Green Thai Chicken Coconut Curry Recipe

Soothing Green Thai Chicken Coconut Curry Recipe for All Ages

Curry lovers often seek out magical green thai chicken coconut curry recipes that transport taste buds straight to Southeast Asian kitchens.

Delicate spices and creamy coconut milk create an extraordinary culinary experience waiting to happen.

Tender chicken pieces nestle into vibrant emerald sauce, promising layers of complex flavors.

Fresh herbs and aromatics dance together, building excitement with each stirring moment.

Fragrant ingredients blend seamlessly, crafting a dish that feels both comforting and adventurous.

You’ll feel like a skilled chef navigating delightful taste territories with this irresistible recipe.

Grab your apron and prepare to embark on a delicious journey that promises pure gastronomic joy.

How To Store Green Thai Chicken Coconut Curry Right

  • Refrigerate leftover curry in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking.
  • Properly stored, this Green Thai Chicken Coconut Curry stays fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Keep the curry sealed tightly to prevent moisture and odors from affecting the flavor.
  • When reheating, warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or coconut milk to restore moisture and prevent drying out.
  • Avoid freezing this curry, as the vegetables and coconut milk may separate and lose their original texture when thawed.
  • For best quality, consume within the recommended refrigeration timeframe and enjoy the vibrant flavors at their peak freshness.

Great Side Ideas For Green Thai Chicken Coconut Curry

  • Boost Rice Pairing: Serve this vibrant curry over fluffy jasmine rice to soak up the rich, creamy sauce and provide a perfect texture contrast.
  • Crisp White Wine Match: Select a slightly sweet Riesling or Gewürztraminer to complement the spicy-sweet green curry flavors and cool down the heat.
  • Fresh Herb Sidekick: Sprinkle fresh cilantro and chopped green onions on top to add bright, zesty notes that enhance the curry's complex taste profile.
  • Crunchy Texture Companion: Add a side of crispy prawn crackers or cucumber salad to introduce a refreshing crunch that balances the curry's velvety consistency.

Creative Variations For Green Thai Chicken Coconut Curry

  • Shrimp Coconut Curry: Swap chicken with succulent shrimp, cooking them quickly to prevent overcooking. Maintain the same green curry paste and coconut milk base for a seafood-rich version.
  • Vegetarian Green Curry: Replace chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas, adding extra vegetables like cauliflower and eggplant. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a plant-based alternative.
  • Spicy Beef Curry: Substitute chicken with thinly sliced beef sirloin, searing it quickly for tender results. Add extra red chili flakes or serrano peppers to increase heat intensity.
  • Pineapple Green Curry: Incorporate chunks of fresh pineapple during the vegetable simmering stage for a sweet-tangy tropical flavor profile. The fruit complements the green curry paste beautifully, creating a vibrant and refreshing dish.

Green Thai Chicken Coconut Curry Questions Answered

  • What makes green Thai curry different from other curry types?

Green Thai curry is known for its vibrant green color from fresh green chilies and herbs like cilantro and Thai basil, creating a brighter, more herbaceous flavor profile compared to red or yellow curries.

  • Is green curry spicy?

Green curry typically has a medium to hot spice level. The heat comes from green chilies in the curry paste, but you can always adjust the spiciness by using less curry paste or adding more coconut milk to reduce the heat.

  • Can I make this curry if I don't have all the exact ingredients?

Absolutely! You can substitute bell peppers with other vegetables like cauliflower or broccoli. If you don’t have Thai basil, regular basil works fine. The key is to maintain the balance of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors.

  • What does fish sauce do in this recipe?

Fish sauce adds a deep, umami flavor that’s essential in Thai cooking. It provides a salty, complex taste that helps balance the coconut milk’s sweetness and the curry’s spiciness, creating a more rounded flavor profile.

Why Green Thai Chicken Coconut Curry Is A Must-Try

  • Speed Up Weeknight Dinners: This Green Thai Chicken Coconut Curry delivers restaurant-quality flavor in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy families craving a quick and delicious meal without complicated cooking steps.
  • Customize Your Comfort: Easily swap vegetables or protein to match your preferences, whether you love zucchini, want to use shrimp instead of chicken, or need to clean out your refrigerator's veggie drawer.
  • One-Pan Convenience Magic: By using a single skillet or wok, this recipe minimizes cleanup and streamlines cooking, allowing you to enjoy a gourmet-style meal without creating a mountain of dirty dishes.
  • Packed with Vibrant Flavors: The combination of green curry paste, coconut milk, and fresh lime creates a harmonious blend of spicy, creamy, and tangy notes that will transport your taste buds to Southeast Asian cuisine.

Everything You’ll Need For Green Thai Chicken Coconut Curry

Main Proteins:
  • Chicken: Tender protein that absorbs the curry's rich flavors and provides the main substance of the dish.
Cooking Fats and Base:
  • Coconut Oil: Neutral oil with a subtle tropical hint that helps with even cooking and adds depth.
Flavor Builders:
  • Green Curry Paste: Authentic Thai seasoning with complex herbal and spicy notes that creates the curry's signature taste.
  • Fish Sauce: Salty, umami-rich condiment that enhances overall depth and traditional Thai flavor profile.
  • Brown Sugar: Balances the spicy and savory elements with a gentle sweetness.
Liquid Components:
  • Coconut Milk: Creamy base that creates a rich, smooth sauce with traditional Southeast Asian character.
  • Chicken Broth: Adds additional depth and helps create the perfect sauce consistency.
Vegetables:
  • Bell Pepper, Zucchini: Fresh vegetables that provide color, texture, and nutritional balance to the curry.
  • Baby Spinach, Thai Basil: Delicate green herbs that add freshness and bright flavor at the end of cooking.
Finishing Touches:
  • Lime Juice: Bright, acidic element that lifts and balances the rich curry flavors.

