Coconut Chicken Curry – Easy & Delicious Instant Pot Dinner

Sometimes, the best comfort food comes from unexpected places. I first made this Coconut Chicken Curry on a chilly Tuesday with almost-empty fridge shelves. Somehow, it turned into one of those rich, belly-warming meals that makes you pause mid-bite. With creamy coconut milk and cozy Indian spices, this one’s become a midweek regular.

Why You’ll Love This Coconut Chicken Curry

This Coconut Chicken Curry is everything weeknights need: fast, flavorful, and soul-satisfying. You’ll pressure cook tender chicken thighs in bold Indian spices and silky coconut milk.

It’s a one-pot dinner that’s both dairy-free and gluten-free, made extra easy with the Instant Pot. And the leftovers? Even better the next day. You can also make it ahead for meal prep—it reheats beautifully.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Main Ingredients

• 1 tbsp ghee or oil
• 1 tsp cumin seeds (optional)
• 1 cup yellow onion, diced
• 1/2 tbsp ginger (paste or grated)
• 1/2 tbsp garlic (paste or minced)
• 1 cup tomato puree (canned or fresh from 2 tomatoes)
• 1 lb chicken thighs, boneless & skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 cup full-fat canned unsweetened coconut milk
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Spices & Flavorings

• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp turmeric
• 1 tsp Kashmiri red chili powder or paprika (to taste)
• 1 tsp coriander powder
• 1 tsp salt

How to Make Coconut Chicken Curry in the Instant Pot

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Set Instant Pot to Sauté mode. Heat ghee or oil, then add cumin seeds if using. Sauté for 30 seconds.
2. Add onions, ginger, and garlic. Sauté for about 3 minutes, until onions are golden.
3. Stir in tomato puree and all the dry spices. Cook for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
4. Add chicken thighs. Sauté for 3–4 minutes to coat the meat in the spices.
5. Pour in water. Stir and deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits. Cancel sauté mode.
6. Secure the lid and pressure cook on high for 4 minutes. Use quick release when done.
7. Open lid and stir in coconut milk and garam masala. Simmer on sauté for 4–5 minutes until the curry thickens slightly.
8. Stir in lime juice. Garnish with cilantro and serve hot.

Cooking Tips

Deglazing after sautéing is key—it prevents the burn warning and adds flavor.
Use only canned, full-fat coconut milk for the richest texture.
If the curry feels too thin, mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with a bit of curry sauce, stir it back in, and simmer for a minute.

Serving Suggestions

Spoon this curry over fluffy basmati rice or nutty cumin rice. It’s equally good with roti, naan, or buttery paratha.
On the side, serve cool yogurt or a spoon of spicy Indian pickle to balance the heat.

Tips, Variations & Substitutions

• Protein Swap: Chicken breast works too but cooks faster and stays tender if not overdone.
• Add Veggies: Toss in roasted cauliflower, fresh spinach, or green peas right after pressure cooking.
• Want Potatoes? Add large chunks before pressure cooking for soft, spiced bites.
• Try Shrimp Instead: Use this method from my Coconut Shrimp Curry.
• Doubling It? Keep water at 1/4 cup to avoid a watery curry.
• No Instant Pot? Use a Dutch oven, simmer covered for 10–15 minutes until chicken is cooked through.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freeze leftovers for 3–4 months.
Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until hot. Add a splash of water if the curry thickens too much.

More Such Recipes

Love comforting curries? You might also enjoy this Creamy Indian Butter Chicken for Instant Pot lovers.

For a Thai twist, try Easy Thai Red Curry Chicken with bold coconut flavors.

And for a cozy skillet dinner, this Garlic Parmesan Chicken is always a hit.

If you prefer oven-roasted, check out Oven-Baked Chicken Thighs for crispy skin and juicy meat.

Instant Pot Coconut Chicken Curry Recipe Card

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FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Coconut Chicken Curry is one of those recipes that feels like a hug in a bowl. It’s simple, nourishing, and full of cozy spice. Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal prepping for the week, it’s a flavorful dish you’ll come back to often.

I’d love to hear how it turns out for you,drop a comment or share your twist on it!

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