This Coconut Chicken Curry recipe with Lime is a super fast (just 20 minutes) tasty dinner, packed with flavor and color, easy to make while you cook some rice!
Step by step photos and instructions below!

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This is one of my favorite week night dinners, super quick and easy to make and on the table FAST. We refer to it as “curry in a hurry” because it is done in about 20 minutes but still packs a huge punch of flavor that is easily customizable to your palate.
We LOVE the flavors of lime and cilantro, and pair this curry with plain rice, jasmine rice, cauliflower rice or step it up and make Cilantro Lime Rice.
Get a little fancy and make some Garlic Naan to go with it!
Why this recipe works:
- Fast. Done in under 30 minutes
- Easy. Just a few ingredients, nothing crazy.
- Delicious. Such a great recipe to make for the whole family.
- Gluten Free. Check your ingredients (like curry powder) to be sure it’s gluten free, but otherwise you’re good to go!

Kylee’s Notes & FAQs
Substitutions/Additions
If you like curry to be super deep and rich, add a little more curry powder.
Cook your rice in chicken broth if you want to add a boost of flavor.
Like it rich and decadent? Switch the coconut milk for coconut cream!
Prefer chicken thighs to breasts? No worries!
What to serve
What to do with leftovers
Store in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat to piping hot!
Can you freeze chicken coconut curry?
Absolutely – this will freeze and reheat really well. Just reheat while you make some rice, and stir through some fresh cilantro, and you’re done!
Is coconut chicken curry healthy?
Well, essentially yes. The only thing that bumps up the fat content is the coconut milk. Switch regular for light, if this is important to you!
Key Recipe Ingredients
Remember: this is just an overview and the why of the ingredients I choose here. The full list of ingredients and amounts is found in the printable recipe card below.

- Vegetable Oil – just regular grocery store vegetable oil
- Chicken – I use breast meat, but thighs are also super tasty (but will affect the nutrition numbers)
- Garlic – mince it yourself, or buy it already minced!! I’m not judging. Mainly because I do this myself…
- Curry Powder – go for a good quality one. I like this curry powder. If you like a deeper flavored curry, add an extra teaspoon!
- Diced Chilies – buy these in the international aisle of your grocery store. Grab a couple, (you can also use them in my Sour Cream Chicken Enchiladas Recipe)
- Coconut Milk- you can use light or regular for this, or even coconut cream if you like it extra decadent
- Lime – we use the zest AND the juice, so do yourself a favor and zest before juicing. Just trust me.
- Cilantro – fresh is always best!

How to make Coconut Chicken Curry from Scratch
Full, printable recipe below – just scroll down to the recipe card!
Dice the chicken, mince your garlic, zest and juice your lime.
Heat oil in a large skillet at medium-high heat, and add the chicken.
Cook chicken until golden brown (it won’t be fully cooked yet)

Add the garlic, then the curry powder, and cook for a minute.

Add the diced chilies, the coconut milk, and the lime juice/zest and bring to a simmer, reduce the heat to medium and allow sauce to thicken and the chicken is cooked.


Stir through the chopped cilantro, and serve with rice and plenty of the sauce.
Check of seasoning and add salt and pepper if desired.
Devour.

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Coconut Chicken Curry with Lime
Video
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 3 cloves minced garlic (minced)
- 2 teaspoons curry powder
- 14oz coconut milk
- 4oz can diced green chiles
- Zest and juice of 1 lime
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro (chopped)
Directions
- Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium high heat.
- Add the 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts and cook for about 5 minutes (chicken should be golden brown).
- Add 3 cloves minced garlic, cook 30 seconds, then add 2 teaspoons curry powder and cook, stirring for another minute.
- Add 14oz coconut milk, 4oz can diced green chiles, Zest and juice of 1 lime.
- Bring to a simmer, then turn down heat and cook until the chicken is just cooked, about 5 minutes.
- Season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Remove from the heat, stir in 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro.
- Serve over rice.
- Garnish with a little cilantro.
- Devour.
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Notes
Nutrition Facts
Disclaimer
Nutritional information is an estimate and provided to you as a courtesy. You should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe using your preferred nutrition calculator.




























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