Spicy Coconut Basil Chicken Curry with Garden Vegetables.
The creamiest, easiest, summer weeknight style Spicy Coconut Basil Chicken Curry with Garden Vegetables. Make this curry with whatever produce you have on hand. I use a mix of sweet corn, zucchini, coconut milk, lemon, plenty of curry powder, and cayenne for some heat. Serve over steamed rice and top with toasty sesame seeds and garden herbs. This simple summer curry is layered with flavor and texture, and completely delicious. All you need for this recipe are pantry ingredients, garden veggies, and about 30 minutes of time.
Note: if you’re here for just the recipe, I’d hit the “skip to recipe” button above.
Today feels a little different than any other Monday. I am really looking at the week ahead with a fresh mindset, new ideas, and a clearer focus. I think we can all agree that the last two weeks have been more challenging than most. But it’s the challenges in life that make us stronger, better people. I’m trying to take all that I’ve learned and reflected on and to implement new actions. At the same time, I am sticking to my core values. The most important value my mom taught me, at a very young age, is to treat others the way you would like to be treated. Yes, the Golden Rule.
It’s so simple and so important. I admit, I can often forget this rule in times of self-doubt or when I’m having a bad day. But it’s during these times that we need to be kind the most. Kindness radiates positive energy and you just never know how your kindness may affect someone for the better.
So, as cheesy as this is, I’m encouraging you to do just one simple act of kindness today. Something as simple as telling your neighbor her garden is looking beautiful, baking cookies for a friend, or calling your mom to tell her you love and appreciate her.
It’s these little things that make a difference.
What does any of this have to do with today’s delicious curry recipe? Nothing at all. But it’s Monday and I just thought some encouraging words would be a nice way to start off the week. I needed to hear them myself, so I’m hoping they help you too. Because we want to begin our week in the best way possible.
And now, we shall talk all things summer curry!
We are now into the second week of June. That means I’ve really entered summer food mode (even though our forecast predicts snow tomorrow). For me, this means quicker cooking recipes, lots of in-season produce, and incorporating all of the herbs we’re growing in our summer garden.
Once again, I made this curry with my brother in mind. He loves a true Indian curry with a spicy kick. And since I’m working to get him to eat a little healthier…meaning more vegetables, I figured a chicken curry with all the summer produce would get him excited.
Plus, I wanted to share something, healthy, yet cozy at the same time, and curry is just that. Creamy sauce, lean protein, and plenty of vegetables.
The added bonus is that you can make this curry in just about 30 minutes with the use of only one pan. It’s easy guys.
Here are the details.
As mentioned, this curry is pretty simple, but yet it’s so full of flavor.
It’s all starts with the seasonings. I like to use a mix of curry powder, turmeric, a little cayenne, and even a little crushed red pepper flakes. We like things well seasoned and spicy around here. Of course, if you prefer a more mild curry, just use the cayenne pepper to your taste, and omit the red pepper flakes.
You’ll toss the seasonings with chicken, then pan sear the chicken in a large skillet. You can use chicken breasts, thighs, or a mix of the two. I usually use just chicken breasts.
Once the chicken has been seared, toss in the vegetables, the shallots, garlic, and fresh ginger. This is where you can have some fun with this recipe. I used a mix of sweet corn, zucchini, and yellow summer squash, but you can use any vegetable you love most, or currently have on hand in the fridge. Some options that I think would be especially delicious? Bell peppers, chopped broccoli, and or eggplant would all be great!
Just don’t leave out the shallots, garlic, or ginger, these each add unique flavor to the curry.
Next, add a can of coconut milk, the creaminess of this dish. Let this simmer for a few minutes to thicken the sauce, then remove from the heat and add lots of fresh cilantro and basil.
And that’s it. The simplest, healthy bowl of chicken curry that’s cozy, satisfying, and summery all at the same time.
For serving…
Any time I’m making curry, I always do rice or rice noodles underneath. A saucy curry needs to have something to scoop up and enjoy with every bite. Since this curry is more Indian inspired, I made steamed basmati rice. But of course, I added a side of fresh cooked naan too. Then I finished the dish off with additional herbs and toasty sesame seeds.
I kept this curry simple and fresh. If you’d like to add another layer of flavor, I’d recommend pan-frying some Halloumi cheese like I did with this summer chickpea curry. It’s not needed, but it does make for an extra delicious curry topping.
