30-Minute Chicken Curry with Coconut Milk and Spinach

Total Time: 30 mins Difficulty: Beginner
One Pot Chicken Curry with Coconut Milk and Spinach
30-Minute Chicken Curry with Coconut Milk and Spinach pinit

Picture this: it’s been a long day, you’re craving something warm and comforting, but the last thing you want is to dirty every pot in your kitchen. Enter this amazing one-pot chicken curry with coconut milk and spinach – your new weeknight hero that delivers big on flavor while keeping cleanup to a minimum.

This recipe is like a warm hug in a bowl, combining tender chicken with nutrient-packed spinach in a rich, creamy coconut curry sauce that’ll make your taste buds dance. The best part? You can have this restaurant-quality meal on your table in just 30 minutes, using ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.

Whether you’re feeding picky eaters (the creamy sauce works magic on vegetable skeptics) or trying to sneak more greens into your family’s diet, this curry checks all the boxes. It’s naturally gluten-free, packed with protein, and loaded with iron from the spinach – making it both delicious and nutritious.

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Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 10 mins Cook Time 20 mins Total Time 30 mins
Cooking Temp: 74  C Calories: 385
Best Season: Fall, Winter

Description

Discover this easy one pot chicken curry with coconut milk and spinach recipe! Ready in 30 minutes with rich, creamy flavors and healthy greens. Perfect weeknight dinner!

Ingredients

Optional Add-ins

Instructions

  1. Prep your ingredients (5 minutes): Dice the onion, mince garlic and ginger, and cut chicken into uniform pieces. This ensures even cooking.
  2. Heat the oil (1 minute): In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat coconut oil over medium-high heat.
  3. Cook the chicken (6-8 minutes): Add chicken pieces and season with salt and pepper. Cook until golden brown on all sides. You don't need to cook through completely – just get a nice sear. Remove chicken and set aside.
  4. Build the flavor base (3-4 minutes): In the same pot, add diced onion and cook until softened. Add garlic and ginger, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
  5. Toast the spices (1 minute): Add curry powder, turmeric, cumin, paprika, and cayenne. Stir constantly for 30-60 seconds until the spices become aromatic.
  6. Add liquids (2 minutes): Pour in coconut milk and diced tomatoes, stirring to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  7. Return chicken and simmer (8-10 minutes): Add the seared chicken back to the pot. Reduce heat to medium-low and let it simmer until chicken is cooked through and sauce has thickened slightly.
  8. Add spinach (2-3 minutes): Stir in fresh spinach and cook until wilted. If using frozen spinach, add it in the last minute just to heat through.
  9. Finish and serve: Remove from heat, stir in lime juice, and adjust seasoning. Garnish with fresh cilantro.

Nutrition Facts


Amount Per Serving
Calories 385kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 24g37%
Sodium 580mg25%
Total Carbohydrate 12g4%
Dietary Fiber 4g16%
Sugars 6g
Protein 28g57%

Vitamin C 25 mg
Iron 15 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

Storage Tips:

  • Refrigerator: Store leftovers for up to 4 days in airtight containers
  • Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months (spinach may change texture slightly after freezing)
  • Reheating: Add a splash of coconut milk when reheating to restore creaminess

Meal Prep Ideas:

  • Make a double batch and freeze individual portions for quick lunches
  • Prepare ingredients in advance and store in the fridge for up to 2 days
  • Cook rice separately and store for easy assembly during busy weeks

Ingredient Tips:

  • Coconut milk: Always use full-fat for the creamiest texture
  • Spinach: Baby spinach works best and doesn't need chopping
  • Chicken: Thighs stay more tender than breasts, but both work
  • Spices: Toast whole spices and grind yourself for maximum flavor

Serving Suggestions:

  • Serve over fluffy basmati rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice
  • Pair with warm naan bread or pita
  • Add a dollop of Greek yogurt to cool down the spice
  • Serve alongside roasted vegetables for extra nutrition

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Keywords: Chicken curry, coconut milk, spinach, one-pot meal, Instant Pot
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Frequently Asked Questions

Expand All:

Q: Can I make this recipe vegan?

A: Absolutely! Replace the chicken with cubed extra-firm tofu, chickpeas, or your favorite plant-based protein. Add them in the last few minutes of cooking to prevent overcooking.

Q: How can I make this curry less spicy?

A: Reduce or omit the cayenne pepper, and use a mild curry powder. You can always add heat later with hot sauce or red pepper flakes.

Q: What if I don't have fresh spinach?

A: Frozen spinach works perfectly! Use about 2 cups of frozen spinach, thawed and drained. Add it in the last minute of cooking just to heat through.

Q: Can I substitute the coconut milk?

A: For the creamiest result, stick with full-fat coconut milk. However, you can use light coconut milk for fewer calories, or even heavy cream if you're not dairy-free.

Q: How do I thicken the curry if it's too watery?

A: Simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to reduce the liquid, or mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and stir it in during the last few minutes of cooking.

Q: What's the best rice to serve with this curry?

A: Basmati rice is traditional and has a lovely fragrant quality that pairs beautifully with curry. Jasmine rice, brown rice, or even quinoa are also great options.

Q: Can I add other vegetables?

A: Yes! Bell peppers, peas, carrots, and cubed potatoes all work wonderfully. Add harder vegetables like potatoes earlier in the cooking process, and quicker-cooking veggies like peas in the last few minutes.

Q: How long does this curry keep?

A: It stays fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and can be frozen for up to 3 months. The flavors actually improve after a day, making it perfect for meal prep!

Vandana Kohli Food and Lifestyle Blogger

Hi, I'm Vandana — a home cook turned recipe blogger who loves sharing simple, flavorful dishes that anyone can make. From comfort food classics to quick weeknight meals, my kitchen is all about making cooking easy and enjoyable.

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