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22-Minute Coconut Chicken Curry

Image may contain Food Food Presentation Plate and Cilantro
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

teaspoons mild curry powder

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)

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)

Need to make a substitution?

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.