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    Home >> Thai

    Thai Red Curry Chicken

    Modified: Aug 13, 2022 · Published: Oct 4, 2019 by Analida · • Word count:1228 words. • About 7 minutes to read this article. • This post may contain affiliate links ·

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    Amazing and incredibly easy Thai red curry chicken brings some heat and sweet flavors. One of my all time favorite dishes! | ethnicspoon.com

    The rich flavors of Thai red curry chicken combined with a serving of jasmine rice create and easy and delicious weeknight meal.  You will love the flavors of the curry, tamarind paste, coconut milk, lemon grass and ginger.
    thai red chicken curry in a red bowl with rice in the back and chilis on the side

    Jump to:
    • What does Thai food taste like?
    • What is in Thai red curry paste?
    • Do other countries make this dish?
    • Does red curry have coconut milk?
    • How to make Thai red curry step by step
    • Thai Red Curry Chicken Recipe

    What does Thai food taste like?

    The flavors, the smells, the textures. Thai food is truly interesting. Thai red curry chicken is one of my go to weekly meals. It's so easy to make and you can really adapt it any way you want. You can even do a vegetarian version if you prefer.

    Last summer my daughter backpacked through Asia with a couple of her friends. In a couple of the hostels she took a Thai food cooking class with a local chef. What an awesome experience! She sent us a small cookbook she purchased from the class, and I have adapted the recipe to share with you. This is one of my family's favorites. I will be joining her in Asia next summer for a similar experience minus the backpacking part, just thought I would clarify that, LOL!

    My daughter's cooking adventures in Thailand

    My daughter Erika's cooking adventures in Thailand. 

    What is in Thai red curry paste?

    The key ingredient in Thai red curry is red curry paste, a staple in every Thai kitchen. You can purchase it in the Asian section of major stores or you can make your own. Soon I will, but for this recipe I have used store bought and it is pretty darn good. Thai curry paste is made by grinding chilies to a paste and adding in garlic, shallots, lemongrass and other spices too.

    a top down view of a red bowl of thai coconut chicken curry with a pile of chilis and a spoon on the right
    Thai recipes often call for lemongrass, another ingredient in Thai food. As always fresh is best, but I have yet to find it fresh. I purchase lemongrass in a jar. It already comes chopped, and keeps really well in the fridge.

    Do other countries make this dish?

    Thailand has so many culinary influences, not only from its neighboring countries: Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam, but from western explorers who at one point or another traded with this country. Chilies, for example, are a legacy of the Portuguese traders who brought them from the Americas. Curries were brought by the Indian and Persian traders. The list of influences goes on and on. In this recipe you will find a need for tamarind paste, another key ingredient in most Thai dishes. Tamarind is a brown fruit that comes in a bean-like pod. It is a fruit from the tamarind tree native to Africa. The tamarind traveled to Persia (modern day Iran) where it was named tamar-hindi (Indian date). If you are unable to find tamarind paste you can mix lime juice or white wine vinegar with equal parts of light brown sugar.

    Thai red curry chicken in a red bowl with a bowl of rice in the back
    Does red curry have coconut milk?

    As in most Thai dishes that are served in a sauce, coconut milk plays a huge part. I love coconut anything, so Thai red curry chicken is right up my alley. Enjoy it with a serving of jasmine rice; the aromatic, floral quality of this rice is a perfect complement to the spicy flavors of red curry paste. Thai red curry chicken is an easy way to bring an international flair to any weeknight meal.

     

    How to make Thai red curry step by step

    A collage of photos showing steps to make Thai red curry chicken in a pan on a stovetop.

    1. Gather all your ingredients and have them ready to go. This dish comes together very quickly so have everything prepared: chicken breast cut into 2 inch cubes, a small onion minced, vegetable oil, salt, ground ginger, coconut milk, Thai red curry paste, fish sauce, tamarind paste, lemon grass minced, cilantro chopped and brown sugar.
    2. In a large skillet heat the vegetable oil on medium then quickly sauté the chicken until is lightly brown on all sides.
    3. Add the onions and cook until translucent.
    4. Add the coconut milk and give it a stir and this will deglaze the pan.
    5. Add the Thai red curry paste and stir well to combine. Allow this to come to a slight boil and reduce the heat to low.
    6. Add the fish sauce and tamarind paste.
    7. Add the minced lemon grass and simmer for an additional 10 minutes.
    8. Add the brown sugar and stir in then add the chopped cilantro. Serve over jasmine rice.

     

    Frequently asked questions

    • Can I make this dish up in advance? Yes you can make this a day ahead and reheat in the microwave and serve over fresh made rice. It reheats very well but do toss on some fresh chopped cilantro.
    • How long can I store this dish? I try to use up any leftovers up within one or two days.
    • Can I freeze Thai red curry chicken? I would not freeze this as the sauce would have a tendency to split and separate upon thawing and that is not good.

