Dragon Fruit and Coconut Chicken Curry

When you’re craving something warm, creamy, and full of flavor with a tropical twist, there’s nothing quite like Dragon Fruit and Coconut Chicken Curry. This vibrant and fragrant dish brings together tender chicken, luscious coconut milk, and the subtle sweetness of dragon fruit for a unique curry that’s as visually stunning as it is comforting.

This recipe takes classic coconut curry to a bold new level with the unexpected burst of pink from dragon fruit. The result? A dish that’s slightly sweet, delightfully creamy, mildly spiced, and loaded with both nutrition and flavor. Whether you’re cooking to impress or just treating yourself to something special, this curry is a must-try.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Colorful & Unique – Dragon fruit adds an unexpected twist that’s both eye-catching and subtly sweet.
Creamy Comfort – Coconut milk gives the curry its luscious, rich texture.
Easy to Make – Minimal prep and a one-pan process make this a weeknight win.
Gluten & Dairy Free – Naturally allergy-friendly without sacrificing flavor.
Great for Meal Prep – Flavors deepen overnight, making leftovers even better.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Curry:

• 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup fresh dragon fruit (preferably red-fleshed), cubed
• 1 (14 oz) can coconut milk
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil or neutral oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2–3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 2 tablespoons red curry paste (or adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce or soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon lime juice
• Salt & pepper, to taste
• Fresh cilantro or Thai basil, for garnish
• Cooked jasmine rice or rice noodles, for serving

Tools You’ll Need

• Large skillet or wok
• Cutting board & knife
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring spoons
• Serving bowls

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large skillet or wok, heat coconut oil over medium heat.
Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 2–3 minutes.
Stir in garlic and ginger and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Add the chicken pieces to the pan. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
Cook for 4–5 minutes until browned on all sides but not fully cooked through.

Step 3: Add Curry Base

Stir in red curry paste and coat the chicken well.
Pour in coconut milk and bring to a gentle simmer.

Step 4: Add Dragon Fruit & Seasoning

Stir in dragon fruit cubes and let the curry simmer uncovered for 10–12 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce slightly thickens.
Add fish sauce (or soy sauce), lime juice, and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 5: Garnish & Serve

Remove from heat and let sit for 2 minutes.
Serve hot over jasmine rice or noodles. Garnish with fresh cilantro or Thai basil.

Tips for the Best Curry

Use Red-Fleshed Dragon Fruit – It adds beautiful pink color and subtle sweetness.
Adjust Heat – Add chili flakes or fresh Thai chilies if you want a spicier kick.
Make It Vegetarian – Substitute tofu or chickpeas for chicken.
Add Veggies – Bell peppers, snow peas, or spinach pair beautifully with this curry.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve over jasmine rice or rice noodles
• Pair with garlic naan or roti
• Top with toasted coconut flakes or crushed peanuts for crunch
• Add a side of cucumber salad for freshness

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Let curry cool and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheating:
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, or microwave until warm, stirring occasionally.

Freezing:
Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as above. (Note: Dragon fruit may lose its color slightly after freezing.)

Frequently Asked Questions

Does dragon fruit taste sweet in the curry?
It’s mildly sweet and blends beautifully into the sauce, adding both color and depth without overpowering the curry.

Can I use frozen dragon fruit?
Yes! Thaw it before adding, and pat dry to reduce excess water.

What kind of curry paste works best?
Red curry paste gives a perfect balance of heat and flavor, but green or yellow curry paste can also work.

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Absolutely—just be careful not to overcook so the meat stays tender.

Is this dish spicy?
Mild to medium, depending on your curry paste. Add more or less to your taste.

Final Thoughts

Dragon Fruit and Coconut Chicken Curry is a vibrant, exotic twist on classic comfort food. With a creamy coconut base, tender chicken, and tropical dragon fruit, it’s as beautiful to look at as it is delicious to eat. Whether you’re cooking to impress or simply want to spice up your weekly dinner routine, this dish delivers big flavor with very little effort.

Try it out and don’t forget to share your colorful curry creation on Pinterest or Instagram—we love seeing your kitchen adventures!

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Cuisine: Southeast Asian Inspired

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