Basil Chicken in Coconut Curry Sauce: A Flavorful Chicken Recipe

Few dishes manage to strike the perfect balance between comfort and vibrancy the way Basil Chicken in Coconut Curry Sauce does. This recipe is a celebration of rich coconut creaminess paired with the aromatic freshness of basil and the deep, warming spices of curry. The tender chicken soaks in all these bold yet harmonious flavors, creating a dish that feels both luxurious and homestyle.

What makes this dish stand out is its versatility—it’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner, yet elegant enough to impress at a dinner party. With its vibrant color, silky sauce, and fresh basil garnish, it delivers both on taste and presentation.

In this guide, you’ll not only learn how to make the perfect Basil Chicken in Coconut Curry Sauce, but also explore ingredient insights, pro cooking tips, and exciting variations that allow you to tailor it to your taste.

Overview of the Basil Chicken in Coconut Curry Sauce

At its heart, this recipe features juicy chicken simmered in a luscious coconut milk base, spiced with curry powder or paste, and infused with garlic, ginger, onions, and peppers. The finishing touch is fresh basil—sweet, peppery, and bright—which lifts the richness of the sauce into something unforgettable.

This dish is:

• Comforting yet vibrant – a creamy, warming curry with bursts of fresh herbs.
• Customizable – perfect with chicken thighs, breasts, or even tofu.
• Quick but special – ready in under 45 minutes, yet elegant enough for guests.
• Family-friendly – mild curry flavors that can easily be adjusted for spice lovers.

It pairs beautifully with jasmine rice, basmati rice, or even noodles.

Ingredients for Basil Chicken in Coconut Curry Sauce

Here’s what you’ll need to make the perfect Basil Chicken in Coconut Curry Sauce.

For the Chicken & Marinade

• 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch (for tenderness)
• Pinch of salt and pepper

For the Curry Sauce

• 2 tablespoons coconut oil (or olive oil)
• 1 large onion, finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced thin
• 1–2 tablespoons curry paste (red, yellow, or green depending on preference) or 2 teaspoons curry powder
• 1 can (13.5 oz) full-fat coconut milk
• ½ cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce (optional, for umami depth)
• 1 teaspoon brown sugar (balances the spice)
• Juice of 1 lime

For Finishing

• 1 cup fresh basil leaves (Thai basil or sweet basil)
• ½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for heat)
• Extra lime wedges for serving

How To Make Basil Chicken in Coconut Curry Sauce

The secret to a great curry lies in building flavors step by step. Each stage—sautéing aromatics, caramelizing curry paste, simmering coconut milk—contributes to the depth and complexity of the final dish.

Here’s the breakdown:

1. Marinate the chicken – Toss chicken with soy sauce, cornstarch, salt, and pepper. This locks in flavor and ensures tenderness.
2. Sauté aromatics – Cook onion, garlic, and ginger in coconut oil until fragrant.
3. Build curry base – Stir in curry paste and bell peppers, letting the spices bloom.
4. Add coconut milk & broth – Pour in creamy coconut milk and broth, then simmer.
5. Add chicken & poach gently – Nestle chicken into the sauce and cook until just done.
6. Finish with basil & lime – Stir in fresh basil and squeeze lime for brightness.
7. Serve hot – Over rice, with extra basil and lime wedges.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep and Marinate Chicken

• Pat chicken dry, cut into bite-sized chunks.
• Toss with soy sauce, cornstarch, salt, and pepper.
• Set aside for 10 minutes while you prepare other ingredients.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

• Heat coconut oil in a heavy skillet or Dutch oven.
• Add diced onion, sauté until soft and golden (about 4–5 minutes).
• Stir in garlic and ginger, cook until fragrant (30 seconds).

Step 3: Build Curry Base

• Add curry paste (or curry powder) and sliced red bell pepper.
• Stir well, cooking for 1–2 minutes until paste is fragrant and peppers start to soften.

Step 4: Add Coconut Milk & Broth

• Pour in coconut milk and broth.
• Stir in fish sauce (if using) and brown sugar.
• Bring to a gentle simmer, letting flavors meld.

Step 5: Cook Chicken in Sauce

• Add chicken pieces to the skillet.
• Simmer uncovered for 10–12 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and tender.

Step 6: Finish with Basil & Lime

• Stir in fresh basil leaves and squeeze lime juice over the curry.
• Taste and adjust with more salt, pepper, or lime as needed.

Step 7: Serve

• Spoon curry over jasmine rice or noodles.
• Garnish with extra basil, chili flakes, and lime wedges.

Cook & Prep Times

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Servings: 4

Nutrition Information (per serving, approximate)

• Calories: 420
• Protein: 32g
• Fat: 22g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 720mg

(Values will vary slightly depending on ingredients used.)

Serving of Basil Chicken in Coconut Curry Sauce

This curry pairs best with:

• Jasmine or Basmati Rice – absorbs the rich sauce beautifully.
• Coconut Rice – doubles down on creaminess.
• Naan or Roti – perfect for scooping.
• Zoodles or Cauliflower Rice – for a lighter, low-carb option.

Pro Tips for the Best Curry

1. Use chicken thighs for extra juiciness.
2. Bloom the curry paste – always sauté it in oil before adding liquids.
3. Don’t boil coconut milk aggressively—it can split. Keep the heat gentle.
4. Balance flavors – sweet (sugar), sour (lime), salty (fish sauce), spicy (chilies).
5. Finish with fresh basil at the end – never cook it too long, or it loses aroma.

Variations

• Spicy Thai Version: Use Thai red curry paste, Thai basil, and bird’s eye chilies.
• Creamier Version: Add extra coconut cream.
• Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with tofu or chickpeas.
• Green Curry Twist: Swap red curry paste for green curry paste.
• Add More Veggies: Zucchini, green beans, or spinach work wonderfully.

Final Thoughts

Basil Chicken in Coconut Curry Sauce is one of those dishes that feels like a hug in a bowl. It’s fragrant, flavorful, and flexible enough to adapt to your tastes and pantry staples. Whether you’re serving it for a casual weeknight dinner or plating it beautifully for guests, it never fails to impress.

With its silky coconut base, tender chicken, and the freshness of basil and lime, this curry is truly a standout recipe worth keeping in your rotation.