Chicken with Coconut Curry Pumpkin | Tried and True Recipes (2024)

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by Kylie PerrottiPosted on November 1, 2020November 5, 2022

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This chicken with coconut curry pumpkin is loaded with spicy flavors, richness from coconut, and brightness from fresh herbs that makes for a balanced and delicious dinner. I wanted to play with different flavors tonight and this chicken with pumpkin completely fit the bill!

Chicken with Coconut Curry Pumpkin | Tried and True Recipes (1)

This recipe is loaded with aromatic flavors thanks to ginger, scallions, shallots. The bright, spicy herb finish helps lighten the richness from the crispy chicken and creamy coconut puree.

Making this recipe is a cinch and it’s endlessly versatile. Check out my substitution suggestions:

  • Chicken Thighs: Use cubed chicken breasts, pork chops, shrimp, scallops, or your favorite fish, such as salmon or cod (cook time will vary).
  • Cherry Tomatoes: Try this out with eggplant or mushrooms!
  • Pumpkin Puree and Sweet Potatoes: Use one or the other, depending on what you have on-hand.
  • Shallots: Replace with your favorite onion variety
  • Cilantro: Parsley
  • Serrano Pepper: Any hot pepper will work
Chicken with Coconut Curry Pumpkin | Tried and True Recipes (2)

How to Make this Chicken with Coconut Curry Pumpkin:

This recipe is just a few easy steps. Start by frying the chicken, skin-side down, until the skin is very crispy. Remove the chicken from the pan and add the ginger and scallions and then the tomatoes and cook until they just begin to soften. Deglaze with a touch of chicken stock and bake the chicken for about 30 minutes.

While the chicken bakes, prepare the puree. This coconut curry pumpkin puree is SO easy to whip up! Start by sautéing the shallots until soft, next add the sweet potato, and then the stock. Bring to a boil and add the pumpkin puree and spices. Allow it to simmer for about 20-25 minutes until the sweet potato is very tender. From there it’s just a matter of blending the puree– either with an immersion blender or in a traditional blender. Stir in the coconut cream and voila!

While the coconut curry is simmering, make the herb garnish. Toss the lime juice, cilantro, scallion greens, Serrano pepper and a little salt in a food processor and pulse until finely chopped.

To assemble the dish is just loading up shallow bowls with the puree, piling the tomatoes and ginger on top, adding a spoonful of the herb garnish and a chicken thigh on top. That’s it! It sounds like a lot of work, but I promise, this chicken with pumpkin comes together quicker than you realize!

Looking for more vegetarian recipes? Check my archives!

If you made this recipe, please rate the recipe below and leave a comment to tell me how you liked it! If you take a picture of it, please tag me on Instagram so I can feature you in my feed!

Chicken with Coconut Curry Pumpkin | Tried and True Recipes (3)

This chicken with coconut curry pumpkin is loaded with spicy flavors, richness from coconut, and brightness from fresh herbs that makes for a balanced and delicious dinner.

4.79 from 14 votes

Print Pin

Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes minutes

Servings: 4

Calories: 563kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons neutral cooking oil divided
  • 4 bone-in skin-on chicken thighs
  • 1 ” piece of ginger cut into matchsticks
  • 6 scallions white and green parts kept separate
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes
  • 2 cups chicken stock divided

Coconut Curry Pumpkin:

  • 2 shallots quartered or 1 yellow onion
  • 1 sweet potato peeled and diced
  • 1 tablespoon butter optional
  • 15 ounce can pumpkin puree
  • 1 tablespoon curry powder
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne powder plus more to taste
  • cup coconut cream more or less if desired

Herb Garnish:

  • 2 limes juiced
  • cup fresh cilantro leaves
  • 1 Serrano pepper thinly sliced, optional
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Cook the Chicken:

  • Preheat oven to 400ºF. Pat the chicken dry and season all over with salt and pepper.

  • Heat 1 tablespoon neutral oil in an ovenproof skillet over medium-high. Add the chicken, skin-side down, and cook without moving for 5-7 minutes until the skin is very crispy. Flip and cook 1-2 minutes more. Transfer the chicken to a plate.

Cook the Aromatics:

  • Discard all but a teaspoon of fat in the skillet. Add the ginger and scallion whites and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add the cherry tomatoes and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes until just barely beginning to soften.

Bake the Chicken:

  • Add 1/2 cup of the chicken stock and bring to a boil. Turn off the heat and add the chicken to the skillet. Transfer to the oven for 25-30 minutes or until an instant read thermometer reaches 165ºF.

Prepare the Coconut Curry Pumpkin:

  • Heat the remaining 2 teaspoons oil in a saucepan. Add the shallots and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.

  • Add the sweet potato and a little butter, if desired, and cook for 4-5 minutes until just beginning to turn golden. Season with salt, pepper, cayenne powder, and curry powder. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

  • Add the remaining chicken stock and bring to a boil.

  • Reduce heat and add the pumpkin puree. Simmer for 20 minutes or until the sweet potato is very tender.

Prepare the Herb Garnish:

  • In a food processor, combine the lime juice, cilantro, scallion greens, Serrano pepper, if using, and a sprinkle of salt. Pulse until finely chopped. Set aside.

Finish the Coconut Curry Pumpkin:

  • Once the sweet potato is very tender, use an immersion blender to puree the pumpkin. Continue blending until smooth. Stir in the coconut cream and season the puree to taste.

