The first time I made this Thai chicken curry, I was worried I would find it lacking. Having eaten copious amounts of authentic Thai curry (and Vegetarian Pad Thai) in Thailand, I know how fabulous a perfect chicken curry can be. With a short and simple ingredient list, at least compared to many Thai recipes, I had to wonder how this easy Thai chicken curry could measure up. Well, to put it simply, this Thai curry recipe BLEW ME AWAY. Meet one of the best Thai chicken curry recipes you will ever make at home. It’s even better than some of the best authentic chicken curry I ate in Thailand—seriously, compared to a few popular places we tried in tourist Chiang Mai, I like this one more! Aside from being downright delicious, I love this recipe for its short, approachable ingredient list (you can find everything you need at your local grocery store) and simple one-pan cooking method (like this Egg Roll in a Bowl).
Yes, I realize Thai curry purists will (correctly) point out that authentic Thai curry chicken has many more things added to it than this recipe does.However, I love that this easy adaptation can quickly come to life in your kitchen regardless of where you are located and how much time.
In summary: If you can chop vegetables and stir coconut milk, you CAN make this easy Thai chicken curry recipe! (With those skills, this Chickpea Curry is also within reach.)
How to Make Thai Chicken Curry
This Thai curry chicken recipe with coconut milk is a breeze to prep (like many of my other stir fry recipes). The final effect is deeply rewarding: a rich, not-too-spicy, yet-oh-so-flavorful thick coconut sauce brimming with ginger, garlic, and authentic Thai curry flavor. My dear friend, Jessica of How Sweet Eats, created this fantastic curry chicken skillet recipe. It originally appeared in her excellent cookbook, The Pretty Dish. Please support her and check it out!
The Ingredients
Chicken. You can make this Thai curry chicken with chicken breasts or swap it for chicken thighs.Red Curry Paste. Thai red curry paste is the star flavor-maker in this Thai red chicken curry recipe. Curry paste is available in the Asian food section of most major grocery stores or online here.
Coconut Milk. While I’m all for a healthy swap, for this curry you need full-fat (not light) coconut milk or the sauce will be too watery. (If you love recipes with coconut milk, try these other creamy, dreamy delights.)Bell Pepper. Loaded with vitamin A and vitamin C, tender red bell peppers add lovely flavor and color to this rich and robustly flavored Thai curry sauce.
Leek. Provides the sauce with a mild onion flavor that lets the flavors of the curry paste really shine.Ginger + Garlic. Give this Thai curry sauce (and this Instant Pot Lentil Curry) so much life.Cilantro. For a final herby finish that ties everything together.
Rice or Sourdough Bread. A bed of freshly steamed brown or jasmine rice is the perfect foundation for a healthy scoop of this creamy coconut Thai chicken curry recipe. A fresh sourdough baguette is also divine for soaking up every last drop of the heavenly sauce.
The Directions
Storage Tips for Thai Curry
To Store. Leftovers may be kept in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.To Reheat. Warm gently on the stovetop in a saucepan or wok until steaming. Alternatively, you can also microwave until heated through in a microwave-safe container.To Freeze. I do not recommend freezing, as I have not had the best luck freezing sauces with a coconut milk base.
Recommended Tools to Make this Curry Chicken
Skillet. All you really need is a quality skillet. I used this one; this brand is also excellent. For an affordable, quality option, check out this one.Knife. A sharp chef’s knife will make chopping up the bell peppers and herbs a breeze.The Pretty Dish. I hope you check out more of the tasty recipes from Jessica’s cookbook. It has brought so many yummy recipes into my life.
Far quicker than ordering takeout (and definitely faster than a flight to Thailand), this is simply the BEST easy Thai curry recipe you’ll find.
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