Looking for other healthy weeknight curries? Here are some of my favorites…
Weeknight 30 Minute Coconut Curry Chicken Meatballs
Saucy Coconut Curry with Rice Noodles and Garden Vegetables
Summer Coconut Chickpea Curry with Rice and Fried Halloumi
Lastly, if you make this spicy coconut basil chicken curry with garden vegetables, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Spicy Coconut Basil Chicken Curry with Garden Vegetables.
The creamiest, easiest, summer style curry made this curry with whatever produce you have on hand!
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts, thinly sliced
- 1 1/2 tablespoons yellow curry powder
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1/4-1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper using more or less to your taste
- kosher salt and black pepper
- 3 tablespoons sesame oil or extra virgin olive oil
- 2 zucchini or summer squash, diced
- 2 ears sweet corn, kernels removed from the cob
- 2-3 medium shallots, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced or grated
- 1 inch fresh ginger, grated
- 1 pinch crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 can (14 ounce) coconut milk
- juice and zest from 1/2 a lemon
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, roughly torn
- 2 cups cooked basmati rice
- toasted sesame seeds for serving
Instructions
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1. In a medium bowl, toss together the chicken, curry powder, turmeric, cayenne, 1 tablespoon oil, and a pinch each of salt and pepper.
2. Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When the oil shimmers, add the chicken and brown all over, about 5 minutes. Add the zucchini, corn, shallots, garlic, and ginger. Season with crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Cook the veggies another 5-10 minutes or until they just begin to soften.
3. Stir in the coconut milk and 1/3-1/2 cup water. Stir to combine, bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, cook 5-10 minutes or until the sauce thickens slightly. If the sauce thickens too much, add additional water to thin. Remove from the heat and stir in the lemon juice and zest, cilantro, and basil.
4. To serve, divide the rice among bowls and spoon the curry overtop. Top with sesame seeds and fresh herbs. Enjoy!
Our Favorite Recipes
Roasted Cauliflower Salad with Creamy Honey Mustard Vinaigrette.
Cayenne is not in the list of ingredients. How much?
Hi Amy! It is 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon! The recipe is fixed! I hope you love this one! xTieghan
How much cayenne?
Hi Becky! It is 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon! The recipe is fixed! I hope you love this one! xTieghan
Can’t believe you still are getting snow!! I live in So Cal do it’s sun, sun, sun. But I love seeing pics of your home on IG. Looks so peaceful. Please keep posting Co pics!
haha lucky!! I will definitely keep posting photos of Co! xTieghan
I made this tonight. OMG. I was practically licking my bowl clean! I added some orange pepper because I happened to have it. Thank you! Adding this to the rotation!
That is so amazing to hear! Thank you Emily! xTieghan
Yum! I didn’t have corn but added shiitakes and it was delish!
Thank you Annie! xTieghan
Just what I felt like today after receiving your newsletter in my inbox and so I made it with what I had — no corn or zucchini but cauliflower, peas and spinach instead. Huge hit with the whole family … thank you!!
Thank you so much Jennifer!! I am really glad this turned out so well for you! xTieghan
A Keeper. Made it last night. We loved it and the two of us wanted to eat the whole thing. I added 1 teaspoon of cayenne, Didn’t know you had changed the recipe and figured the black pepper was cayenne. It was great we like it hot. Next time I would mix the chicken with oil first, then add the spices. It should mix better. .
Thanks for sharing.
Thank you so much Yvonne! I am so glad this turned out so well for you! xTieghan
What do you think of sub’ing tofu for the chicken in this one?
Hi Laurie,
Sounds like a great idea! I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
That looks gorgeous.
Thank you Hena! xTieghan
Love your post!
Thank you Connie! xTieghan
I made this last night and it was a big hit with my family. Gone in a flash!
Love the curry flavor & very easy to put together. I will be making this again.
Wow so happy to hear that! Thank you Maxwell! xTieghan
could we make this with tofu to make it vegetarian? it looks amazing!!
Hi Erica,
Yes tofu would be great here! I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
Made this tonight and it was absolutely delicious 😋 My veggies included mushrooms, red bell pepper, cauliflower, & green squash. Soooooo good!!! This one will be definitely on the favorite repeat list (as are so many other’s of yours. You are amazing!!!
Thank you Pam! That is so amazing to hear! xTieghan
Big fan of curry dishes and was excited to try your recipe.Made this today and it did not disappoint! Will definitely be making this often.
Thank you so much Kimmberly! xTieghan
Forgot to at the recipe rating! 5 Stars!
