ucalorie When it comes to comfort food with a touch of Cultural twist, few dishes can rival the irresistible appeal of Coconut Chicken Curry. This dish combines tender chicken, creamy coconut milk, and a medley of aromatic spices to create a meal that’s as nutritious as it is flavorful. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, Coconut Chicken Curry is versatile, satisfying, and sure to become a family favorite. Let’s explore this dish step-by-step and dive into its calorie breakdown, making it easier to savor every bite while staying mindful of your health goals.
Ingredients and Calorie Breakdown of coconut chicken curry
For the Curry:
- Chicken thighs (boneless and skinless, 500g)
- Calories: ~1,090
- Protein: 61g
- Fat: 82g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Coconut milk (1 cup / 240ml)
- Calories: ~445
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 48g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Onion (1 large, 150g, finely chopped)
- Calories: ~60
- Protein: 1.5g
- Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 2g
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced, 12g)
- Calories: ~18
- Protein: 0.8g
- Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0.2g
- Ginger (1 tablespoon, grated, 15g)
- Calories: ~12
- Protein: 0.3g
- Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0.2g
- Tomato paste (2 tablespoons, 30g)
- Calories: ~30
- Protein: 1g
- Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 1g
- Coconut oil (2 tablespoons, 30ml)
- Calories: ~240
- Protein: 0g
- Fat: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
the Spice Blend:
- Turmeric (1 teaspoon)
- Calories: ~9
- Protein: 0.3g
- Fat: 0.3g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Coriander powder (1 teaspoon)
- Calories: ~5
- Protein: 0.2g
- Fat: 0.1g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0.6g
- Cumin powder (1 teaspoon)
- Calories: ~8
- Protein: 0.4g
- Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Garam masala (1 teaspoon)
- Calories: ~8
- Protein: 0.3g
- Fat: 0.4g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0.6g
- Chili powder (1 teaspoon)
- Calories: ~6
- Protein: 0.3g
- Fat: 0.3g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0.6g
- Salt (1 teaspoon)
- Calories: 0
- Protein: 0g
- Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon)
- Calories: ~2
- Protein: 0g
- Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 0.5g
- Fiber: 0.2g
For Garnish:
- Fresh cilantro (2 tablespoons, chopped)
- Calories: ~1
- Protein: 0g
- Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 0.1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Lime wedges (optional, for serving)
- Calories: ~4
- Protein: 0g
- Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0.3g
Step-by-Step Instructions For Coconut Chicken Curry
1. Prepare the Ingredients:
Begin by gathering all the ingredients. Finely chop the onions, mince the garlic, and grate the ginger. Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
2. Heat the Coconut Oil:
In a large skillet or pan, heat the coconut oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onions. Sauté them for 5-7 minutes until they turn translucent and lightly golden.
3. Add Garlic and Ginger:
Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger. Allow them to cook for another 2 minutes, ensuring the mixture becomes fragrant without burning.
4. Toast the Spices:
Add the spice blend (turmeric, coriander, cumin, garam masala, chili powder, salt, and black pepper) to the pan. Toast the spices for about 1 minute, stirring continuously to release their aromatic essence.
5. Incorporate the Chicken:
Next, add the chicken pieces to the pan and stir well, ensuring they are evenly coated with the spice mixture. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the chicken begins to brown on all sides.
6. Add Tomato Paste and Coconut Milk:
Stir in the tomato paste, followed by the coconut milk. Mix thoroughly to create a creamy sauce. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
7. Simmer Until Tender:
Lower the heat and cover the pan. Allow the curry to simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender. The sauce should thicken slightly during this time.
8. Taste and Adjust:
Taste the curry and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can add more salt, pepper, or chili powder to suit your preference.
9. Garnish and Serve:
Turn off the heat and garnish the curry with freshly chopped cilantro. Serve hot with steamed rice, naan, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. Don’t forget to add a wedge of lime for a zesty finish!
Why Coconut Chicken Curry Works
This Coconut Chicken Curry recipe is a harmonious blend of flavors, textures, and nutrients. The coconut milk adds a rich creaminess that balances the bold spices, while the tender chicken provides a hearty base. Aromatics like garlic, ginger, and onions create a flavor-packed foundation, making each bite a sensory delight. Additionally, the fresh cilantro and lime garnish offer a refreshing burst of flavor, elevating the dish to a whole new level.
Calorie and Nutritional Insights
This recipe yields approximately 4 servings, with each serving containing around 475 calories. It’s a well-balanced meal rich in protein and healthy fats, making it suitable for keto diets or anyone looking to enjoy a wholesome, satisfying dish. By using coconut oil and coconut milk, the dish incorporates heart-healthy fats, while the spices add antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.
For those watching their calorie intake, you can reduce the coconut milk to half a cup or use a light version. Alternatively, substituting chicken thighs with chicken breast can further lower the fat content.
Tips for Customization
- Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with chickpeas, tofu, or a medley of vegetables like sweet potatoes and bell peppers.
- Spice Level: Adjust the chili powder and black pepper to control the heat level according to your preference.
- Creamier Sauce: For an extra-rich curry, add a splash of heavy cream or Greek yogurt.
- Low-Calorie Alternative: Use light coconut milk and reduce the coconut oil to 1 tablespoon for a lighter version.
Conclusion
Coconut Chicken Curry is more than just a meal—it’s an experience of bold flavors and comforting textures. Perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or special gatherings, this dish is as versatile as it is delicious. The combination of creamy coconut milk, tender chicken, and aromatic spices makes it a standout recipe that’s sure to impress.
