Fresh Basil Chicken with Coconut Curry Sauce Recipe

Spice lovers unite over this mouthwatering basil chicken with coconut curry sauce that promises an explosion of flavors dancing across your plate.

Tender chicken pieces nestle perfectly in a rich, aromatic curry that balances heat and creaminess with remarkable precision.

The vibrant green basil adds a fresh, herbaceous note that brightens every single bite.

Fragrant spices mingle with smooth coconut milk, creating a sauce so luxurious you’ll want to savor every spoonful.

Each ingredient has been carefully selected to deliver maximum taste and authentic Southeast Asian-inspired flair.

The recipe delivers comfort and excitement in equal measure, making it an ideal meal for those seeking something beyond ordinary weeknight dinners.

Let your taste buds embark on a culinary adventure that transforms a simple chicken dish into an extraordinary dining experience.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 550 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients for Basil Chicken with Coconut Curry Sauce

• Chicken Breast: Lean and tender meat that absorbs spices beautifully, choose fresh, organic cuts for best flavor and texture.
• Salt: Enhances overall seasoning and helps tenderize the chicken, use sea salt for a more nuanced taste.

• Curry Powder: Brings warm, complex flavor profile with its blend of spices, look for fresh, high-quality blends.
• Chili Powder: Adds subtle heat and depth, select a premium brand for consistent spiciness.
• Black Pepper: Provides gentle warmth and sharp undertone, freshly ground offers superior taste.
• Basil: Introduces bright, peppery essence, choose fresh leaves for maximum aromatic impact.
• Ginger: Delivers zesty, warming notes, select firm, smooth roots without blemishes.
• Garlic: Offers robust, earthy undertones, pick firm bulbs with tight, unbroken skin.
• Jalapeno: Contributes vibrant, sharp heat, choose firm peppers with glossy exterior.

• Coconut Milk: Creates luxurious, silky base with tropical richness, select full-fat variety for best consistency.
• Heavy Cream: Adds luxurious creaminess and depth, opt for organic cream for superior flavor.
• Cornstarch: Acts as thickening agent, ensuring smooth, velvety sauce texture.
• Olive Oil: Provides healthy cooking medium with subtle fruity notes, choose extra virgin for best quality.
• Onion: Builds foundational flavor with sweet, caramelized undertones, select firm, glossy bulbs.

Utensils and Skillet Setup for Basil Coconut Chicken

• Chef's Knife: Sharp blade for precise chicken cutting.
• Cutting Board: Sturdy surface for chopping ingredients.
• Medium Bowl: For marinating and coating chicken.
• Large Nonstick Frying Pan: Essential for sautéing and cooking chicken.
• Measuring Spoons: For accurate seasoning and spice measurements.
• Whisk: Perfect for blending coconut milk mixture smoothly.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Helps stir and cook ingredients evenly.

How to Cook Basil Chicken in Coconut Sauce

• Chicken Preparation

Slice chicken into bite-sized pieces and season with a blend of aromatic spices, creating a flavorful base for the curry.

• Flavor Foundation

Sauté a medley of fragrant ingredients like onion, fresh basil, zesty ginger, and spicy jalapeño until the kitchen fills with an enticing aroma.

• Cooking the Protein

Add seasoned chicken to the pan, cooking until it transforms into a tender, golden delight with no trace of pink.

• Creamy Sauce Creation

Blend coconut milk with a touch of cream and a thickening agent, whisking until the sauce becomes a luxurious, smooth coating for the chicken.

• Final Simmer

Let the curry gently bubble and thicken, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify into a rich, mouth-watering masterpiece.

• Serving

Ladle the fragrant curry over a bed of steaming rice, creating a restaurant-worthy meal that promises to delight every taste bud.

Spice Adjustments and Add-ons for Coconut Curry

• Adjust the chili powder to match your heat tolerance, from mild to fiery hot by increasing or decreasing the amount.
• Replace fresh basil with Thai basil or cilantro for a different aromatic profile that complements the coconut curry sauce perfectly.
• Marinate chicken overnight to intensify the spice blend and develop deeper flavor complexity before cooking.
• Substitute chicken with shrimp, tofu, or boneless chicken thighs for varied texture and taste while maintaining the core recipe structure.

