South Indian Coconut Chicken & Zucchini

Golden seared chicken thighs simmer with peak-season Washington zucchini and tomatoes in a practical, warmly spiced coconut sauce.

  • Total time: 45 min
  • Servings: 6 servings
  • Estimated total cost: $19
  • Calories per serving: 550 cal
  • Stovetop

Ingredients

  • Simple Truth® Natural Boneless and Skinless Fresh Chicken Thighs Griller Pack BIG DEAL!
    1 3/4 lb $4.49
  • Kroger® Jasmine Rice
    1 1/2 cups $7.49
  • Zucchini
    1 lb $2.69
  • Fresh Roma Tomato
    12 oz $1.99
  • Jumbo Yellow Onions
    8 oz $0.99
  • Garlic
    4 cloves $1.29
  • Ginger Root
    1 tablespoon grated $4.99
  • Fresh Organic Limes
    1 $1.50
  • Organic Cilantro
    1/2 cup chopped $1.99
  • Light coconut milk
    1 can (13.5 oz)
  • Water
    2 1/4 cups
  • Neutral cooking oil
    2 tablespoons
  • Diamond Crystal Salt flakes
    4 3/4 teaspoons
  • Black mustard seeds
    1 teaspoon
  • Ground coriander
    2 teaspoons
  • Ground cumin
    1/2 teaspoon
  • Ground turmeric
    3/4 teaspoon
  • Cayenne pepper
    1/4 teaspoon

Instructions

  1. Pat 1 3/4 pounds chicken thighs dry and season all over with 2 teaspoons Diamond Crystal Salt flakes. Let the chicken stand for 10 minutes while preparing the vegetables.

  2. Cut 1 pound zucchini into 3/4-inch half-moons, dice 8 ounces yellow onion, dice 12 ounces Roma tomatoes, mince 4 garlic cloves, and grate 1 tablespoon ginger. Juice 1 lime into a small bowl and mix it with 1/4 cup chopped cilantro to make the lime-cilantro finish; reserve another 1/4 cup chopped cilantro for plating.

  3. Combine 1 1/2 cups jasmine rice, 2 1/4 cups water, and 5/8 teaspoon Diamond Crystal Salt flakes in a saucepan. Bring to a boil over high heat, cover, reduce the heat to low, and cook for 15 minutes. Remove from the heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes before fluffing.

  4. Make the spice blend by combining:

    • 1 teaspoon black mustard seeds
    • 2 teaspoons ground coriander
    • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
    • 3/4 teaspoon ground turmeric
    • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

    Set the spice blend beside the stove.

  5. Heat 1 tablespoon neutral cooking oil in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken in one layer and sear for about 4 minutes per side until deeply golden; transfer it to a plate.

  6. Reduce the heat to medium and add 1 tablespoon neutral cooking oil. Add:

    • 8 ounces diced yellow onion
    • 1 pound zucchini half-moons
    • 2 1/8 teaspoons Diamond Crystal Salt flakes

    Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion softens and the zucchini begins to brown. Add the minced garlic, grated ginger, and spice blend; stir for 30 seconds until fragrant.

  7. Stir the diced tomatoes and 1 can (13.5 ounces) light coconut milk into the vegetables. Bring to a simmer, return the seared chicken and its juices to the skillet, and cook uncovered for 8 to 10 minutes, turning once, until the sauce lightly thickens and the chicken reaches 170°F.

  8. Remove the skillet from the heat, spoon the lime-cilantro finish over the chicken, and rest for 3 minutes. Divide the fluffed rice among six shallow bowls, top with the chicken, zucchini, and coconut sauce, and garnish with the reserved cilantro.

Health: Light coconut milk reduces saturated fat but makes the sauce slightly less rich.

Drink pairing: An off-dry Riesling cools the chile heat while complementing the coconut and lime.