    If you want to explore some other tasty Thai recipes here are a few to bookmark for later.   Thai beef salad is a great dish for the grilling season and it has a fantastic marinade and homemade peanut lime dressing.  Thai coconut chicken soup has that really nice combination of sweet and savory flavors that many Asian dishes bring to the table.  If you want dessert then you have to try this Thai mango sticky rice that is rich, sweet and creamy with tangy mango slices. Thai-Style Pork Loin has the flavors of Thailand for grilling season, pair it with the spicy peanut sauce. Spicy Thai-Style Lettuce Wraps make a healthy app or side. They're made with ground turkey and spicy Thai spices and served in crunchy bibb lettuce. 

    Looking for more recipes?  
    Sign up for my free recipe newsletter to get new recipes in your inbox each week!  You can also find me sharing more inspiration in Pinterest and Facebook.

    thai red curry chicken in a red bowl

    Thai Red Curry Chicken Recipe

    The fabulous flavors of ginger, coconut milk, and red curry paste are combined to create a dish that is a favorite in Thailand. Serve with rice and enjoy.
    5 from 6 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Main dish
    Cuisine: Thai
    Keyword: coconut curry, homemade red thai curry, thai food
    Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 30 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 45 minutes minutes
    Servings: 4
    Calories: 371kcal
    Author: Analida Braeger

    Ingredients

    • 1 ½ boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into 2 inch cubes
    • 1 onion small, minced
    • 1 Tbsp vegetable oil
    • 1 tsp Kosher salt
    • 1 tsp ginger ground, fresh
    • 8 oz coconut milk
    • 3 Tbsp red curry paste
    • 1 Tbsp fish sauce
    • 1 Tbsp tamarind paste
    • 1 tsp lemongrass
    • 1 Tbsp cilantro chopped
    • ¼ tsp brown sugar

    Instructions

    • In a skillet heat vegetable oil on medium heat. Quickly saute chicken until it is lightly brown on all sides. Sprinkle with salt and ginger.
    • Add the onions and cook until onions are translucent.
    • Add in the coconut milk and the curry paste. Stir well as this will deglaze the pan for extra flavor.
    • Allow the mixture to come to a slight boil. Reduce heat and add the fish sauce, tamarind paste, and lemon grass. Cook for an additional 10 minutes.
    • Add in the brown sugar and cilantro.
    • Serve over jasmine rice.

    Notes

    FAQs:
    Q: Can I make this dish up in advance?
    A: Yes you can make this a day ahead and reheat in the microwave and serve over fresh made rice. It reheats very well but do toss on some fresh chopped cilantro.
    Q: How long can I store this dish?
    A: I try to use up any leftovers up within one or two days.
    Q: Can I freeze Thai red curry chicken?
    A: I would not freeze this as the sauce would have a tendency to split and separate upon thawing and that is not good.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 371kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 38g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Cholesterol: 108mg | Sodium: 1141mg | Potassium: 832mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 1825IU | Vitamin C: 5.6mg | Calcium: 44mg | Iron: 3mg

     

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      Try a spicy new wrap! Creamy and spicy curry chicken salad wrap add a bit of ethnic flair to your lunch or dinner. You can also slice these narrow and serve as an appetizer too! The secret sauce: a bit of my homemade curry blend whipped into some Greek yogurt. This is a really healthy recipe wrapped in a large flour tortilla! | ethnicspoon.com
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    653 shares
    • 37

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Carlee

      November 08, 2015 at 10:39 pm

      That sounds like so much fun. Cooking classes from the chefs? What an experience! And this red curry chicken looks delicious!

      Reply
      • Analida

        November 10, 2015 at 3:30 pm

        It does look like a lot of fun. I can't wait to do it next summer. I love red curry.

        Reply
    2. Elena

      November 10, 2015 at 9:44 pm

      This looks wonderful! I have been craving curries nonstop lately, I'll have to add this to my list!

      Reply
      • Analida

        November 11, 2015 at 5:55 pm

        thanks Elena

        Reply
    3. Denise Wright

      November 11, 2015 at 9:48 am

      My husband and I love Thai curry and he just told me yesterday that it was time to visit our favorite Thai restaurant. Maybe I'll surprise him with this dish. Looks great!

      Reply
      • Analida

        November 11, 2015 at 5:55 pm

        thanks Denise. Let me know how it turns out.

        Reply
    4. Lou Lou Girls

      November 14, 2015 at 4:40 pm

      This is perfect! Pinned and tweeted. We appreciate you taking the time to party with us! I hope to see you on Monday at 7 pm, so we get to see your fabulous new creations. The party goes until Friday at 7 pm. Happy Saturday! Lou Lou Girls

      Reply
      • Analida

        November 14, 2015 at 5:38 pm

        Thanks Lou Lou Girls!!
        🙂

        Reply
    5. Laura @MotherWouldKnow

      March 17, 2016 at 10:01 pm

      I adore green curry chicken, so I'll bet that red curry chicken will also become a favorite of mine. Your daughter's trip sounds wonderful, but I have to admit that when you said you won't be backpacking when you go with her this year, I smiled - we moms are a bit past the backpacking part of such an adventure.

      Reply
      • Analida

        March 18, 2016 at 2:45 pm

        Yes, I am a bit past the backpacking stage, LOL!!! I also told her to reserve a cute hotel for us, not the hostels where her age group stays 🙂 Ah, the joys of getting older!

