Thai Chicken Coconut Curry is a delightful dish that embodies the vibrant flavors of Thai cuisine. With tender chicken simmered in rich coconut milk and aromatic spices, every bite offers a taste of warmth and comfort. This recipe not only creates a satisfying meal but also fills your kitchen with enticing scents that make it hard to resist. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just treating yourself to a cozy night in, this curry is sure to impress.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
- Calories per serving: 400
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fat: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 850mg
Why Make This Thai Chicken Coconut Curry
This Thai Chicken Coconut Curry is a perfect blend of savory and sweet, thanks to the coconut milk and red curry paste. It’s easy to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights or family gatherings. The combination of tender chicken, crunchy vegetables, and aromatic herbs will make your taste buds sing. Plus, it’s a great way to introduce some excitement into your weekly meal rotation without requiring extensive cooking skills!
How to Make Thai Chicken Coconut Curry
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
- 2 tbsp red curry paste
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 2 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tbsp sugar
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
- Cooked rice for serving
Directions:
Step 1: Preparation
In a large skillet, heat a bit of oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and cook until it becomes translucent, infusing your kitchen with a warm onion aroma.
Step 2: Mixing
Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger. Allow the mixture to cook for another minute until the garlic is fragrant, creating a fragrant base for your curry.
Step 3: Cooking
Add the chicken pieces to the skillet. Cook until they are browned on all sides, ensuring they are cooked through. Then, stir in the red curry paste and let it cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Step 4: Finishing
Pour in the coconut milk along with the fish sauce and sugar, stirring to combine everything into a luscious sauce. Add the sliced bell pepper and broccoli florets, and let the mixture simmer for about 10-15 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked and the vegetables are tender. Serve over cooked rice, garnishing with fresh basil leaves for an uplifting finish.
How to Serve Thai Chicken Coconut Curry
Serve your Thai Chicken Coconut Curry over a bed of fluffy white or jasmine rice to soak up all the delicious sauce. For a complete meal, pair it with a side of lightly steamed vegetables or a fresh cucumber salad. This dish also complements a chilled glass of iced tea or a light beer perfectly.
How to Store Thai Chicken Coconut Curry
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you think you’ll enjoy this dish later, consider freezing it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and warm gently on the stove or in the microwave until heated through.
Expert Tips for Perfect Thai Chicken Coconut Curry
- Adjust the Spice: If you prefer a milder curry, use less red curry paste or choose a mild variety.
- Fresh Herbs: Adding fresh cilantro along with or instead of basil can elevate the flavor even more!
- Veggie Variations: Feel free to substitute or add other vegetables like snap peas, carrots, or zucchini based on your preferences.
- Protein Swap: This recipe works wonderfully with shrimp or tofu for a different twist!
Delicious Variations
- Vegetarian Twist: Replace chicken with tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian version. Utilize vegetable broth instead of fish sauce for full flavor.
- Seafood Delight: Add shrimp or fish towards the end of cooking for a seafood version of this curry.
- Hearty Additions: Mix in sweet potatoes or carrots for a heartier meal that’s packed with nutrients.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use light coconut milk? Yes, light coconut milk can be used for fewer calories, but the sauce may be thinner.
- What if I don’t have fish sauce? You can substitute it with soy sauce or tamari for a different flavor profile.
- Can I make this in advance? Yes, you can make it a day before and store it in the fridge. The flavors will deepen overnight!
- Is this recipe gluten-free? Yes, as long as the fish sauce you use is gluten-free, this recipe is safe for gluten-free diets.
- How do I adjust the flavor if it’s too sweet? Add a bit of lime juice or extra fish sauce to balance the sweetness.
Conclusion
Thai Chicken Coconut Curry is not just a dish; it’s an experience that brings warmth and comfort to your home. Its simple preparation and burst of flavors make it a stellar choice for any occasion. Try making this recipe today and share it with friends and family. You’re bound to create delightful memories around the table, all the while enjoying this exquisite taste of Thailand. Enjoy every spoonful of this delicious curry!
PrintThai Chicken Coconut Curry
- Author: mia-harper
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
A delightful Thai dish with tender chicken simmered in rich coconut milk and aromatic spices, perfect for cozy nights or dinner parties.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
- 2 tbsp red curry paste
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 2 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tbsp sugar
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
- Cooked rice for serving
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat a bit of oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and cook until translucent.
- Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger and cook for another minute.
- Add the chicken pieces to the skillet and cook until browned on all sides, then stir in the red curry paste.
- Pour in the coconut milk, fish sauce, and sugar, stirring to combine. Add the bell pepper and broccoli, and let simmer for 10-15 minutes until fully cooked.
- Serve over cooked rice, garnishing with fresh basil leaves.
Notes
Adjust the spice levels to your liking and feel free to substitute chicken with tofu or shrimp for variations.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Thai
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg