Green Chicken Curry
Discover a flavorful Green Chicken Curry recipe that’s quick, easy, and perfect for a delicious dinner tonight. This vibrant, aromatic dish blends tender chicken with fresh herbs, creamy coconut milk, and just the right amount of spice, delivering a bold taste made simple. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen newbie, this Green Chicken Curry will become your go-to for a satisfying, home-cooked meal that brings flavors of Thailand right to your table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights without sacrificing flavor.
- Rich, Bold Flavor: The combination of fresh green chilies, herbs, and coconut milk creates a vibrant, luscious sauce that’s both spicy and creamy.
- Simple Ingredients: Uses common pantry staples that are easy to find, making the recipe accessible to everyone.
- Customizable Heat Level: Easily adjust the spice to suit your taste by adding more or fewer chilies.
- Family-Friendly: Loved by both kids and adults for its balanced taste and comforting warmth.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Green Chicken Curry recipe uses a handful of simple yet essential ingredients that work together to build layers of flavor, texture, and mouthwatering color. Each component plays a role — from the tender chicken to the fragrant herbs and creamy coconut milk.
- Chicken thighs: Juicy and tender, they soak up the curry flavors beautifully.
- Green curry paste: The heart of the dish, packed with fresh green chilies, garlic, and lemongrass for authentic taste.
- Coconut milk: Adds creaminess and balances the heat from the curry paste.
- Fresh basil and cilantro: Provide a burst of freshness and herbal aroma.
- Fish sauce: A salty, umami punch that deepens the overall flavor.
- Vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini: Add color, crunch, and nutrition.
- Jasmine rice: The perfect side to soak up the rich curry sauce.
Variations for Green Chicken Curry
Feel free to make this Green Chicken Curry recipe your own by experimenting with different ingredients or catering to your dietary preferences. It’s incredibly adaptable and still delivers delicious results every time.
- Vegetarian option: Swap chicken for tofu or chickpeas for a meat-free version that still packs flavor.
- Extra veggies: Toss in eggplant, snap peas, or bamboo shoots to bulk up the dish.
- Mild version: Use less curry paste or opt for a mild green curry paste to suit sensitive palates.
- High protein twist: Add shrimp or chicken breast if you prefer leaner protein.
- Nutty finish: Garnish with chopped peanuts or cashews for crunch and richness.
How to Make Green Chicken Curry
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by chopping the chicken into bite-sized pieces, slicing any vegetables you want to add, and gathering the fresh herbs and spices for easy access during cooking.
Step 2: Sauté the Curry Paste
Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large pan over medium heat, then add the green curry paste. Cook for 1-2 minutes while stirring until it becomes fragrant, releasing its vibrant aroma.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Add the chicken pieces to the pan and sauté until they’re lightly browned and coated in the curry paste, about 5 minutes.
Step 4: Add Coconut Milk and Simmer
Pour in the coconut milk, stirring to combine with the curry paste. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the chicken to cook through and the flavors to meld, roughly 10-12 minutes.
Step 5: Toss in Vegetables and Seasonings
Add your chosen vegetables, fish sauce, and a pinch of sugar to balance the flavors. Continue cooking until the veggies are tender but still crisp, about 5 minutes.
Step 6: Finish with Fresh Herbs
Turn off the heat and stir in chopped basil and cilantro for a fresh herbal kick that brightens the entire dish.
Pro Tips for Making Green Chicken Curry
- Use fresh curry paste: It makes a huge difference in flavor compared to bottled versions.
- Don’t overcook the chicken: Keep it tender and juicy by simmering gently.
- Adjust consistency: Add a splash of water or broth if the curry feels too thick.
- Taste as you go: Balance saltiness, sweetness, and spice to suit your palate.
- Opt for dark meat: Chicken thighs stay moist and flavorful in curry better than breasts.
