Is it just me, or does the phrase “family dinner” sometimes feel like a battle you’re destined to lose? You’re trying to get something vaguely nutritious on the table, while also navigating a chorus of “I don’t like that” and “what’s the green stuff?” I get it. I live it.
That’s why this Coconut Curry Chicken Skillet is my secret weapon. It sounds fancy, but I promise it’s the opposite. It’s a one-pan wonder that brings everyone to the table without the fuss, and it’s a fantastic addition to your collection of easy coconut curry recipes. The best part? It uses simple, familiar ingredients in a way that feels new and exciting, even for the most skeptical little eaters.
Recipe Overview
- Cuisine: Fusion / Family-Friendly
- Category: Main Dish
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 4-6
Why Even My Picky Eaters Love This!
I was shocked the first time my kids asked for seconds. The magic is in the approach. The chicken is cooked separately first, so it stays crispy and familiar. The sauce is creamy and slightly sweet from the coconut milk, not spicy. For kids, it’s just a yummy, mild sauce for their chicken and rice. They get the comfort of plain chicken with the option to be a little adventurous. It’s a win-win.
Our Family-Friendly Ingredient List
No hard-to-find items here! This is all about your regular grocery run. I bet you have most of this already.
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour (for a light coating)
- 2 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated (or 1 tsp ground ginger)
- 2 tbsp mild curry powder
- 1 (13.5 oz) can full-fat coconut milk
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced (you can skip this if it’s a hard no!)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Cooked rice, for serving
- Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish (optional)
How to Get the Kids Involved in Cooking This
Getting them involved is the best way to build excitement! Here are two super simple tasks that are perfect for little helpers.
They can toss the chicken pieces in the flour and seasoning in a big zip-top bag. It’s fun and messy in a contained way. Older kids can carefully measure and pour the coconut milk and chicken broth into the skillet (with your supervision, of course!).
The Full Step-by-Step Instructions
Don’t let the steps fool you—this comes together so fast. The key is having everything chopped and ready to go before you start cooking.
- Prep the chicken. Pat the chicken pieces dry with a paper towel. Season them well with salt and pepper. Place the flour in a shallow dish or bag and add the chicken, tossing to coat lightly. Shake off any extra flour.
- Cook the chicken. Heat 1 tbsp of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer (you might need to do this in two batches). Cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken to a clean plate and set aside.
- Start the sauce. In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tbsp of oil. Add the onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until soft. Add the garlic, ginger, and curry powder. Cook for just 1 minute until it smells amazing.
- Simmer. Pour in the coconut milk, chicken broth, and honey. Use your spoon to scrape up any tasty browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
- Combine and finish. Add the sliced bell pepper (if using) and the cooked chicken back to the skillet. Let it all simmer together for 5-7 minutes, until the peppers are tender-crisp and the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Serve! Taste and add more salt if needed. Spoon the creamy chicken and sauce over a big bed of fluffy rice. Top with a little fresh herb if you like.
Fun Twists for Different Tastes
This recipe is a fantastic base. You can easily tweak it to please every person at your table.
For super sensitive palates, serve the sauce on the side. Let them dip their plain, crispy chicken. Want to hide some veggies? Stir in a handful of frozen peas or finely chopped spinach with the peppers. For the adults, add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes at the end or a squeeze of lime juice for a bright kick. If you’re craving a soupier coconut curry dish, you must try my Spicy Coconut Curry Chicken Noodle Soup.
Coconut Curry Chicken Skillet Recipe
Our Family-Friendly Ingredient List
The Full Step-by-Step Instructions
Notes
Enjoy your homemade Coconut Curry Chicken Skillet Recipe!
Nutrition Information
Storing & Reheating (Perfect for Busy Nights)
This meal is a lifesaver for leftovers! Let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
To reheat, I just pop a portion in a skillet over medium-low heat with a tiny splash of broth or water. Stir it until it’s warmed through. It keeps its creamy texture beautifully. You can also reheat it gently in the microwave.
Nutrition Notes
- This dish is a great source of lean protein from the chicken breasts.
- Coconut milk provides healthy fats that help keep everyone full.
- Using a light flour coating keeps it from being too heavy.
- You control the sodium by choosing a low-sodium broth.
- Serving with rice makes it a complete, balanced meal.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I make this spicier for adults?
Absolutely! I often do. I’ll add a diced jalapeño with the onions, or stir in a tablespoon of red curry paste with the curry powder. Just keep the kids’ portions separate first.
My family doesn’t like coconut. Can I substitute the milk?
You can try using heavy cream or half-and-half for a different creamy sauce. The flavor will be more savory and less sweet, but still delicious.
What can I use instead of curry powder?
If curry powder is a bridge too far, try using a mix of paprika, a little cumin, and a pinch of turmeric for color. It will give a warm, mild flavor that’s still really tasty.
I really hope this recipe brings a little peace and a lot of flavor to your dinner table. It’s one of those meals that feels like a hug in a bowl, and on busy nights, we all need that. And if you’re looking for another incredibly flavorful and easy chicken skillet, you have to check out this copycat Butter-Packed Chicken Skillet.
When you try it, I’d love to know if this was a hit with your family! Did your picky eater take a brave bite? Please leave a comment and rating below!
