Alexa Bernier
Bring bold South Indian flavors to the table with this aromatic Curry Leaf Chicken with Coconut and Green Chili. Tender pieces of chicken are marinated in creamy yogurt, warm spices, fresh ginger, garlic, and turmeric before being gently cooked and finished with rich coconut cream.
The final touch of sizzling curry leaves and green chilies adds a wonderfully fragrant flavor and a subtle kick. Serve this comforting chicken curry with steamed basmati rice, roti, naan, or your favorite Indian flatbread.
Ingredients
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons coconut cream
- ¼ cup plain yogurt
- 3 sprigs fresh curry leaves, divided
- 2 green chilies, deseeded and thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- ½ teaspoon freshly grated ginger
- 1 garlic clove, finely minced
- 1 tablespoon cooking oil
- ½ teaspoon ground turmeric
- Salt, to taste
How to Make Curry Leaf Chicken
1. Marinate the Chicken
Add the yogurt, garam masala, grated ginger, minced garlic, turmeric, some of the curry leaves, and a small amount of salt to a large mixing bowl. Stir until well combined.
Add the chicken pieces and toss thoroughly so every piece is coated with the seasoned yogurt mixture. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 10 minutes. For a deeper flavor, you can allow the chicken to marinate a little longer.
2. Cook the Chicken
Place a large skillet over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken along with all of the remaining marinade.
Cover the skillet and cook until the mixture reaches a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low and continue cooking for approximately 10 minutes, stirring from time to time to cook the chicken evenly.
3. Add the Coconut Cream
Remove the lid and stir in the coconut cream. Continue cooking uncovered until the chicken is completely cooked and the sauce has thickened slightly.
The coconut cream should give the curry a smooth, creamy texture while balancing the warmth of the spices and chilies.
4. Prepare the Curry Leaf Chili Oil
While the chicken cooks, heat the cooking oil in a small skillet over medium-low heat.
Add the remaining curry leaves and sliced green chilies. Cook gently until the curry leaves become crisp around the edges and the oil becomes beautifully aromatic.
Keep the heat moderate and watch carefully so the curry leaves and chilies do not burn.
5. Finish the Curry
Pour the fragrant curry leaf and green chili oil over the cooked chicken. Stir everything together so the aromatic oil is distributed throughout the creamy sauce.
Taste and add more salt if needed.
Garnish with a few fresh curry leaves and serve immediately.
What to Serve with Curry Leaf Chicken
This creamy, aromatic chicken pairs especially well with:
- Steamed basmati rice
- Jeera rice
- Roti
- Naan
- Paratha
- Indian flatbread
- Simple vegetable side dishes
The rice is particularly good for soaking up the flavorful coconut sauce.
Helpful Tips
Don’t burn the curry leaves. Keep the oil at medium-low heat when frying the curry leaves and green chilies. They should become fragrant and slightly crisp rather than dark and bitter.
Adjust the heat. Removing the seeds from the green chilies creates a milder curry. For more heat, leave some seeds intact or add an extra chili.
Don’t overcook the chicken. Cut the chicken into similar-sized pieces so everything cooks evenly.
Adjust the consistency. If the sauce seems too thick, add a small splash of water while cooking. If it is too thin, continue simmering uncovered for a few minutes.
Taste before serving. Curry leaves, chilies, and spices can vary in intensity, so adjust the salt and chili level according to your preference.
Recipe at a Glance
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 2
Calories: Approximately 430 kcal per serving
This South Indian Curry Leaf Chicken with Coconut and Green Chili is an easy way to enjoy a rich combination of creamy coconut, fragrant curry leaves, warming spices, and fresh green chili. It’s comforting enough for a weeknight dinner yet flavorful enough to serve when you’re craving something special.
