Description
This African Chicken Curry is rich, spicy, and wonderfully comforting. Simmered in a creamy coconut curry sauce, this dish bursts with aromatic spices, tender chicken, and bold flavor. It’s perfect served over rice or with warm flatbread for an easy weeknight dinner or a special weekend treat.
Ingredients
1.5 pounds chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
1 tablespoon curry powder
1 tablespoon cooking oil
1 onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 cup full-fat coconut milk
1 chili pepper or 1/2 Scotch bonnet (optional, for heat)
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
Instructions
1. Season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of curry powder.
2. Heat oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken on both sides until browned. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same pan, sauté the chopped onions until soft and translucent.
4. Add minced garlic and grated ginger; cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
5. Stir in curry powder, paprika, and cumin. Toast the spices for about 1 minute.
6. Add tomato paste and mix well with the aromatics and spices.
7. Pour in the coconut milk and stir to combine.
8. Return the seared chicken to the pan and nestle it into the sauce.
9. Add the chili pepper or Scotch bonnet, if using.
10. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25–30 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
11. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
12. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro before serving.
Notes
Use boneless chicken thighs for best flavor and tenderness; breasts work too but may dry out quicker.
Simmer gently to avoid curdling the coconut milk and preserve its creaminess.
Adjust the heat level by removing seeds from chili or using a milder variety.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: African curry, coconut chicken, spicy chicken curry