To Serve:

  • Divide the coconut curry pumpkin between shallow bowls. Pile the cooked tomatoes and ginger on top. Add a spoonful of the herb garnish on top of the tomatoes and place a chicken thigh on top. Enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 563kcal | Carbohydrates: 36g | Protein: 31g | Fat: 35g | Sodium: 228mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin C: 49mg

Tried this recipe?Mention @triedandtruerecipes or tag #triedandtruerecipes so I can feature you in my feed!

Chicken with Coconut Curry Pumpkin | Tried and True Recipes (2024)

FAQs

How to enhance the taste of chicken curry? ›

The easiest way to fix a bland and tasteless curry is by adding spices like red chili powder, cumin, coriander, garam masala, curry leaves and turmeric. Just make a quick tempering and pour over the curry to give it a nice punch of spices and herbs.

Does coconut curry taste like coconut? ›

Coconut Curry flavor

If you're wondering what coconut curry tastes like, it's a bit sweet but mostly savory with hints of spice from the red curry. Red curry is made from crushed red chilies, garlic, lemongrass, shallots, ginger and fish paste. We amp up those flavors with additional garlic, ginger, and onions.

How long is coconut chicken curry good for? ›

Chicken curry is good up to 4 days, fish curry 2 days, while coconut curry will last about 2 days due to the short shelf life of coconut milk. I don't think it matters that it was dried, it's now reconstituted so could go rancid. Today is day one, tomorrow day two. I'd freeze it later today or early tomorrow.

Can you freeze coconut chicken curry? ›

It can also make a lovely freezer meal for meal prep. This creamy coconut chicken curry recipe is one of my all-time favorite recipes I have developed for EatingWell. The onions, carrots, celery and potatoes are so hearty.

What is the secret ingredient in curry? ›

Whether you may be familiar with the differences between curries from various countries, such as Indian versus Japanese curry, and perhaps even know how to make them at home, there's a special flavor enhancer that you may not have thought to add: honey.

What is the secret to a good curry? ›

Tips for the Perfect Curry
  • Use fresh spices. For the best results, always try to use fresh spices. ...
  • Give the spices a toast. ...
  • Wrap up your whole spices. ...
  • Blitz your tomatoes. ...
  • Onions are the key. ...
  • Don't overcook your chicken. ...
  • Keep your garlic and ginger fresh. ...
  • Add exciting toppings.

What is the difference between Indian coconut curry and Thai coconut curry? ›

Indian curries tend to be much more warm and spicy, featuring spices like chili powder, cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala. Thai curries are usually more aromatic and include spices like lemongrass, garlic, ginger, and chili peppers.

What does adding coconut milk to curry do? ›

Coconut milk or water both give the dish different tastes and consistency. Coconut milk as a curry sauce base makes the dish creamy, sweet and give it a thicker consistency. The sweetness of the milk reduces the sharpness of spices and heat making the dish a little mild.

Why does my coconut curry taste bland? ›

Curries can be bland if you haven't used enough of the base aromatics of garlic, ginger, and onion. The onion should be caramelized in oil until well browned and flavorful. Spices should not be old enough to lose potency and preferably should be toasted and ground yourself.

How do you thicken coconut curry? ›

Cornflour

Ideal for Chinese sauces or Thai curries but can also be used for Indian curries. Add one tablespoon of cornflour to two or three tablespoons of cold water and stir. Pour the mixture into the sauce and allow to simmer until the sauce begins to thicken.

Can you use coconut cream instead of coconut milk in curry? ›

Coconut milk and cream are mostly interchangeable in recipes such as curries and soups. If you prefer a richer flavour and texture, try coconut cream or vice versa. However, be careful when substituting coconut milk and cream in baked goods.

Can I use coconut cream instead of coconut milk? ›

Can You Replace Coconut Cream with Coconut Milk? The good news about coconut cream and coconut milk is that although they may be different consistencies, they're very similar. You can use coconut cream in place of milk if you dilute it with additional water. Different coconut cream brands vary on fat content.

How long does coconut chicken curry last in fridge? ›

If the curry and rice are mixed before storing, they will last in the fridge for up to 3 days and in the freezer for up to 3 months.

What to serve with coconut chicken? ›

Serve coconut chicken over rice, cauliflower rice, zoodles, etc. with contrasting mangos or pineapple and you have one of the most tantalizing one pot wonders of all time.

Why my chicken curry is not tasty? ›

Curries can be bland if you haven't used enough of the base aromatics of garlic, ginger, and onion. The onion should be caramelized in oil until well browned and flavorful. Spices should not be old enough to lose potency and preferably should be toasted and ground yourself.

How do you make curry taste more authentic? ›

Curry: you're cooking it all wrong
  1. Make your curry the day before. ...
  2. Use ghee. ...
  3. Take your time with the onions. ...
  4. Use whole spices and grind them yourself. ...
  5. Toast your spices first. ...
  6. Add garam masala towards the end of your cooking. ...
  7. Use large chunks of meat and fish in your curry. ...
  8. And, finally, don't skimp on condiments!

How to make curry taste like restaurant? ›

Simple suggestions for restaurant good quality curries:
  1. Fry your onions till they are golden brown.
  2. Fry your spices but don't burn them. ...
  3. Use good quality spices. ...
  4. Seasoning. ...
  5. Use fatty yoghurt (greek style works) in curries to make them richer. ...
  6. Patience. ...
  7. Use a neutral vegetable oil. ...
  8. Experiment.
Jun 24, 2018

How do you balance spice in chicken curry? ›

Adding curd, milk or buttermilk is a nice way to dilute the spice quotes of curries. This also helps in adding a rich texture and delicious taste to the curries. Starchy foods like rice, bread, and potatoes can help dilute the spiciness of curry.

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