Easy Coconut Pineapple Chicken Curry Recipe: Sweet Island Magic

Tropical aromas dance through the kitchen with this irresistible coconut pineapple chicken curry that promises a burst of exotic flavors.

Tender chicken pieces swim in a creamy, golden sauce infused with sweet and tangy notes.

The vibrant curry blends rich coconut milk with juicy pineapple chunks, creating a harmonious balance of savory and sweet.

Fragrant spices weave through each bite, transporting you to sun-drenched islands with every spoonful.

This dish offers a perfect escape from ordinary meals, bringing excitement to your dinner table.

Spoon this delectable curry over steamed rice and let your taste buds embark on a culinary adventure that will leave you craving more.

Keeping Coconut Curry Fresh for Later Meals

• Store leftover curry in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Transfer cooled curry to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Freeze for maximum 2-3 months to maintain best quality and taste.
• Pour curry into a saucepan, add a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent drying. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated thoroughly.
• Place curry in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a lid or microwave-safe plastic wrap. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even warming.

Side Ideas for Coconut Pineapple Chicken Curry

• Perfectly Pair Tropical Curry Flavors
• Elevate Sweet White Wine Pairing: Choose a crisp Riesling or Gewürztraminer with subtle sweetness that complements the curry's tropical pineapple and coconut notes, balancing the spicy undertones.
• Match Refreshing Beverage Option: Select a cold Thai beer like Singha or Chang, which cuts through the rich coconut curry and provides a clean, light counterpoint to the dish's complex flavors.
• Complement Side Dish Selection: Serve with jasmine rice topped with toasted coconut flakes and chopped green onions, creating a harmonious texture and additional layer of tropical essence that enhances the main curry experience.
• Create Herbal Garnish Boost: Sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro and mint leaves over the curry, adding brightness and a fresh herbal note that lifts the entire dish's flavor profile while providing a cool contrast to the warm spices.

Ways to Mix Up Pineapple Chicken Curry Flavor

• Vegetarian Curry Swap: Replace chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, cubed and pan-fried before adding to the curry sauce for protein-rich alternative.
• Dairy-Free Version: Use coconut milk as base and ensure all ingredients like soy sauce are certified dairy-free for people with lactose sensitivities.
• Low-Carb Option: Substitute rice with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining the curry's rich flavor profile.
• Spicy Caribbean Remix: Add scotch bonnet peppers and extra chili powder for a more intense heat level, creating a West Indian inspired curry variation.

FAQs

• Is coconut milk necessary for this curry?

Yes, coconut milk is crucial for creating the creamy, rich base of this curry and providing authentic tropical flavor.

• Can I use chicken breast instead of other chicken parts?

Absolutely! Chicken breast works perfectly and is a lean protein option that absorbs the curry spices wonderfully.

• How do I prevent the chicken from becoming tough?

Cut chicken into uniform pieces and avoid overcooking. Simmer on low heat and cook just until the chicken is no longer pink inside, which typically takes 15-20 minutes.

• What if I don't have all the specific spices?

You can substitute with a pre-mixed curry powder or blend available spices like turmeric, cumin, and paprika to create a similar flavor profile. The key is balancing the spice levels to your taste.

Why You’ll Crave Coconut Pineapple Chicken Curry Again

• Boost Kitchen Confidence: Tackle this curry with ease, even if you're a beginner cook. The recipe guides you through simple steps, making it perfect for building culinary skills without stress.
• Tropical Flavor Explosion: Blend sweet pineapple, creamy coconut milk, and aromatic spices create a taste adventure that transports your taste buds to a tropical paradise. Every bite bursts with exciting, balanced flavors.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: Whip up this delicious meal in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy families and professionals craving a home-cooked, restaurant-quality dinner without complicated preparation.
• Versatile Meal Pleaser: Customize the spice level to suit everyone's preferences, making this curry a crowd-pleasing option for family dinners, potlucks, or casual gatherings with friends.

Coconut Pineapple Chicken Curry Must-Have Ingredients

• Chicken: Tender meat that absorbs the curry's rich flavors.

• Onion, Garlic, Ginger: Fragrant base that builds the curry's depth.

• Curry Powder, Ground Cumin, Turmeric, Chili Powder: Warm and vibrant spice blend that gives the curry its signature taste.

• Coconut Milk, Chicken Broth, Soy Sauce: Creamy and savory foundation for the curry sauce.

• Pineapple Chunks: Sweet and tangy tropical fruit that adds brightness.

• Coconut Oil: Rich and slightly nutty cooking medium.

