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Creamy Thai Coconut Curry Chicken Recipe with Spicy Kick

creamy Thai coconut curry chicken - featured image

A quick and easy creamy Thai coconut curry chicken with a spicy kick, balancing rich coconut milk with bold flavors and a hint of heat. Perfect for cozy dinners and adaptable for various diets.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 can (13.5 oz / 400 ml) full-fat coconut milk
  • 2 tbsp red curry paste
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp fish sauce
  • 1 tsp brown sugar
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • A handful fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Optional vegetables: bell peppers, snap peas, zucchini
  • 2 tbsp neutral cooking oil (canola or vegetable)

Instructions

  1. Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces, mince the garlic, and grate the ginger. Chop vegetables if using. (About 10 minutes)
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons of neutral oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add garlic and ginger, stirring constantly for about 2 minutes until aromatic but not browned.
  3. Add 2 tablespoons of red curry paste and cook for 1-2 minutes until the oil separates and the paste darkens slightly.
  4. Add chicken pieces to the skillet, stirring to coat evenly with the curry paste. Cook for 5-7 minutes until chicken starts to brown but is not fully cooked.
  5. Slowly pour in the coconut milk, stirring gently to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for about 5 minutes.
  6. Stir in fish sauce and brown sugar. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  7. If using vegetables, add them now and simmer for another 5-6 minutes until chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender-crisp.
  8. Remove from heat and squeeze fresh lime juice over the curry.
  9. Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve immediately with steamed jasmine rice or your choice of side.

Notes

Toast the curry paste gently in oil to unlock flavors. Use chicken thighs for juiciness. Adjust curry paste amount to control heat. Add lime juice at the end to brighten flavors. Leftovers taste better after a day. Reheat gently with a splash of water or broth if needed.

Nutrition

Keywords: Thai curry, coconut curry, chicken curry, spicy curry, easy dinner, creamy curry, Thai recipe