Hey Tieghan,
You have become our favourite site for new recipes to try.
This wonderful spicy coconut basil chicken curry was the fourth from your collection, and they have all been fantastic.
I did not have the summer squash here (NZ) or zucchini, so used some butternut squash and cucumber, and it was very tasty.
Thank you very much for sharing these… now to decide for next weekend 🙂
Cheers!
Bradley
You are so sweet! I am really glad you have been enjoying my recipes and I hope you continue to!! Thank you Bradley! xTieghan
This was so good! I used broccoli, baby Bella mushrooms and thinly sliced onions. So delicious! My husband and I both loved it! Will be making it again – I’d love to try it with cauliflower and I may add a Serrano pepper.
Amazing! I am so glad this one turned out so well for you Christine! xTieghan
Made this and loved it! Will definitely make it again.
Thank you Caryn! xTieghan
Can I use Thai Basil instead of regular Basil? I have some fresh Thai Basil growing and don’t know what to do with it!
Hi Erin,
Yes that would be delish! I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
Really enjoyed this, and all the fresh veggies!!
Thank you Jen! That is so amazing to hear! xTieghan
Made this but subbed in sugar snap peas for zucchini and it turned out great! So easy. Thank you!
Thank you so much Maya! xTieghan
Delicious! First time making curry. I love how adventurous yet easily accessible your recipes are. They are allowing me to try new things. Thank you so much!
Thank you Shelby!! xTieghan
Hi! Love all your recipes! Was wondering if I could make this in a crockpot?
Thanks in advance!!
Hi Anicia,
I haven’t done this in the crockpot, but I would do 6-7 hours on low. I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
Meade 4 of your recipes last night. Just finished licking my bowl from chicken curry with vegetables. Scrumptious. Can’t wait to try raspberry brioche tomorrow with company. Your chicken Schwarma is main course tomorrow. Thank you for coming into our lives.
Aw you are too kind! I am so happy you have been enjoying my recipes, Sandy! Thank you so much! xTieghan
Just finished licking my bowl from chicken curry with vegetables. Scrumptious. Can’t wait to try raspberry brioche tomorrow with company. Your chicken Schwarma is main course tomorrow. Thank you for coming into our lives.
Scrumptious. Can’t wait to try raspberry brioche tomorrow with company. Your chicken Schwarma is main course tomorrow. Thank you for coming into our lives.
My husband and I love Indian food but had never made anything like it before. This was so delicious! I just love all the flavors!
Thank you so much Mandy! I am really glad this recipe turned out so amazing for you! xTieghan
Just soooo good! I will be making this again for sure. It’s just the two of us so we have leftovers for tomorrow as well.
I am so happy to hear that, Holly! Thank you so much for trying this one! xTieghan
This was awesome the night of, but it is even better the next day! Thanks for another amazing recipe Teigan!
Thank you Amy!! I am so glad this turned out so well for you! xTieghan
Amazing! I used squash and broccoli and both my husband and I LOVED it! And he is very picky when it comes to curry. Will definitely make again using the same veggies. I couldn’t find the halloumi cheese at my grocery store- maybe I didn’t look in the right places. I will keep looking as I really want to use it next time!
Amazing!! I am so glad you both loved this one, Alex! Thank you so much for trying this! xTieghan
Delicious dish!
One mechanical issue: the “juice and zest from 1/2 a lemon” quantity does not scale when you change the number of servings.
Thank you so much for letting me know! I will look into it! I am really glad you liked this! xTieghan
Absolutely fantastic recipe! The only thing is for the sauce to thicken I had to simmer the curry for much longer but I had time so that was great. Absolutely fantastic flavours! And so simple
Hey Mafalda,
Thanks a lot for giving the recipe a go, I am so delighted that it was enjoyed! Have a great week:) xTieghan
I never leave reviews, but have to for this one. This dish is so delicious, we had our leftovers for dinner the next day because we couldn’t get enough. Perfect amount of spicy, and even though we are watching our portions, this filled us up because of all the veggies. We served it over cauliflower rice. Next time were going to add green beans and even more veggies.
Hey Mike,
I am thrilled you enjoyed the recipe. Thanks for giving it a try! xTieghan
Can this curry be frozen?
Hey Jamie,
Sure, I think that would work well for you! I hope you enjoy the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
Do not add the water. Makes this too soupy and bland.
Sorry you did not enjoy this recipe James!