Anti-Inflammatory Creamy Coconut Chicken Curry

This easy-to-make mildly spicy chicken curry is one of those flavorful, nourishing staples that comes together quickly, makes great leftovers, and pairs perfectly with rice. Loaded with antioxidant-rich spices like turmeric and ginger, it’s a healthy meal prep favorite you’ll come back to again and again.

Yields: 8 servings

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 35 minutes

Total time: 45 minutes

Ingredients

• 3 Tbsp coconut oil, divided

• 2 lbs organic, free-range chicken tenders

• 1 ½ red bell peppers, thinly sliced

• 1 cup onion, diced

• 1 Tbsp garlic, minced

• 1 Tbsp ground ginger (or 1 Tbsp fresh grated ginger)

• 2 Tbsp yellow curry powder

• 1 Tbsp ground turmeric

• 1 ½ tsp garam masala

• 1 ½ tsp ground cumin

• 1 ½ tsp sea salt

• 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes

• 1 (14 oz) can full-fat coconut milk

• ½–1 cup fresh cilantro, minced

• 4 cups cooked organic white rice (recommended: cooked in bone broth for added minerals and flavor)

Instructions

1. In a large, high-sided skillet or sauté pan, heat 1 tablespoon of the coconut oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken tenders and sear for 1–2 minutes per side, just until lightly browned. Remove and set aside on a plate.

2. Reduce heat to medium and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of coconut oil to the pan. Add the sliced red bell pepper, diced onion, garlic, ginger, curry powder, turmeric, garam masala, cumin, and salt. Cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the vegetables soften and the spices become fragrant.

3. Stir in the crushed tomatoes and coconut milk. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes, then uncover and continue to simmer for another 5–10 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

4. While the sauce simmers, shred the cooked chicken with two forks. Return it to the pan and stir to combine.

5. Stir in the minced cilantro, then taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

6. Spoon the curry over warm rice and garnish with extra cilantro if desired. Store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Meal Prep Tip: This dish freezes well! Portion into single servings and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stovetop or microwave until hot throughout.