How To Make Green Thai Chicken Coconut Curry At Home

Step 1: Sizzle The Chicken

Heat coconut oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces and cook until golden brown and nearly done. Transfer chicken to a separate plate.

Step 2: Unleash Curry Aromatics

In the same pan, drizzle additional oil if needed. Scoop in green curry paste and stir vigorously, letting the spices dance and release their fragrant essence for about 1-2 minutes.

Step 3: Create Luxurious Sauce

Pour into the pan:
  • Coconut milk
  • Chicken broth
Whisk ingredients together, ensuring curry paste dissolves completely. Add:
  • Fish sauce
  • Brown sugar

Bring mixture to a gentle, bubbling simmer.

Step 4: Introduce Colorful Vegetables

Toss into the simmering sauce:
  • Sliced bell peppers
  • Zucchini

Cook vegetables for 5 minutes until they’re tender yet crisp. Return chicken to the pan and continue cooking until chicken reaches perfect doneness.

Step 5: Elevate With Fresh Herbs

Fold in:
  • Baby spinach
  • Thai basil leaves

Allow herbs to gently wilt. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the curry, then taste and adjust seasonings as desired.

Step 6: Serve And Enjoy

Ladle curry into warm bowls. Optionally garnish with chopped cilantro or sliced green onions. Pair with steamed jasmine rice for a complete meal.

Pro Tips For Green Thai Chicken Coconut Curry Success

  • Chicken Browning Technique: Sear chicken over medium-high heat to lock in flavor and create a delicious golden exterior without overcooking the meat.
  • Curry Paste Activation: Toast green curry paste briefly to release aromatic oils and intensify the spice profile, creating a more complex and robust flavor base.
  • Vegetable Texture Management: Add vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini at the right moment to maintain their crisp texture and prevent overcooking.
  • Balancing Flavors: Use fish sauce and brown sugar to create a perfect sweet-salty balance that enhances the overall depth of the curry.
  • Fresh Herb Finale: Incorporate baby spinach or Thai basil at the end to add a burst of freshness and bright herbal notes to the dish.
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Green Thai Chicken Coconut Curry Recipe

Green Thai Chicken Coconut Curry Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 17 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Savor the magic of green Thai chicken coconut curry, a delightful journey through Thailand’s rich culinary landscape. Creamy coconut milk, aromatic herbs, and tender chicken create a harmonious symphony of flavors you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 1 pound (1 lb) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, sliced thin

Spices and Sauces:

  • 23 tablespoons green curry paste (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tablespoon fish sauce
  • 1 teaspoon brown sugar

Vegetables and Liquids:

  • 1 can (13.5 ounces) coconut milk (full-fat for best texture)
  • ½ cup chicken broth or water
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 zucchini or green beans, sliced
  • 1 cup baby spinach or Thai basil leaves
  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil or vegetable oil
  • Juice of ½ lime

Optional Toppings:

  • Fresh cilantro
  • Lime wedges
  • Sliced chili
  • Extra Thai basil

Serving:

  • Cooked jasmine rice

Instructions

  1. Warm coconut oil in a spacious skillet or wok over medium-high temperature, carefully searing chicken pieces until they develop a golden exterior and reach near-complete doneness, approximately 5-6 minutes. Transfer protein to a temporary holding plate.
  2. Without cleaning the pan, introduce additional oil if necessary, then gently introduce green curry paste, allowing aromatics to bloom and release intense fragrant notes for roughly 1-2 minutes.
  3. Stream coconut milk and chicken broth into the pan, whisking thoroughly to integrate curry paste completely. Incorporate fish sauce and brown sugar, creating a harmonious liquid base that gently simmers.
  4. Carefully incorporate sliced bell peppers and zucchini into the simmering liquid, allowing vegetables to soften slightly while maintaining a crisp texture, approximately 4-5 minutes.
  5. Return previously cooked chicken to the pan, ensuring each piece becomes thoroughly heated and absorbs the rich, complex curry flavors.
  6. Delicately fold fresh baby spinach or Thai basil into the curry, permitting leaves to gracefully wilt and release their vibrant essence.
  7. Finish the dish by squeezing fresh lime juice across the surface, tasting and adjusting seasonings to achieve a perfectly balanced, harmonious flavor profile.

Notes

  • Maximize flavor by browning chicken thoroughly before removing from the pan, creating delicious caramelized edges that enhance overall taste complexity.
  • Customize heat levels by adjusting the amount of green curry paste, allowing flexibility for sensitive palates or spice enthusiasts.
  • Use fresh vegetables at peak ripeness to elevate the curry’s texture and nutritional value, ensuring crisp and vibrant ingredients that complement the rich coconut sauce.
  • Enhance protein variety by substituting chicken with tofu, shrimp, or beef for a versatile meal that caters to different dietary preferences and protein needs.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Thai

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 22 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 26 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg
Dave Mitchell

Dave Mitchell

Founder & Chief Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Grilling Techniques and Innovations​
  • Recipe Development and Testing
  • Culinary Education and Workshops​
  • Food Photography and Styling

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, kitchen management, and menu planning, with a special emphasis on grilling and outdoor cooking. ​


Dave Mitchell is the heart behind Daves Grill, a cook, writer, and lover of all things grilled. He studied Culinary Arts at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College and spent years cooking, testing, and sharing recipes that actually work.

Dave started Daves Grill to keep things simple: one great recipe at a time. His food is bold, easy to follow, and made for real people with regular kitchens. From juicy steaks to quick sides, Dave’s recipes bring the heat without the hassle.

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