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22-Minute Coconut Chicken Curry

4.3

(94)

Image may contain Plant Dish Food Meal Lunch and Vegetable
Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Food Styling by Rhoda Boone

This 22-minute South Indian-inspired chicken dinner is based on takeout versions served at Manhattan's Curry Row. Using store-bought curry powder is an ingredient reducing shortcut that makes the already quick-cooking dish even faster. The tarka-like mustard-flecked cashew topping adds a final dose of flavor and crunch.

Recipe information

  • Total Time

    22 minutes

  • Yield

    Serves 4

Ingredients

2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (about 4 breasts or 7 thighs), cut into 1" cubes
2½ teaspoons mild curry powder
1½ teaspoons kosher salt
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons virgin coconut or vegetable oil (plus 2 teaspoons; optional)
½ medium onion, chopped
1 (14-ounce) can coconut milk (preferably full-fat)
1 (2½") piece ginger, peeled
4 garlic cloves, peeled
¼ cup raw cashews, chopped (optional)
1½ teaspoons yellow and/or black mustard seeds (optional)
5 ounces baby spinach
Cilantro leaves with tender stems and cooked rice or naan (Indian flatbread; for serving)

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Toss chicken with curry powder, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl.

    Step 2

    Heat 2 Tbsp. oil in a large skillet (at least 12" in diameter) over medium-high. Add onion and cook, stirring, until softened, about 2 minutes.

    Step 3

    Purée coconut milk, ginger, and garlic in a blender until very smooth.

    Step 4

    Add chicken and coconut milk mixture to skillet and cook, tossing occasionally, until chicken is cooked through and sauce has thickened, 7-10 minutes.

    Step 5

    Meanwhile, if using, heat 2 tsp. oil in a small skillet over medium. Add cashews and mustard seeds and cook, stirring, until fragrant and lightly browned, 2–3 minutes. Immediately transfer mixture including the oil to a small bowl.

    Step 6

    Fold spinach into chicken mixture and cook until wilted, about 1 minute. Divide among 4 bowls. Top with cilantro and cashew mixture, if using. Serve with rice or naan alongside.

    Step 7

    Editor's note: This article has been updated as a part of our archive repair project.

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