Introduction

This Basil Chicken in Coconut Curry Sauce is a fragrant and flavorful dish that combines warm spices with creamy coconut milk and fresh basil. It’s perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner and pairs wonderfully with rice or your favorite grain.

The image shows a close-up of a creamy skillet dish with browned pieces of meat or tofu scattered throughout. The dish has a light beige creamy sauce mixed with small chopped onions and bright green spinach leaves. The creamy sauce covers the ingredients, creating a thick, smooth texture with bits of onions and spinach evenly spread. The pan is black and the background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1/2 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground cloves
1/2 tsp ground cardamom
1/2 tsp ground black pepper
1/2 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp ground turmeric
1 lb. skinless, boneless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces (can substitute thighs)
2 Tbsp olive oil, divided
3/4 cup chopped onion (from 1 medium onion)
5 cloves garlic, minced
2 jalapeño peppers, minced (remove seeds to reduce heat)
1 14 oz. can coconut milk
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1/3 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped (plus more for topping)
1 Tbsp finely chopped fresh ginger
2-3 cups cooked brown rice (or white rice, quinoa, cauliflower rice, etc.)

Instructions

Step 1: In a small bowl, mix together the cumin, cinnamon, ground cloves, cardamom, black pepper, chili powder, salt, and turmeric.
Step 2: Place the chicken pieces in a large bowl and sprinkle the spice mixture over them. Toss to coat evenly and let sit for 30 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Step 3: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and minced jalapeño peppers, cooking for about 3 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant. Remove this mixture from the skillet and set aside in a medium bowl.
Step 4: Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the skillet. Add half of the chicken pieces in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for a few minutes on each side until lightly browned and cooked through. Remove the cooked chicken to the bowl with the onion and jalapeño. Repeat with the remaining chicken.
Step 5: Pour the coconut milk into the skillet and cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and begins to bubble. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce.
Step 6: Return the chicken and onion/jalapeño mixture to the skillet. Add the chopped basil and fresh ginger, cooking for 2 more minutes to meld the flavors.
Step 7: Serve the basil chicken over cooked rice or your preferred grain. Spoon additional coconut curry sauce over the top and garnish with extra basil if desired.

Tips & Variations

For a milder dish, remove seeds from the jalapeños before cooking, or use a milder pepper like poblano.
Swap chicken breasts for thighs for juicier meat with more flavor.
Add vegetables such as bell peppers, spinach, or peas for extra texture and nutrition.
If you prefer a thicker sauce, cook it a bit longer until the desired consistency is reached.
Serve with quinoa or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through. The sauce may thicken when chilled; add a splash of water or coconut milk while reheating to loosen it if needed.

How to Serve

A white shallow bowl holds a bed of light brown cooked rice as the first layer, topped with a creamy sauce mixed with cooked brown chicken pieces and wilted green spinach leaves, all speckled with black pepper and bits of sautéed translucent onions and green peppers. The chicken pieces are browned and textured, covered in the thick sauce that spreads over the rice beneath. The dish rests on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

It’s best to use fresh or fully thawed chicken for even cooking and the best texture. Frozen chicken may release water and result in a less flavorful sauce.

Is this dish spicy?

The heat level depends on the jalapeños and chili powder used. Removing jalapeño seeds and adjusting chili powder can make it milder. You can always add more heat by adding crushed red pepper flakes or extra chili powder if desired.