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This Simple Spicy Summer Coconut Chicken Curry is quick to make and full of yummy island flavors. It’s made with spicy gingered mango, flavorful red curry paste, lots of ginger, shallots, and creamy coconut milk. The boneless chicken is simmered in a sauce of garden vegetables and served with a bright mango topping. A side of rice and fresh naan – for soaking up all that yummy curry sauce – make this dish so delicious.

There’s nothing I enjoy more than a summer chicken curry recipe or stir-fry. Throw everything in a skillet with some seasonings, then serve with rice. The simplest of dinners that always comes out so flavorful and delicious.
Curries might be my favorite, however. They’re summer comfort food with lots of fresh vegetables and a creamy sauce. And they’re usually coconut based, which is my favorite.
Today I’m sharing a new summer curry that came together so wonderfully. I’ve been excited to share this for days! This spicy curry is all about the sauce. It’s creamy but seasoned up with a mix of tropical Jamaican-inspired spices and Thai red curry paste.
I used a lot of ginger and shallots, then all the summer produce in my fridge: sweet yellow corn, zucchini, and red bell peppers.

Step 1: make the ginger rice
Technically this is not a part of the recipe, but I’m going to tell you how to make it here because I love this rice so much.
Bring 2 cups of coconut milk and 1 cup of water to a boil. Then add in 2 cups of dry basmati rice and about 1/3 cup of pickled sushi-style ginger. Quickly cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and reduce the heat to LOW. Cook over low heat for 10-15 minutes. Turn the heat off and let sit for another 15 minutes.
During this time, do not take any peaks inside. When the rice is ready, fluff with a fork. I adore the addition of creamy coconut and ginger, it really makes the rice so special!
Step 2: make the curry
Start with the chicken. I like to use chicken breasts, but chicken thighs are great too. Cut into bite-sized pieces. Cook it in a skillet with a spice blend of smoked paprika, cayenne, and pepper. Then add curry paste, a couple squares of butter, the shallots, fresh ginger, and thyme.
Once that has cooked and is fragrant, add the vegetables. You can use any mix of vegetables you love, I use fresh summer corn, zucchini, and red bell peppers.
Mix in the coconut milk. Then add a dash of cinnamon and some fish sauce (alternatively, use tamari or soy sauce). Let the sauce simmer until it thickens up.

Step 3: the mango
Toss together a diced mango along with jalapeños and pickled ginger. This is a sweet, spicy bite that you can spoon over your curry.
It balances the dish out so beautifully.
Step 4: serve and enjoy
Spoon the rice into bowls. Then spoon the curry and sauce over the rice. I love to drizzle over a spicy curry butter and finish with fresh basil.
For serving, add a side of warm naan – the best!
This dish is definitely becoming a quick weeknight family favorite. It’s also fun because you can use any mix of summer produce!

Looking for other quick summer curries? Here are some favorites:
Coconut Curry Salmon with Garlic Butter
Saucy Coconut Curry with Rice Noodles and Garden Vegetables
Weeknight 30 Minute Coconut Curry Chicken Meatballs
20 Minute Red Curry Basil Garlic Oil Noodles
Lastly, if you make this Simple Spicy Summer Coconut Chicken Curry be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.

Scrumptiously good!! I substituted chickpeas for the chicken and used cauliflower rice (plain) and it was a keeper!
Thank you so so much Jody! I am so glad you loved this curry! So glad to hear that! xT
OMG, what flavors! I was hesitant to use the Mango mixture, but read all the reviews, made it, and I’m glad I did. Everything was excellent and complimented each other. My husband absolutely loved it, and so did I! I do agree with a couple of reviewers, the time needed, is much more for us, non professionals, than you. Very worth the time!
Hi Karen! Thanks so much for giving the recipe a try! So glad you enjoyed this curry! xT
Oh my!!! This was delightful! Absolutely delicious- every component was a complement to the others. The ginger rice… I’ve never thought to incorporate pickled ginger… our new family favorite! Cannot leave enough exclamations to express the depth of flavors joy this recipe brings to my heart & cannot wait to make & enjoy this again!! Yum!
Hey Michelle,
Wonderful! So glad to hear this recipe turned out well for you, thanks for giving it a try! Xx
In step 2 – how much coconut milk do you use? 2.5 cups? Thanks!
2. Mix in the vegetables, let cook 5 minutes, then pour in the coconut milk and fish sauce. Season with salt. Cook 5-10 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened. Stir in the basil.
Hey Kristin,
Yes, you are going to use 2 1/2 cups. Please let me know if you have any other questions! xT
This was excellent! It is my new favorite rice. The mango mixture was incredible! It really elevated the dish. My man, who lives of Thai and Indian food, looked at me with astonishment after a few bites and then posted it to the socials. You created shock and awe as you always do, thank you Tieghan.
Hi Emily,
Thrilled to hear that you enjoyed this recipe, thanks a lot for making it and your comment:)
Just finished this dish. It’s so flavorful, quick and easy.
Hey Julie,
Awesome! Thanks so much for trying this dish and your comment! Love to hear that it was enjoyed! Have a great weekend! xT
👀 peeks
🏔️ peaks