How to Serve Green Chicken Curry
Garnishes
Sprinkle chopped fresh basil, cilantro, and sliced red chilies over the top for a pop of color and an extra flavor punch. A squeeze of lime juice right before serving can also brighten the dish beautifully.
Side Dishes
Serve Green Chicken Curry with steamed jasmine rice or fluffy coconut rice to soak up that luscious sauce. A side of lightly sautéed greens or crunchy cucumber salad offers a refreshing contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the curry in coconut shells or small bowls with edible flowers as decoration. You can also turn leftovers into a flavorful soup by adding extra broth and greens the next day.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Green Chicken Curry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making it even tastier the next day.
Freezing
This curry freezes well! Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stovetop.
Reheating
Reheat slowly over medium-low heat to prevent the coconut milk from separating. Stir occasionally and add a splash of water or broth if needed to regain the perfect curry consistency.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, you can substitute chicken breast, but keep in mind that thighs are more forgiving and stay juicier in the curry sauce.
Is green curry paste very spicy?
Green curry paste can be spicy, but you can easily adjust the amount used to control the heat level to your preference.
What substitutes can I use for fish sauce?
If you need a vegetarian alternative, try soy sauce or tamari with a little seaweed for umami depth.
Can I make this curry vegan?
Absolutely! Replace chicken with tofu or chickpeas and swap fish sauce for soy sauce to keep it plant-based.
What’s the best rice to serve with Green Chicken Curry?
Jasmine rice is traditional and perfect for soaking up the sauce, but basmati or even brown rice work well too.
Final Thoughts
This Green Chicken Curry is a vibrant, aromatic dish that’s both simple to prepare and packed with bold, delicious flavors. It’s perfect for cozy dinners or impressing guests without fuss. Give it a try tonight and enjoy a comforting taste of Thailand made right in your own kitchen!
Related Posts
PrintGreen Chicken Curry
A quick, easy, and flavorful Green Chicken Curry recipe featuring tender chicken thighs simmered in a rich, creamy coconut milk sauce infused with fresh green curry paste, herbs, and vegetables. Ready in under 30 minutes, this Thai-inspired dish offers a perfect balance of spicy, creamy, and aromatic flavors, ideal for weeknight dinners or impressing guests with minimal effort.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing and Simmering
- Cuisine: Thai
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 500g chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons green curry paste
- 400ml coconut milk
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
Vegetables
- 1 bell pepper, sliced (or zucchini)
Herbs & Garnishes
- Handful of fresh basil leaves, chopped
- Handful of fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
- Optional: sliced red chilies for garnish
Sides
- Jasmine rice, steamed (to serve)
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces, slice vegetables such as bell peppers or zucchini, and gather fresh herbs like basil and cilantro for easy access during cooking.
- Sauté the Curry Paste: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the green curry paste and cook for 1-2 minutes while stirring until fragrant, releasing its vibrant aroma.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the pan and sauté until lightly browned and coated with the curry paste, about 5 minutes.
- Add Coconut Milk and Simmer: Pour in the coconut milk and stir to combine with the curry paste. Bring to a gentle simmer, allowing the chicken to cook through and flavors to meld, approximately 10-12 minutes.
- Toss in Vegetables and Seasonings: Add the sliced vegetables, fish sauce, and sugar. Continue cooking until the vegetables are tender yet crisp, about 5 minutes.
- Finish with Fresh Herbs: Turn off the heat and stir in the chopped basil and cilantro to brighten the curry with fresh herbal flavors.
Notes
- Use fresh green curry paste for the best flavor compared to bottled versions.
- Do not overcook the chicken; simmer gently to keep it tender and juicy.
- If the curry is too thick, add a splash of water or broth to adjust consistency.
- Balance saltiness, sweetness, and heat by tasting as you cook.
- Chicken thighs are preferred for their moistness and flavor retention over breasts.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (with jasmine rice)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 20 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: green chicken curry, Thai curry, coconut milk curry, quick chicken curry, easy dinner, spicy curry, Thai recipe
