot
  • 30 Minute Meals
  • Chicken Recipes
  • Desserts
  • Recipe Index

Featured On

today logo.
huffpost logo.
the washington post logo.
jezebel logo.
countryliving logo.
good housekeeping logo.
lifehack logo.
buzzfeed logo.
mashable logo.
woman's day logo.
health logo.
better homes & gardens logo.
delish logo.
healthline logo.
nbc news logo.
blogloving logo.
university of washington logo.
shape logo.
Facebook Instagram Pinterest Twitter YouTube
  • Recipe Index
  • Cookbook
  • About Jo
  • Contact
  • visit my other site: Craving Home Cooked
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility Statement
© 2021 · All Rights Reserved · Back to Top
Opens in a new window Opens an external site Opens an external site in a new window

Subscribe and get a free dinner recipes ebook!

16348shares
  • 554
  • 10
  • 3158