Serving Coconut Curry Basil Chicken with Rice

• Tropical Rice Bowl Paradise: Pile the curry chicken over jasmine or basmati rice, creating a colorful and inviting base that soaks up the rich, creamy sauce.
• Herb Garden Garnish: Sprinkle fresh chopped basil, cilantro, or green onions on top for a burst of color and extra layer of fresh flavor that complements the warm curry spices.
• Crunchy Texture Boost: Add a handful of toasted cashews or sliced almonds to give the dish a delightful crunch and nutty undertone that contrasts with the soft, creamy chicken.
• Cooling Side Companion: Serve with a simple cucumber raita or yogurt-based side to balance the spicy warmth of the curry and provide a refreshing counterpoint to the rich sauce.

Storage Tips for Basil Coconut Curry

• Refrigerator Ready: Quickly store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. The dish stays fresh for 3-4 days when refrigerated, maintaining its delicious flavors and tender chicken texture.
• Freezer Friendly: Cool the curry completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. Seal tightly and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best quality and taste restoration.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare chicken and spice mixture a day ahead, keeping it chilled until cooking time. This strategy saves precious minutes during busy weeknights and intensifies the marinade's flavor profile.
• Portion Perfect: Divide curry into individual serving containers for grab-and-go lunches. Pack separately from rice to prevent soggy textures, ensuring a restaurant-quality meal at the office or home.

Aromatic Basil Chicken with Coconut Curry Sauce

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4.9 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Delightful Thai-inspired basil chicken with coconut curry sauce blends aromatic herbs and creamy coconut milk for a flavor-packed meal. Spicy, complex layers of taste invite diners to savor each delicious bite.

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Ingredients

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• 4 chicken breast halves (boneless, skinless)
• 1 tbsp dried basil
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• ½ cup cream
• 1 14 oz (396 g) can coconut milk (regular or light)
• 1 medium red onion (chopped)
• 5 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 jalapeno pepper (seeded, finely chopped)
• 2 tsp curry powder
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp pepper
• ¼ tsp chili powder
• ¼ tsp ground ginger
• 3–4 cups hot cooked rice

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Uniformly dice chicken breast and place in a mixing container, creating a robust spice blend of curry powder, salt, pepper, and chili powder to thoroughly coat chicken pieces.
2. Marination: Allow chicken to rest in refrigerator for a minimum of one hour, enabling deep flavor infusion.
3. Aromatics Sauté: Heat olive oil in a spacious nonstick skillet, introducing a fragrant medley of diced onion, fresh basil leaves, minced ginger, crushed garlic, and finely chopped jalapeño until onions become translucent.
4. Protein Cooking: Add marinated chicken to skillet, stirring occasionally and cooking for 5-6 minutes until meat transitions from pink to golden white.
5. Sauce Creation: Whisk coconut milk, cream, and cornstarch in a separate bowl to form a smooth, silky sauce base, then pour into skillet while continuously whisking to prevent lumps.
6. Flavor Reduction: Simmer sauce for 5-10 minutes, allowing flavors to intensify and consistency to thicken perfectly.
7. Serving: Plate the vibrant curry chicken over steamed rice, garnishing with additional fresh basil leaves for an elegant presentation.

Notes

• Marinate with Precision: Let chicken sit in spices for at least one hour to ensure deep flavor penetration and tenderizing.
• Watch Sautéing Technique: Sauté aromatics until onions turn translucent to release maximum flavor without burning delicate ingredients.
• Sauce Smoothing Strategy: Whisk coconut milk mixture thoroughly to prevent cornstarch clumping and create a silky, lump-free sauce.
• Temperature Control Matters: Maintain medium-high heat to achieve golden chicken and allow sauce to reduce without scorching.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Thai

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 700mg
• Fat: 35g
• Saturated Fat: 20g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 100mg