• Salt, Pepper, Lime Juice: Final touches that balance and enhance the overall flavor.

• Fresh Cilantro, Lime Wedges: Bright and fresh finishing elements.

• Rice: Classic accompaniment that soaks up the delicious curry sauce.

How to Make Sweet and Savory Pineapple Chicken Curry

Step 1: Fire Up the Skillet

Grab a large skillet and warm up the coconut oil over medium heat until it shimmers with potential.

Step 2: Sauté Flavor Builders

Toss in the chopped onion and let it dance in the oil for 3-4 minutes until soft and translucent.

Add minced garlic and ginger, stirring until their aroma fills the kitchen.

Step 3: Awaken the Spices

• Curry powder
• Ground cumin
• Turmeric
• Chili powder

Stir and toast for a minute to unlock their deep, rich flavors.

Step 4: Introduce the Chicken

Drop chicken pieces into the skillet, coating them completely with the spice mixture.

Cook for 5-7 minutes, turning to achieve a beautiful golden-brown exterior.

Step 5: Create the Sauce Magic

• Coconut milk
• Chicken broth
• Soy sauce

Stir everything together and bring to a gentle simmer.

Step 6: Let the Curry Develop

Lower the heat and let the curry bubble softly for 15-20 minutes.

The sauce will thicken and the chicken will become perfectly tender.

Step 7: Welcome the Pineapple

Fold in pineapple chunks and cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing them to warm through and mingle with the sauce.

Step 8: Final Flavor Boost

Brighten the dish with a squeeze of lime juice.

Season with salt and pepper to your liking.

Step 9: Plate and Garnish

Serve the curry over fluffy rice.

Sprinkle fresh cilantro on top and add lime wedges for extra zing.

Helpful Tips for Coconut Chicken Curry Perfection

• Adjust chili powder quantity to match your heat tolerance, from mild to fiery hot.
• Drain canned pineapple thoroughly or simmer longer to achieve desired sauce thickness, avoiding excess liquid.
• Toast spices carefully for 1-2 minutes to unlock their full aromatic potential and develop richer taste profile.
• Mix cornstarch with cold water separately before adding to curry for smooth, lump-free sauce consistency.
• Substitute chicken with tofu, shrimp, or beef to create diverse meal variations while maintaining core recipe structure.

Coconut Pineapple Chicken Curry Recipe

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4.6 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy coconut pineapple chicken curry brings tropical flavors dancing across your palate with delightful sweet and spicy harmony. Savory chicken nestled in rich coconut sauce mingles with tangy pineapple chunks, promising a delicious journey through Southeast Asian culinary landscapes you won’t want to miss.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (500 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

Main Ingredients:

• 1 can (400 ml) coconut milk
• 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained)
• 1 cup chicken broth

Aromatics and Spices:

• 1 tablespoon coconut oil (or vegetable oil)
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
• 1 tablespoon curry powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 0.5 teaspoon turmeric
• 0.5 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

For Serving:

• Cooked rice (white or brown)
• Lime wedges (optional)
• Fresh cilantro (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Warm coconut oil in a large pan over medium heat, creating a fragrant base for the curry.
2. Sauté chopped onions until translucent, releasing their sweet aroma and softening their texture.
3. Introduce minced garlic and ginger, stirring quickly to prevent burning and maximize their intense flavors.
4. Sprinkle curry powder, cumin, turmeric, and chili powder into the pan, toasting the spices to enhance their depth and complexity.
5. Add chicken pieces, thoroughly coating them in the spice mixture and browning evenly on all sides to seal in moisture.
6. Pour coconut milk, chicken broth, and soy sauce into the pan, creating a rich and creamy liquid foundation.
7. Reduce heat and allow the curry to gently simmer, letting the flavors meld and the sauce gradually thicken.
8. Incorporate pineapple chunks, warming them through and allowing their tangy sweetness to integrate with the savory sauce.
9. Brighten the dish with a squeeze of fresh lime juice, balancing the flavors with a hint of acidity.
10. Season with salt and pepper, adjusting to personal taste preferences.
11. Ladle the fragrant curry over steamed rice, creating a complete and satisfying meal.
12. Garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges to add a final layer of freshness and visual appeal.

Notes

• Customize heat levels by gradually adding chili powder to match personal spice tolerance.
• Drain canned pineapple thoroughly to prevent watery curry consistency.
• Use cornstarch slurry technique to quickly thicken sauce without compromising flavor intensity.
• Experiment with protein alternatives like tofu or shrimp for dietary flexibility and variety.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg