Yellow Coconut Curry Chicken

Savor the rich and vibrant flavors of our Yellow Coconut Curry Chicken. It’s a delicious blend of juicy chicken, rich coconut, and exotic spices that are perfect for spicing up any weeknight dinner!

Coconut curry chicken in a bowl with rice.

Curry chicken bowls are always in our monthly meal rotation. Some of our favorite curry recipes include massaman curryspicy sweet potato curry, and this yellow coconut curry chicken. They’re all easy dishes to prep/make. Plus, curry is a great way to get our kids to try new veggies and bold flavors.

This yellow coconut curry chicken recipe is a great way to use up the odds and ends that you have left at the bottom of your veggie drawer or hidden in the back of your freezer. Everything comes together in a thick, golden sauce, and it tastes heavenly.

Recipe Ingredients

A can of coconut milk.
  • Yellow Curry Powder: Imparts a warm, earthy flavor with a hint of sweetness and gives curry that classic yellow coloring.
  • Red Curry Paste: Adds depth with a slightly spicy, robust flavor.
  • Coconut Milk: Brings a creamy, rich texture and a subtle, sweet coconut flavor.

See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.

Variations

  • Proteins: This recipe calls for chicken breast but you can use chicken thighs or other proteins such as pork, tofu, or any you prefer, simply adjust your cooking time to ensure your protein has cooked through.
  • For Added Spice: While this Coconut Curry is naturally mild, if you’re craving a bit of spice, try adding a few drops of chili oil or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper.
  • Curry Paste Variation: For a twist on this Thai Yellow Chicken Curry recipe, you can substitute the red curry paste with Thai yellow curry paste. Yellow curry paste brings a milder, slightly sweeter flavor profile to the dish.

How to Make Yellow Coconut Curry Chicken

Step 1: In a large skillet set over medium heat, add oil. Once the oil is hot, add the onion and cook for 2 minutes. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.

Step 2: Add chicken and brown, about 3 minutes per side. Add carrots and potatoes, and cook until lightly browned. Stir in curry powder and curry paste. Cook for 1 minute or until fragrant.

Step 3: Pour in the coconut milk, broth, sugar, and fish sauce. Gently simmer (covered or uncovered) for 20 minutes or until potatoes and carrots are cooked through.

Creamy yellow coconut curry being served with a wooden spoon.

Step 4: Remove from heat and serve with rice. Garnish with cilantro, if desired.

A bowl with Thai coconut curry chicken garnished with cilantro.

Expert Tip

Toasting the seasonings in the pan before adding the liquid ingredients can significantly enhance the flavors in your Yellow Coconut Curry. This simple trick intensifies the aroma and depth of the spices, making a noticeable difference in the overall taste of the dish.

FAQs

What types of vegetables can I add to this Thai Yellow Curry recipe?

You can add any vegetables you prefer! Some I would recommend would be red bell peppers, peas, spinach, green beans, broccoli, or even cauliflower.

What type of rice pairs best with this Yellow Chicken Curry recipe?

Basmati rice, jasmine rice, white rice, brown rice, or cauliflower rice all complement this dish well.

Storage Info

You can store this Yellow Curry Chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. To freeze it, place your leftovers in an airtight container in your freezer for up to 2 months.

Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. To reheat, warm it slowly in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Avoid high heat to prevent the sauce from separating. Alternatively, reheat in the microwave, using a microwave-safe dish, in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.

Did you try this recipe? Leave a ⭐️ rating below and share it on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest!

A bowl with Coconut Curry Chicken garnished with cilantro.

Yellow Coconut Curry Chicken Recipe

Savor the rich and vibrant flavors of our Yellow Coconut Curry Chicken. It's a delicious blend of juicy chicken, rich coconut, and exotic spices that are perfect for spicing up any weeknight dinner!
4.67 from 45 votes
Pin Rate
Course: Main Dishes
Cuisine: Indian
Diet: Gluten Free, Dairy Free
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 378kcal
Author: Andrea
Print Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 Tbsp oil - coconut, olive, canola
  • 1/2 yellow onion - diced
  • 2 cloves garlic - minced
  • 1 lb. chicken breasts - cut into 1/4-inch thick slices; bite size pieces
  • 3 carrots - cut into 1/4-inch thick slices
  • 2 russet potatoes - cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 3 Tbsp yellow curry powder
  • 1 1/2 Tbsp red curry paste
  • 1 14 oz. can full-fat coconut milk
  • 3 cup low-sodium chicken broth - more if needed
  • 2 Tbsp brown sugar or coconut sugar
  • 1 tsp fish sauce - optional
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Instructions

  • In a large skillet set over medium heat, add oil. Once the oil is hot, add the onion and cook for 2 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
  • Add chicken and brown, about 3 minutes per side. Add carrots and potatoes, and cook until lightly browned. Stir in curry powder and curry paste. Cook for 1 minute or until fragrant.
  • Whisk in coconut milk, broth, sugar, and fish sauce. Gently simmer (covered or uncovered) for 20 minutes or until potatoes and carrots are cooked through.
  • Remove from heat and serve with rice. Garnish with cilantro, if desired.

NOTES

– Swap the chicken for 1 can of drained chickpeas for a vegetarian curry.
– Add chopped roasted cashews or peanuts for added protein and crunch.
– Add vegetables such as cauliflower, zucchini, sweet potato, peas, or celery root.
You can store this Yellow Curry Chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. To freeze it, place your leftovers in an airtight container in your freezer for up to 2 months.
Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. To reheat, warm it slowly in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Avoid high heat to prevent the sauce from separating. Alternatively, reheat in the microwave, using a microwave-safe dish, in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 378kcal | Carbohydrates: 30g | Protein: 23g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.02g | Cholesterol: 48mg | Sodium: 227mg | Potassium: 1061mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 5774IU | Vitamin C: 10mg | Calcium: 89mg | Iron: 6mg

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About the Author

Andrea

Hi I'm Andrea!

Hotelier turned Food Blogger to help make your life simple, one recipe at a time.

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Comments:

  1. Heyyyyy..

    I’m planning to make this for dinner tonight.
    But I want to make sure, should I cook the potatoes and the carrot a little bit before adding them to the skillet?

  2. 5 stars
    Hi, everyone! I tackled a variant of this recipe a month ago, using carrots, white onion, potatoes and chicken. I’m a senior man who never had asian foods growing up, first exposure was Indian cuisine (Chicken Madras)…then, early this year, discovered Thai Yellow Curry…Right up my alley!!!
    I’m making it again tomorrow, but my first curry ended up VERY oily, along with the creamy sauce. Did I add too much chicken broth? That seems to be the only ingredient which may contain oil (grease?)…Maybe just use water instead, a cup or more if needed, along with the coconut milk?
    Your recipe reads like a winner, btw…I’ve been reading lots of them (again) in search results…I believe I’m at the point where I can put together a winner anyrime! Thanks for the recipe…Keep on cooking, everybody!

  3. 5 stars
    I tried this recipe and I absolutely loved it. Instead of potatoes I did broccoli,bell pepper and bamboo shoot! 3tbsp of brown sugar and a lil sprinkle of sugar and some salt. I like the 3cups of broth extra saucy 😋 my guy liked it very much ! Will def save this recipe thank you so muchÂ