Chicken Pineapple Coconut Curry (Printable)

Tender chicken simmered with pineapple, coconut milk, and spices for a rich, aromatic dish that's easy to prepare.

# What You Need:

→ Proteins

01 - 1.3 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

→ Vegetables & Fruit

02 - 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
05 - 1 red bell pepper, sliced
06 - 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks
07 - 1 medium carrot, sliced

→ Pantry & Liquids

08 - 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
09 - 13.5 fluid ounces coconut milk, full fat
10 - 1 cup chicken broth
11 - 2 tablespoons Thai red curry paste
12 - 1 tablespoon fish sauce
13 - 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari
14 - 1 teaspoon brown sugar
15 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

→ Herbs & Garnish

16 - Fresh cilantro, chopped for garnish
17 - Cooked jasmine rice for serving
18 - Lime wedges for serving

# Directions:

01 - Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened.
02 - Add the minced garlic and grated ginger; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Stir in the red curry paste and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
04 - Add the chicken pieces and brown on all sides for 4–5 minutes.
05 - Add the bell pepper, carrot, and pineapple chunks. Stir to combine thoroughly.
06 - Pour in the coconut milk and chicken broth. Stir in fish sauce, soy sauce, and brown sugar until well combined.
07 - Bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
08 - Remove the lid and simmer uncovered for 5–10 minutes to achieve desired sauce consistency.
09 - Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
10 - Serve hot over jasmine rice, garnished with fresh cilantro and lime wedges.

# Expert Hints:

01 -
  • Everything cooks in one pot, which means less cleanup and more time enjoying the meal instead of standing at the sink.
  • The sweetness of pineapple and richness of coconut milk balance the spice in a way that feels both comforting and exciting.
  • It comes together in under an hour, making weeknight dinners feel less like a chore and more like you've got your life together.
02 -
  • Don't skip browning the chicken, even for a minute; that color develops deeper flavor that simmering alone won't achieve.
  • The first time you smell fish sauce, you'll wonder if you made a mistake, but once it hits the warm curry, it becomes invisible and essential—trust it completely.
03 -
  • Keep your curry paste in the fridge after opening and use a clean spoon each time, so it stays fresh longer and doesn't pick up competing flavors.
  • If your sauce breaks or looks separated, a splash of broth and gentle whisking usually brings it back together.
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