Curry with avocado - Coconut Chicken Curry - Amy Myers MD®

Coconut Chicken Curry

They say variety is the spice of life, and I couldn’t agree more. If you’re looking for an Indian-inspired cuisine that’s The Myers Way® approved, this Coconut Chicken Curry recipe is a must-try! Crafted with turmeric and cumin, organic chicken breast, and full fat coconut milk, this savory dish is a delicious way to boost your antioxidants.

One of the highlights of this recipe is how simple it is to make! The different textures of the vegetables build on each other nicely. The spices also add a vibrant hue and fragrance. Paired with tender chicken over cauliflower rice, you can create this easy meal in under 30 minutes!

Ingredients - Coconut Chicken Curry - Amy Myers MD®

Coconut Curry

In its simplest form, curry is the term used for an Indian sauce, usually served with meats, vegetables, or tofu. It’s a dish where you can be as creative as you want! That said, many traditional coconut curry recipes use ingredients such as peppers and tomatoes. It’s also typically served with rice or potatoes. Peppers and tomatoes are nightshades that can cause digestive problems in some people. Those following The Myers Way® lifestyle should also avoid rice and other grains. This coconut curry is nightshade free and served with cauliflower rice. This helps eliminate any potential GI upset and keeps you on track with your health goals!

What Spices Are in Curry?

Curry spices - Coconut Chicken Curry - Amy Myers MD®

One of the most notable features of curries is their endless spice possibilities. Some people prefer sweeter curries with cinnamon and clove. Others prefer using hot spices like chili peppers. This coconut chicken curry uses a gut-healthy blend of minced garlic, onion powder, turmeric, and cumin. It also uses coriander, which is a slightly sweeter herb. You may also know this spice as cilantro in its adult form.

Turmeric and cumin are key players in this recipe. Turmeric is a yellow-orange root that is high in curcumin. Curcumin contains anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce joint pain and heart disease1 Cumin is a flowering plant within the parsley family. The dried seeds are ground into a powder. That powder is what we use to flavor dishes. Cumin contains flavonoids and phenols that act as antioxidants. Research suggests these may help reduce key inflammation markers, NF-kappaB, in the body2 Using turmeric and cumin together is a powerful blend that helps promote optimal health.

Onion and spices - Coconut Chicken Curry - Amy Myers MD®

Full Fat Coconut Milk

Coconut milk brings everything together. Using full fat coconut milk gives this curry a rich, creamy consistency. It’s also loaded with nutrients. Full fat coconut milk has healthy saturated fats, potassium, magnesium, calcium, and iron. The medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) in coconut milk may also aid weight loss. MCTs help balance your microbiome and blood sugar levels. Coconut milk may also have anti-inflammatory and antibiotic benefits!

Adding coconut milk - Coconut Chicken Curry - Amy Myers MD®

Organic Chicken Breast

Curries go well with most meats, including beef, chicken, and fish. For this coconut chicken curry, I’m using organic chicken breast. Factory-raised chickens tend to eat a nutrient-poor diet of corn and soy, and often animal by-products. They also receive antibiotics and rarely see the sunlight. Organic chickens are bred to higher standards. They are often allowed to be on pasture. This translates to high levels of Vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids3

Chicken in bowl of curry - Coconut Chicken Curry - Amy Myers MD®

How To Enjoy Coconut Chicken Curry

Serve this Coconut Chicken Curry warm over a bowl of steaming cauliflower rice. Cauliflower rice is an excellent source of fiber and Vitamin C, K, and folate. Its low-carb, low-calorie nature also aligns perfectly with The Myers Way® lifestyle.

This dish makes a hearty and delicious dinner. Bring it to your next big social event, or to a simple gathering around the table with a few friends. With spices like turmeric and cumin, this dish promotes healthy inflammatory response and fills your kitchen with fragrant aromas of Indian cuisine!

Bowl of curry - Coconut Chicken Curry - Amy Myers MD®
Curry with avocado - Coconut Chicken Curry - Amy Myers MD®

Coconut Chicken Curry


Course:

Servings

4

Prep Time

20 minutes

Recipe version:

Ingredients

  • 1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic chopped
  • 1  white onion diced
  • 1/2 cup green onions chopped
  • 2 stalks  celery chopped
  • 1 chicken breast cooked and cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1/2 Tbsp turmeric
  • 1/2 Tbsp cumin
  • 1 Tbsp coriander
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp sea salt
  • 13.5 oz full fat coconut milk
  • 1 avocado sliced

Instructions

  1. Coat a large skillet with olive oil and heat on medium heat.
  2. When hot, add garlic and cook until slightly browned.
  3. Add chopped onion and more oil, if needed. Cover and cook until onions are translucent.
  4. Add turmeric, cumin, coriander and onion powder.
  5. Mix to coat onions then add celery and green onions.
  6. Mix, then add celery.
  7. Add cooked chicken and coconut milk. Let simmer to mix flavors.
  8. Top with sliced avocado and serve over 1 cup of cauliflower rice per serving (optional).
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