Coconut Ginger Chicken with Spinach
In short: Chicken thighs simmered in coconut milk with ginger, garlic and lime until tender, then finished with wilted spinach. Mild, creamy and easy. It takes about 45 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 10 min
- Cook
- 35 min
- Total
- 45 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 470 kcal
Coconut milk makes a rich, mild sauce that suits chicken well, and ginger, garlic and lime keep it from tasting heavy. This is a weeknight version with a short ingredient list: brown the thighs, simmer them in the sauce and stir in spinach at the end. It is gentle enough for children and quick enough for a Tuesday. Serve over rice, with extra lime wedges and a sprinkle of cilantro (fresh coriander).
Instructions
- Season the chicken with half the salt. Heat the oil in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat and brown the chicken for 3 to 4 minutes per side. Move it to a plate.
- Add the onion to the pan and cook over medium heat for 5 minutes until soft. Add the garlic, ginger, turmeric and coriander and stir for 1 minute.
- Pour in the coconut milk and stock, add the remaining salt and the sugar, and bring to a gentle simmer, scraping up the browned bits.
- Return the chicken. Simmer, partly covered, for 15 to 18 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken reads 74°C (165°F) and the sauce has thickened a little.
- Stir in the spinach a handful at a time until wilted, about 2 minutes. Add the lime juice and taste for salt.
- Scatter with cilantro and chili, if using, and serve with rice and lime wedges.
Tips
- Shake the can of coconut milk well before opening, or the cream and the water will not blend. Do not boil the sauce hard, or it can split.
- Chicken breast gives a leaner dish, but add it for only the last 10 minutes. Two tablespoons of peanut butter stirred in make a richer, nutty sauce.
Questions and answers
Can I use light coconut milk?
Yes, but the sauce will be thinner and less rich. Simmer it for 5 minutes longer to reduce it.
Is coconut ginger chicken spicy?
No, it is mild. Add fresh chili or chili flakes for heat.
What should I serve with coconut chicken?
Steamed rice, such as jasmine, soaks up the sauce well. Flatbread also works, and a cucumber salad adds crunch.
How long does it take to make Coconut Ginger Chicken with Spinach?
About 45 min in total: 10 min of preparation and 35 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Coconut Ginger Chicken with Spinach?
About 470 kcal per serving, with 36 g of protein, 8 g of carbohydrates and 33 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 470 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 36 g |
| Carbohydrates | 8 g |
| Fat | 33 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 4 g |
| Sodium | 1000 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
