Thai Red Curry With Chicken Recipe

Zesty Thai Red Curry With Chicken Recipe for Cozy Nights

Spice up your dinner routine with a mouthwatering Thai red curry with chicken that promises explosive flavors in every bite.

The vibrant blend of aromatic herbs and bold spices creates a symphony of taste that’ll transport you straight to the bustling streets of Bangkok.

Tender chicken pieces swim in a rich, creamy sauce bursting with complex layers of heat and sweetness.

Each spoonful delivers a perfect balance of warmth and depth that makes this dish truly irresistible.

Fresh vegetables add color and crunch to the velvety curry, making it a complete and satisfying meal.

This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality experience you can easily create at home.

Prepare to embark on a culinary adventure that will become a staple in your cooking repertoire.

Thai Red Curry With Chicken Is a Comforting Bowl

  • Craft Cinnamon Delight: Create a mouthwatering treat that transforms ordinary mornings into special moments with its irresistible cinnamon-sugar swirl.
  • Master Simple Baking: Achieve bakery-quality results with minimal baking skills, using basic ingredients and straightforward mixing techniques that guarantee delicious muffins every single time.
  • Perfect for Sharing: Designed as a crowd-pleasing breakfast or brunch option that brings families and friends together, these muffins spark conversation and create warm memories around the table.
  • Quick Morning Magic: Prepare these delectable muffins in under 30 minutes, making them an ideal solution for busy households craving a homemade breakfast without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients Used for Thai Red Chicken Curry

Protein:
  • Chicken Thighs: Tender meat that adds richness and substance to the curry.
Curry Base Aromatics:
  • Ginger Paste, Minced Garlic, Red Curry Paste: Foundational ingredients that create a deep, complex flavor profile for the dish.
Liquid Components:
  • Coconut Milk: Provides a creamy, smooth base that adds richness and authenticity to the Thai curry.
  • Fish Sauce, Lime Juice: Ingredients that balance and enhance the overall flavor with their tangy and umami characteristics.
Vegetable Components:
  • Red Bell Pepper, Green Beans: Colorful vegetables that add freshness, texture, and nutritional value to the curry.
Herbs and Seasonings:
  • Thai Basil, Cilantro: Fresh herbs that contribute bright, aromatic notes to the final dish.
  • Brown Sugar, Red Pepper Flakes, Salt: Seasonings that provide a balance of sweetness, heat, and seasoning.
Thickening Agent:
  • Cornstarch Slurry: Helps to create a smooth, slightly thickened sauce consistency.
Optional Serving Suggestions:
  • Jasmine Rice, Rice Noodles: Complementary starches that complete the meal and help soak up the flavorful curry sauce.

Steps for Cooking Thai Red Curry at Home

Step 1: Kickstart the Flavor Foundation

Heat a large pan over medium heat and drizzle in some cooking oil. Toss in ginger paste, minced garlic, and vibrant red curry paste.

Let these ingredients dance together, sautéing for 2-3 minutes until they release an incredible aroma that fills your kitchen.

Step 2: Create the Magical Curry Liquid

Introduce fish sauce, creamy coconut milk, zesty lime juice, brown sugar, fiery red pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt to the pan.

Stir everything together until the ingredients become best friends, bringing the mixture to a gentle, bubbling simmer.

Step 3: Welcome the Protein Star

Slide sliced chicken thighs into the simmering curry base.

Let them cook slowly and absorb all the incredible flavors, simmering for about 8 minutes until the chicken is completely cooked through and tender.

Step 4: Bring in the Colorful Veggie Squad

Add these fresh ingredients to the pan:
  • Sliced red bell pepper
  • Chopped green beans

Cook for 4-5 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften slightly while maintaining their bright, crisp character.

Step 5: Elevate with Herbal Magic

Sprinkle in fresh Thai basil and cilantro. Create a cornstarch slurry and mix it into the curry, letting everything blend together and slightly thicken for 1-2 minutes.

Step 6: Serve and Celebrate

Remove the pan from heat and plate your gorgeous curry. Accompany with steamed jasmine rice or silky rice noodles for a restaurant-worthy meal right in your own kitchen.

Notes for Bold Thai Curry Flavor at Home

  • Customize the heat by adding more or less red curry paste to match your personal tolerance.
  • Easily substitute chicken with tofu, shrimp, or beef for a versatile meal option.
  • Toast curry paste in oil before adding other ingredients to intensify the aromatic profile.
  • Mix in additional vegetables like zucchini or carrots for extra nutrition and texture.
  • Rinse jasmine rice before cooking to achieve fluffy, separated grains that complement the creamy curry.

Swap Ideas for Thai Red Curry Dinners

  • Vegetarian Curry Delight: Replace chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, cubed and pan-fried before adding to the curry base for extra protein and texture.
  • Seafood Fusion: Swap chicken with shrimp, scallops, or a mix of seafood, adjusting cooking time to ensure proper doneness without overcooking.
  • Vegan Version: Use coconut aminos instead of fish sauce, plant-based protein like seitan or jackfruit, and ensure all other ingredients are vegan-friendly for a compassionate meal option.
  • Low-Carb Alternative: Skip rice or noodles, serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles to reduce carbohydrate intake while maintaining the curry's rich flavor profile.

