Samoan · beginner
Samoan Coconut Turmeric Chicken Thighs With Sweet Yam
Tender halal chicken thighs simmered in a golden turmeric garlic coconut broth alongside velvety sweet yams for a comforting island dish.
- PREP TIME
- 15 min
- COOK TIME
- 25 min
- SERVES
- 4
Good things
start in the kitchen.
LET’S MAKE IT
Step by step
- 01
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- 02
Add diced yellow onion, minced garlic, and minced ginger to the skillet, stir-frying for 3 minutes until softened and aromatic.
- 03
Add the halal chicken pieces and sear for 4 minutes until golden on all sides.
- 04
Stir in the yellow curry powder, ground turmeric, and cubed sweet yam, tossing to coat evenly with the spices.
- 05
Pour in the canned coconut milk and stir well, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
- 06
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then lower the heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until the sweet yams are fork-tender and chicken reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- 07
Uncover, stir in the fresh scallions, and simmer for another 2 minutes to thicken the sauce slightly before serving.
A LITTLE KITCHEN KNOW-HOW
Golden Curry Simmering
Browning aromatic ginger, garlic, and curry spices directly in warm oil before adding liquids builds deep foundation flavors for coconut-based braises.
Notes from the kitchen
- Cut sweet yams into small half-inch uniform cubes so they cook through in the same timeframe as the chicken.
- Use full-fat coconut milk rather than light coconut milk to achieve a lush sauce consistency typical of Pacific island home cooking.
- Original home-cooking adaptation inspired by Samoan; regional versions vary.
- Use halal-certified meat, poultry, stock, sauces, cheese and other processed ingredients. Check labels and avoid cross-contamination. Recipe screening is not halal certification.