        Reply
    6. Lisa

      March 18, 2016 at 2:26 pm

      I often make and love Thai green curry chicken. Now I've got to try yours with red Curry - it sounds so good! My family could eat Thai food like this every night!

      Reply
      • Analida

        March 18, 2016 at 2:43 pm

        Hi Lisa! I have never make Thai green curry. I need to try it out Do you have a recipe on your blog
        Let me know if you try my red curry.

        Reply
    7. Mindy

      December 09, 2016 at 3:16 pm

      This looks delicious! And how fun to travel with your daughter! I know you'll have a blast.

      Reply
      • Analida

        December 10, 2016 at 2:43 pm

        Hi Mindy!
        Thank you. Yes, I am so looking forward to it.

        Reply
    8. Nicoletta @sugarlovespices

      January 22, 2018 at 10:21 am

      That cuisine is a go to at our place almost every week. Red curry is so versatile and delicious, and I can see this flavors work with fish or a vegetarian protein. Yum! What an amazing experience for a young girl to cook in Asia with a local chef!

      Reply
      • Analida

        January 22, 2018 at 5:51 pm

        Hi Nicoletta! Yes, isn't Thai red curry awesome! My daughter had an amazing experience. I hope to be able to do that some day soon. I did however take a cooking class in Vietnam from a local, my daughter's friend.
        We love Thai food at our house too. 🙂

        Reply
    9. Gloria @ Homemade & Yummy

      January 22, 2018 at 5:47 pm

      5 stars
      Totally enjoy making curry at home. I love experimenting in the kitchen with all kinds of flavours and ingredients. This sounds delicious.

      Reply
    10. Andrea The Petite Cook

      January 23, 2018 at 3:37 am

      5 stars
      Thei red curry is a favourite in our house! I usually make it with fish, but I'll definitely give chicken a try!

      Reply
      • Analida

        January 23, 2018 at 4:26 pm

        Hi Andrea, give it a try with chicken. I think you will like it.

        Reply
    11. Carrie | Clean Eating Kitchen

      January 23, 2018 at 11:23 am

      5 stars
      I'm a sucker for Thai flavors, I love that sweet and spicy combination! Will be adding this to my 'to make' list!

      Reply
      • Analida

        January 23, 2018 at 4:29 pm

        Hi Carrie! Yes, those sweet and spicy flavors are to die for. Let me know how you like my Thai red curry chicken. 🙂

        Reply
    12. Marisa Franca @ All Our Way

      January 27, 2018 at 4:18 pm

      5 stars
      I really shouldn't be reading this just before dinner! It sounds amazing. I love the spices that are going on. I'm becoming fonder all the time of curry. Loaded with flavor but not with calories. That is a win-win for me.

      Reply
      • Analida

        January 27, 2018 at 5:51 pm

        Hi Marisa, thanks so much for commenting.
        Yes, curry is so wonderfully flavorful! I've always loved it, my dad was a big fan. 🙂

        Reply
    13. Leslie Haasch

      January 28, 2018 at 11:10 am

      I've been craving thai food like crazy lately - adding this to my list!

      Reply
    14. Kathryn @ FoodieGirlChicago

      January 28, 2018 at 12:45 pm

      I don't make curry at home often but this looks like a wonderful recipe to try!

      Reply
    15. Stacey

      January 28, 2018 at 10:17 pm

      Thai curries have to be one of my favorites, and I'm pretty sure that I'm going to be making this very soon!

      Reply
      • Analida

        January 29, 2018 at 5:47 pm

        I hope you make it Stacey. Let me know how you like it. I also love Thai curries. My daughter got me hooked. 🙂

        Reply
    16. Jodie Morgan

      January 29, 2018 at 11:37 am

      5 stars
      You know, as a girl who grew up in the South, cooking Thai cuisine has always terrified me! I love to eat it but I have no idea how to cook it. One of my goals this year is to branch out and try more ethnic recipes and this one sounds like a great place to start. Thanks so much for sharing!

      Reply
      • Analida

        January 29, 2018 at 5:48 pm

        You are welcome Jodie. I think you will find that this Thai red curry chicken recipe is easy to make. 🙂

        Reply
    17. Veronika

      January 29, 2018 at 11:48 am

      Love the combination of curry and chicken. Little spicy and lots of flavors!

      Reply
      • Analida

        January 29, 2018 at 5:49 pm

        Curry is a favorite in our house. Lots of flavors is right. Let me know how you like it if you get to try it.

        Reply
    18. Sara

      January 29, 2018 at 9:46 pm

      5 stars
      This looks so good! I can't wait to try your recipe!

      Reply
      • Analida

        February 02, 2018 at 3:55 pm

        Thanks Sara. Let me know how you like it. 🙂

        Reply

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    Analida profile pictureI have been researching and creating ethnic recipes for over 20 years. I love to share "mostly healthy" easy and affordable ethnic recipes using fresh ingredients, with a bit of culture and food history sprinkled in.... Read more-->

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