Add the chicken thighs to a large zip loc bag, Add the paprika, turmeric and salt. Close the bag and squeeze to mix well and ensure the spices are on all of the chicken parts. Set aside. This may be done and left in the fridge overnight.
Heat the oil on medium high in a large dutch oven. Stir in the onions and quickly lower the heat to medium low. Cook slowly, stirring often until the onions soften, approximately 8 minutes.
Add the garlic and continue to cook for an additional 5 minutes more.
Add the marinated chicken pieces, squeezing out as much of the spice mixture as possible from the bag. Stir to mix well with the onions.
Add the coconut milk and bring to almost a boil. Let everything simmer for about 4 minutes to thicken.
Lower to medium low heat. Stir in the fish sauce, chickpeas and 1 to 1/2 cups water and bring back to a low bowl then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let everything cook until the chicken is tender, about 30 to 40 minutes.
Stir in the curry powder and cayenne, simmer a bit more then remove from the heat.
Allow the curry to sit for 20 minutes before serving, bring back to a simmer then serve immediately with rice or noodles. Top with cilantro and lime wedges
Recipe by Just a Smidgen at https://justasmidgen.com/2025/11/22/chicken-coconut-chickpea-curry/