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Coconut Curry Chicken Thighs

preparing coconut curry sauce

 A creamy, aromatic curry that's both comforting and healthy, perfect for paleo dieters.

Recipe Information

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Servings: 4
  • Cuisine: Asian Fusion
  • Difficulty Level: Easy

Equipment Needed

Essential Ingredients for the Best Curry Chicken Thighs

For the Chicken

  • 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2 lbs)
  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the Curry Sauce

  • 2 cans (13.5 oz each) full-fat coconut milk
  • 1 medium onion, finely diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh ginger, grated
  • 2 tablespoons curry powder
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon coriander
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • 2 cups baby spinach (optional)

For Garnish

  • Fresh cilantro
  • Lime wedges
  • Red chili flakes (optional)

Instructions for coconut curry chicken thighs

https://youtu.be/c3iGVrtnSWw?si=p3RHRp6hnagDnD3W
  1. Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat coconut oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat (175°C/350°F).
  3. Place chicken thighs skin-side down and cook for 5-7 minutes until golden brown.
  4. Flip chicken and cook for another 5 minutes. Remove from pan and set aside.
  5. In the same pan, add onions and cook until translucent (3-4 minutes).
  6. Add garlic and ginger, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
  7. Stir in curry powder, turmeric, cumin, and coriander. Cook for 30 seconds to bloom spices.
  8. Pour in coconut milk, stirring to combine. Bring to a simmer.
  9. Return chicken to pan, reduce heat to low, and simmer covered for 15-20 minutes or until chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
  10. Add lime juice and spinach (if using). Cook until spinach wilts.

Nutrition Information (per serving)

  • Calories: 620
  • Total Fat: 48g
  • Saturated Fat: 32g
  • Cholesterol: 115mg
  • Sodium: 580mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 12g
  • Dietary Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 38g

Tips for Perfect Crispy Chicken Thighs

  • For extra flavor, marinate chicken in lime juice and spices for 2-4 hours before cooking
  • Use chicken breasts if preferred, but adjust cooking time accordingly
  • Add vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for extra nutrients

Suggested Pairings

Courses
Difficulty Beginner
Time
Prep Time: 15 mins Cook Time: 30 mins Total Time: 45 mins
Cooking Temp 350  F
Calories 620
Dietary Paleo
Description

A creamy, aromatic curry that's both comforting and healthy, perfect for paleo dieters.

Ingredients
    For the Chicken
  • 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2 lbs)
  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • For the Curry Sauce
  • 2 cans (13.5 oz each)
  • 1 medium onion, finely diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh ginger, grated
  • 2 tablespoons curry powder
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon coriander
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • 2 cups baby spinach (optional)
  • For Garnish
  • Fresh cilantro
  • Lime wedges
  • Red chili flakes (optional)
Instructions
  1. Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat coconut oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat (175°C/350°F).
  3. Place chicken thighs skin-side down and cook for 5-7 minutes until golden brown.
  4. Flip chicken and cook for another 5 minutes. Remove from pan and set aside.
  5. In the same pan, add onions and cook until translucent (3-4 minutes).
  6. Add garlic and ginger, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
  7. Stir in curry powder, turmeric, cumin, and coriander. Cook for 30 seconds to bloom spices.
  8. Pour in coconut milk, stirring to combine. Bring to a simmer.
  9. Return chicken to pan, reduce heat to low, and simmer covered for 15-20 minutes or until chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
  10. Add lime juice and spinach (if using). Cook until spinach wilts.

Nutrition Facts


Amount Per Serving
Calories 620kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 48g74%
Saturated Fat 32g160%
Cholesterol 115mg39%
Sodium 580mg25%
Total Carbohydrate 12g4%
Dietary Fiber 3g12%
Protein 38g76%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

Recipe Tips

  • For extra flavor, marinate chicken in lime juice and spices for 2-4 hours before cooking
  • Use chicken breasts if preferred, but adjust cooking time accordingly
  • Add vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for extra nutrients

Suggested Pairings

  • Cauliflower rice
  • Roasted sweet potatoes
  • Fresh cucumber salad
  • Zucchini noodles