Crispy Baked Curry Chicken Recipe With Creamy Coconut Rice Smells & Tastes Amazing by Donna John

Crispy, golden brown chicken flavored with curry is nestled in creamy coconut rice. This easy curry chicken recipe is delicious! The chicken is browned first to increase the crispiness, and the onion and aromatics are cooked in the pan drippings to add even more flavor. The baked chicken recipe makes the whole house smell absolutely amazing as it cooks.

Here is your shopping list for this baked curry recipe: bone-in chicken, curry powder (check out the surprising health benefits of curry powder), ground cayenne, olive oil, onion, garlic, fresh ginger, tomato paste, basmati rice and coconut milk. 

This curry chicken recipe uses bone-in chicken pieces that are seasoned with curry powder and a little cayenne. They are browned in an ovenproof skillet then removed to a plate. The onions, garlic and ginger are cooked in the drippings, then the tomato paste, rice, water and coconut milk are added. Put the chicken back into the pan and bake until the chicken is cooked through. 

This curry chicken and coconut rice recipe is a meal on its own, but you could add a vegetable. I served it with sautéed green beans.

Cuisine: Middle Eastern / Indian
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 6 - 8 bone-in chicken pieces (I used thighs and legs)
• 4 teaspoons curry powder
• ground cayenne, to taste (see Recipe Notes)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons grated fresh ginger
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 cups basmati rice, uncooked
• 2 cups water
• 14 ounces (1 can) coconut milk (I used full-fat coconut milk)

Recipe Notes

• Use whatever chicken pieces you like. I used thighs and drumsticks. Baking time will vary according to the size of your chicken and the pieces used. Breasts usually take longer to cook.

• I like to garnish the finished dish with fresh chopped cilantro.

• I used homemade cayenne powder. 

Here's how to make it: 

1. Season both sides of the chicken with salt, pepper, curry powder and cayenne, to taste.
   
2. Heat the olive oil in an ovenproof skillet (I used a cast iron skillet). Add the chicken and cook until well browned on both sides, about 3 to 5 minutes per side, depending on how big your chicken pieces are. Remove to a plate.
   
3. Add the onion to the pan (do not drain the oil or pan drippings). Cook until soft, about 3 minutes. Add the garlic and ginger and cook another minute.
   
4. Add the tomato paste and cook, stirring, about 1 minute.
   
5. Add the rice and stir to coat. Cook about 1 minute.
   
6. Add the water and coconut milk. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil.
   
7. Turn off the heat. Put the chicken back into the pan in a single layer.
   
8. Cover the pan with a lid or foil. Bake in a preheated 350-degree F oven for about 25 minutes or until chicken is cooked through (165 degrees F). Uncover and bake about 5 minutes more to crisp the skin. (I turned the broiler on for a minute.)
   
9. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro.
   
   

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