What to Eat With Thai Red Curry Tonight

  • Pair Crisp Thai Singha Beer: Light, refreshing golden lager perfectly cuts through the curry's rich, spicy flavors and cleanses the palate with its hoppy crispness.
  • Create Cucumber Mint Cooler: Zesty, cooling drink balances the intense heat and creamy texture of the Thai red curry, offering a refreshing counterpoint to the spicy dish.
  • Complement with Jasmine Rice: Soft, fragrant white rice absorbs the curry's complex sauces, providing a neutral base that enhances the meal's overall flavor profile and adds comforting texture.
  • Garnish with Fresh Herb Salad: Bright, tangy mix of cilantro, mint, and Thai basil adds freshness, reduces spiciness, and introduces a vibrant layer of herbal complexity to the dish.

Storing Thai Red Curry Chicken for Leftovers

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, the curry will stay fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Transfer curry to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, seal tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Avoid freezing dishes with fresh herbs.
  • Place curry in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel. Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even warming.
  • Pour curry into a pan, add a splash of water or coconut milk to prevent drying. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through completely.

FAQs

  • How spicy is Thai Red Curry?

The spice level depends on the red curry paste. You can adjust heat by using less paste or adding more coconut milk to reduce spiciness.

  • Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken thighs?

Yes, chicken breast works well. Just ensure it’s cut into similar-sized pieces and cooked thoroughly to prevent dryness.

  • Is this recipe gluten-free?

Most ingredients are gluten-free, but check your curry paste and fish sauce labels to confirm they don’t contain gluten.

  • What if I can't find Thai basil?

Regular basil can be substituted, though the flavor profile will be slightly different from traditional Thai cuisine.

Print
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Thai Red Curry With Chicken Recipe

Thai Red Curry With Chicken Recipe


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4.9 from 18 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Spicy Thai red curry with chicken dances with bold flavors from Southeast Asian kitchens. Fragrant herbs, tender chicken, and silky coconut milk create a harmonious meal that will transport you to Bangkok’s bustling streets.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, thinly sliced

Vegetables:

  • 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup green beans, chopped

Curry Base and Seasonings:

  • 14 cup red curry paste
  • 13-ounce can coconut milk
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or coconut oil
  • 1 tablespoon ginger paste
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 12 tablespoon fish sauce
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 12 to 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • Salt, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons Thai basil, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon cilantro, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)

Instructions

  1. Warm a large skillet over medium heat, drizzling oil to create a smooth cooking surface.
  2. Infuse the base with aromatic flavors by sautéing ginger paste, minced garlic, and red curry paste for 2-3 minutes until the kitchen fills with a fragrant essence.
  3. Introduce a symphony of liquid ingredients: fish sauce, coconut milk, lime juice, brown sugar, red pepper flakes, and salt, whisking them together until harmoniously blended.
  4. Allow the mixture to reach a gentle, bubbling simmer, creating a rich and vibrant curry foundation.
  5. Gently lower sliced chicken thighs into the simmering liquid, cooking for approximately 8 minutes until the meat is thoroughly cooked and tender.
  6. Incorporate colorful vegetables – sliced red bell peppers and chopped green beans – letting them dance in the curry for 4-5 minutes while maintaining their crisp texture.
  7. Elevate the dish’s complexity by stirring in fresh Thai basil, cilantro, and a cornstarch slurry to create a luxurious, slightly thickened sauce.
  8. Remove from heat after 1-2 minutes of final simmering, ensuring the perfect consistency.
  9. Plate the aromatic curry alongside steamed jasmine rice or delicate rice noodles, transforming a simple meal into a culinary journey through Thailand’s vibrant cuisine.

Notes

  • Select high-quality red curry paste for an authentic, rich flavor profile that elevates the entire dish.
  • Adjust spice levels by reducing or increasing red curry paste according to personal heat tolerance.
  • Swap chicken thighs with tofu, shrimp, or mixed vegetables for versatile dietary adaptations like vegetarian or pescatarian options.
  • Use fresh herbs like Thai basil and cilantro at the end of cooking to maintain their vibrant color and maximize aromatic intensity.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: Thai

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 355 kcal
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 580 mg
  • Fat: 23 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 9 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 95 mg
Jess Martinez

Jess Martinez

Contributing Recipe Writer & Nutrition Consultant

Expertise

Southwestern and Latin American cooking, Nutritional analysis and healthy recipe planning, Cultural food traditions, Modifying traditional dishes for better health

Education

Santa Fe Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Focused on mastering the flavors and cooking methods of traditional Southwestern cuisine.


Jess’s love for bold, homegrown flavors led her straight into the world of Southwestern cooking and cultural nutrition.
After completing her Certificate in Culinary Arts at Santa Fe Community College, she made it her mission to show that good-for-you food can still taste incredible.
At saltytart.com, Jess shares vibrant, health-conscious recipes with roots in tradition but a fresh, modern twist. When she’s not testing new recipes, you’ll find her at local growers’ markets, tending her herb garden, or digging into food history books.

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