Thai coconut curry chicken is a fragrant, flavorful dish that combines tender chicken with the rich, creamy taste of coconut milk and the aromatic spices of Thai curry. This dish is a perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and savory depth, offering an exotic twist to your dinner routine. Whether you’re craving something comforting or want to impress guests with a flavorful, one-pot meal, Thai coconut curry chicken is a versatile and satisfying option.
The foundation of this dish is the curry paste, typically red or green, which provides the base of flavor. The paste is sautéed with garlic, ginger, and onions to bring out its deep, aromatic qualities. Coconut milk is then added, creating a rich, velvety sauce that complements the spicy curry paste with its smooth, slightly sweet undertone. The combination of coconut milk and curry paste creates a harmonious base, offering the perfect balance of warmth and creaminess.
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts are simmered in the sauce, absorbing all the flavors and becoming tender and juicy. To enhance the dish, vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, and zucchini can be added, adding both color and texture to the curry. Fresh cilantro, basil, or lime juice is often stirred in towards the end to brighten the flavors and add a touch of freshness.
Thai coconut curry chicken is best served over a bed of jasmine rice, which soaks up the flavorful sauce, making every bite even more satisfying. You can also serve it with a side of steamed rice noodles or a fresh cucumber salad to balance the richness of the curry.
This dish is perfect for anyone who enjoys bold flavors, creamy textures, and a bit of spice. Easy to make yet full of flavor, Thai coconut curry chicken is a delightful meal that brings the taste of Thailand straight to your kitchen.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 cup coconut milk full-fat
- 2 tbsp red curry paste
- 1 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 cup bell peppers sliced
- 1 cup snow peas
- 1 lime juiced
- 1/4 cup cilantro chopped
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chicken pieces and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the red curry paste and cook for another minute.
- Pour in the coconut milk and stir to combine.
- Add the fish sauce, brown sugar, bell peppers, and snow peas to the skillet. Stir to combine.
- Bring to a simmer and cook until the vegetables are tender and the chicken is fully cooked, about 10 minutes.
- Stir in lime juice and sprinkle with chopped cilantro before serving.
Nutrition
This recipe was a hit with my family! The flavor is amazing and so easy to make. Definitely a 5!
Simple and quick recipe! Just perfect for busy days. 4 stars!
Does this really taste good? I’m not sure about coconut milk & curry together…
I love how easy this recipe is! Perfect for weeknight dinners! 5 stars!
I added extra veggies and it turned out great! Thanks for sharing this!
This looks realy good but a lil too many ingredients for me! 😅
OMG! I used this recipe for my dinner party and everyone loved it! So creamy and delicious.
It was okay, not wow but can’t complain. Kind of basic recipe, honestly.
I thought it was really flavorful! Maybe try adding some more spices next time for an extra kick.
Is coconut milk the same as coconut cream? I wasn’t sure what to use, but I winged it.
So yummy !!!
I totally agree! This curry is such a hit at my dinner parties.
Yummy? Really? I thought it was too sweet with the brown sugar! 🤔
I’m not really into coconut. This recipe ain’t for me. Disappointed.
But coconut milk makes it creamier! You should give it a try, it’s worth it!
That’s fair! Coconut isn’t for everyone. Maybe try a different curry recipe without it.
Easy to make! I replaced chicken with tofu for a veg option, still delish! 🍽️
Curry doesn’t have to have chicken, it can be with any meat, right? Just sayin.
I don’t really like coconut milk, so it wasn’t for me. Maybe try with less? 🤷♂️
I totally get you! Coconut can be pretty strong. Maybe try adding more veggies for flavor instead?
Why do you need fish sauce? I always thought that was for fish
This curry is AMAZING! So creamy and flavorful! 😍
Yum!!! Got my whole family asking for more! So much better than takeout.
This recipe is AMAZING! The flavors are perfect and so easy to make. My family loved it!
I totally agree! This curry was a hit at my dinner party too. So creamy and delicious! 🍛
I made this for my family, and they all loved it! I added extra veggies like broccoli!
Yum! Tastes just like the curry from my favorite Thai restaurant. Will make again!
So glad you enjoyed it! I think the coconut milk really makes a difference, right? Definitely going to try this recipe myself!
Great! But what is fish sauce? Sounds weird?? Can I skip it? 🤷♀️
I dunno about that fish sauce. I just stick to soy sauce most times. Is it really that important? 🤔
Fish sauce is actually really tasty! It adds umami flavor. You can skip it, but it won’t taste quite the same. 😊
I followed the recipe exactly but it came out really bland. Maybe more spices next time?
Yeah, definitely add more spices! I usually throw in some cayenne for heat. Makes a big difference!
I don’t know, I’ve had better curry. Something felt off and it needed more spice.
I totally get what you’re saying! Curry can be tricky. Maybe try adding more spices like turmeric or cumin next time?
Is it possible to use chicken thighs instead of breast? I think that would be better.
So I made this for my kids and they loved it! And they are picky eaters lol.
That’s awesome to hear! My kids can be picky too, but they love anything with coconut. I’ll definitely try this recipe!
Picky eaters? Hmmm, my kids won’t touch anything green! Good to know this worked for yours though.
CILANTRO!? Yuck! Ruins everything. I didn’t use it and it was still okay.
I hate cilantro too! But my friend loves it. Guess it’s a matter of taste. Glad it turned out okay for you!
What’s the point? It’s just chicken and sauce. Not impressed at all.
Coconut milk was too rich for my taste. I didn’t really enjoy this one 🙁
Quick and tasty! I added some extra veggies and it turned out great. Definitely a keeper!
Sounds delicious! I’ll have to try adding extra veggies too. Thanks for the tip!
Easy and quick recipe! But I used shrimp instead of chicken. Turned out fine!
This was sooo good! I loved the coconut flavor with the chicken, will make it again!
I found it a bit too sweet for my taste. The brown sugar was overpowering.