Coconut Milk Chicken Curry with Kale and Basmati Rice

This coconut milk chicken curry is built on simple, bold ingredients: browned chicken breast, tomato paste, curry powder, paprika, chili flakes, and creamy coconut milk.

Kale adds hearty greens to the sauce, while basmati rice makes the perfect base for catching every spoonful.

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Ingredients

10 ounce Chopped Chicken BreastView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 unit Tomato PasteView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

2 tablespoon Sour CreamView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

4 ounce KaleView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 tablespoon Curry PowderView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 teaspoon PaprikaView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 unit Coconut MilkView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 teaspoon Chili FlakesView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

0.5 cup Basmati RiceView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

teaspoon (tsp) SaltView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

teaspoon (tsp) Black PepperView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

Instructions

1. Cook the basmati rice according to package directions, then keep it covered until ready to serve.
2. Pat the chopped chicken breast dry and season with salt and black pepper.
3. Heat a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned on the outside.
4. Stir in the tomato paste, curry powder, paprika, and chili flakes. Cook briefly, stirring to coat the chicken in the spices and tomato paste.
5. Pour in the coconut milk and stir until the sauce is smooth and evenly combined.
6. Simmer the curry until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has slightly thickened.
7. Add the kale and cook, stirring, until the pieces are tender and wilted into the curry.
8. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the sour cream until incorporated.
9. Taste and adjust with salt and black pepper as needed.
10. Fluff the basmati rice, divide it between bowls or plates, and spoon the coconut chicken curry with kale over the top.

Useful Cookware

A few helpful kitchen tools for this recipe, with relevant Amazon picks for each item.

Medium pot with lid

SENSARTE Nonstick Saucepan with Lid, 1.5 Quarts Small Pot with Swiss Granite Coating, Stay-cool Handle, Multipurpose Handy Sauce Pot Small Kitchen Cooking Pot, Induction Comptable, PFOA FreeView on AmazonCuisinart 1.5 Quart Sauce Pan with Cover, Stainless Steel Pot with Lid, Small Kitchen Pots, Dishwasher Safe, Compatible with Induction, Electric, Gas Cooktops, Oven Safe Saucepan, Cool Grip HandlesView on AmazonCAROTE 2QT & 2.5QT Sauce Pan Sets with Lid & Ladle Cooking Pots Nonstick Saucepans Cookware Set Small Kitchen Pot, Induction Comptable, Easy to Clean, PFOA FREE (Green)View on Amazon

Large pan

SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet with Lid, 12 Inch Large Deep Frying Pan, 5 Qt Non Stick Saute Pan with Cover, Induction Pan, Healthy Non Toxic Cooking Pan with Helper Handle, PFOA PFOS FreeView on AmazonFarberware Dishwasher Safe Nonstick Jumbo Cooker Chef's Pan with Lid and Helper Handle, Kitchen Cookware, 6-Quart, BlackView on AmazonSNOWCLAD Frying Pans Nonstick with Lid,Hybrid Non Stick 5 Quart Saute pan,PFOA Free Cookware,Stainless Steel skillet,12 inch Deep Saute Pan,Dishwasher&Oven Safe,Works on All CooktopsView on Amazon

Cutting board

Astercook Deep-Carbonized Bamboo Cutting Boards for Kitchen with Wood Storage Stand, Reversible Charcuterie & Chopping Boards with Juice Grooves and Easy-Grip Handles, Fathers Day Gift for MenView on AmazonZeawec 3-Piece Set Bamboo Cutting Board for Kitchen - Crack-Resistant Wood Chopping Boards with Deep Juice Grooves, Pre-Oiled Butcher Block for Meat, Vegetables & Cheese, CarbonizedView on AmazonTitanium Cutting Board for Kitchen, Cutting Board Double Sided Food Grade, Pure Titanium/PP, Easy to Clean Large Size 15”×10.3”View on Amazon

Knife

Legal Pocket Knife with 2.95” Serrated Blade, Glass Breaker, Seat Belt Cutter - EDC Sharp Folding Knives with Portable Clip - Small Tool for Tactical Camping Survival Hiking - Gifts for Men 6680View on AmazonSmith & Wesson Accessories Extreme Ops SWA24S 7.1in S.S. Folding Knife with 3.1in Serrated Clip Point Blade and Aluminum Handle for Outdoor, Tactical, Survival and EDCView on AmazonAmazon Basics Classic 8-inch Full Tang High Carbon Stainless Steel Chef's Knife, Multipurpose Kitchen Knife with Three Rivets, SilverView on Amazon

Measuring spoons

Measuring Spoons, Premium Heavy Duty Stainless Steel Measuring Spoons Cups Set, Small Tablespoon with Metric and US Measurements, Set of 6 for Measuring Dry and Liquid IngredientsView on AmazonTILUCK Measuring Cups & Spoons Set, Stackable Cups and Spoons, Nesting Measure Cups with Stainless Steel Handle, Kitchen Gadgets for Cooking & Baking (Black)View on AmazonSpring Chef Stainless Steel Magnetic Measuring Spoons Set with Strong N45 Magnets, Heavy Duty Metal Kitchen Gadgets for Baking & Cooking, Fits in Most Kitchen Spice Jars, Set of 8 with Leveler, BlackView on Amazon

Wooden spoon or spatula

Zulay Kitchen 6 Piece Wooden Spoons for Cooking – Natural Teak Wooden Utensil Set, Easy to Clean, Durable, Smooth with Comfort Grip - Non Toxic Wooden Cooking Utensil SetsView on AmazonRiveira Bamboo Cooking Spoons 6-Piece – Wooden Cooking Utensils Set with Wooden Spoons for Cooking & Spatulas Wooden Utensil Sets – Premium Kitchen Utensils Set – Durable First Apartment EssentialsView on AmazonWooden Spatulas, 2 PCs Natural Acacia Wooden Cooking Utensils Set for Non-stick Pan Kitchen Tool, flipping and Wok Spatula, Wooden Spoons & Spurtle for CookingView on Amazon

Recipe Tips

FAQ

Can I make this curry less spicy?

Yes. Use a smaller amount of chili flakes, then add more at the end only if you want extra heat.

When should the kale be added?

Add the kale after the coconut milk sauce has simmered and the chicken is cooked through, then cook just until the kale is tender.

What should I serve with this chicken curry?

Basmati rice is the intended base for this dish and helps soak up the coconut curry sauce.