Zingy Thai Green Chicken Coconut Curry Recipe – A Fiery Delight

Weeknight dinners transform when you add this spicy green Thai chicken coconut curry that brings vibrant Southeast Asian flavors directly to your table.

Tender chicken pieces swim in a rich, aromatic sauce bursting with fresh herbs and green chilies.

The creamy coconut base balances perfectly against sharp, zesty notes of lemongrass and ginger.

Each spoonful promises a complex dance of heat and comfort that will awaken your taste buds.

Authentic Thai ingredients create a restaurant-quality meal in less than an hour.

Fresh herbs and a squeeze of lime add brightness to this soul-warming dish.

Prepare to savor a culinary journey that turns an ordinary evening into an extraordinary dining experience.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 5

Green Thai Chicken Coconut Curry Ingredient List

• Chicken: Opt for tender, boneless cuts that absorb curry flavors beautifully; preferably organic or free-range for richer taste.

• Green Curry Paste: Packs authentic Thai flavor profile with vibrant herbal notes; choose premium brands for genuine taste.
• Coconut Oil: Provides silky cooking foundation with subtle tropical undertones; cold-pressed varieties offer deeper flavor.

• Coconut Milk: Creates luxurious, creamy sauce base; full-fat versions deliver richer consistency.
• Chicken Broth: Enhances depth of curry's savory character; low-sodium options recommended for better seasoning control.

• Fish Sauce: Adds umami complexity and traditional Southeast Asian depth; look for clear, amber-colored varieties.
• Brown Sugar: Balances spiciness with gentle sweetness; organic options provide more nuanced flavor.
• Lime: Brings bright, zesty finish to cut through rich curry; fresh juice preferred over bottled.

• Bell Pepper: Introduces crisp texture and sweet undertones; mix colors for visual appeal.
• Zucchini: Provides tender, subtle vegetable element; choose firm, small to medium specimens.
• Green Beans: Alternative vegetable option with satisfying crunch; select young, slender pods.
• Baby Spinach: Adds nutrient-rich, delicate green layer; fresh leaves recommended.
• Thai Basil: Optional herb that contributes authentic aromatic touch; substitute with regular basil if unavailable.

Gear You’ll Need for a Fragrant Thai Curry

• Large skillet or wok: Essential for cooking chicken and creating the curry base with even heat distribution.
• Cutting board: Needed for slicing chicken and chopping vegetables with precision.
• Sharp chef's knife: Perfect for slicing chicken and preparing vegetables into uniform pieces.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Ideal for stirring curry paste, mixing ingredients, and preventing sticking.
• Measuring spoons: Helps accurately add fish sauce, brown sugar, and other seasonings.
• Measuring cups: Useful for measuring coconut milk and chicken broth precisely.
• Tongs: Great for handling and moving chicken during cooking process.

How to Simmer and Spice Up Thai Chicken Curry

• Brown Chicken Pieces

Sizzle chicken in hot coconut oil until golden and nearly cooked through. Transfer chicken to a waiting plate.

• Wake Up Curry Paste

Return pan to heat, adding extra oil if needed. Drop in green curry paste and swirl until aromatic and vibrant.

• Create Silky Sauce

Stream coconut milk and chicken broth into the pan. Whisk gently to blend curry paste. Splash in fish sauce and sprinkle brown sugar. Let mixture bubble softly.

• Build Flavor Layers

Toss colorful bell peppers and zucchini into simmering sauce. Allow vegetables to soften slightly. Return chicken to pan and continue cooking until perfectly done.

• Final Flourish

Fold tender spinach or fragrant Thai basil into curry. Let leaves gently wilt. Squeeze fresh lime juice over top. Taste and adjust seasonings to your preference.

Adjust Coconut, Herbs, or Heat Levels Easily

• Swap chicken with tofu, shrimp, or beef for exciting protein variations that keep the curry's delicious core flavor profile intact.
• Adjust heat by reducing or increasing green curry paste amount; for milder versions, start with half the recommended quantity and taste-test gradually.
• Cut vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking; quick-cooking veggies like zucchini and bell peppers maintain crisp texture when added later in the cooking process.
• Use full-fat coconut milk for richer, more authentic curry texture; shake can thoroughly before opening to blend separated cream and liquid seamlessly.
• Create gluten-free version by using tamari instead of fish sauce; make it vegan by substituting chicken with extra-firm tofu and using vegetable broth.

Serve This Curry with Rice or Noodles

• Cozy Family Dinner Centerpiece: Serve this vibrant curry directly from the skillet, placing it in the middle of the table for everyone to share and enjoy together.
• Hearty Rice Companion: Spoon the aromatic curry over jasmine or basmati rice, letting the grains soak up the rich, creamy sauce for a satisfying meal.
• Fresh Herb Garnish: Sprinkle chopped cilantro, green onions, or Thai basil on top to add a burst of color and bright, fresh flavors that complement the curry's warmth.
• Crunchy Texture Boost: Scatter toasted cashews or sliced almonds over the dish for a delightful nutty crunch that contrasts with the tender chicken and soft vegetables.

Store It Well to Keep Flavors Fresh

• Prepare double the recipe and portion into meal-prep containers for quick weeknight dinners during busy work weeks. Refrigerated portions stay delicious for 3-4 days.
• Carefully store curry in airtight containers, leaving slight space for expansion. Freeze up to 2 months for convenient future meals. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating gently.
• Store sauce and protein separately to maintain optimal texture. Keep fresh herbs and garnishes like cilantro or basil in separate sealed containers to prevent wilting.
• Warm curry slowly over medium-low heat, adding splash of coconut milk to restore creamy consistency. Stir frequently to prevent scorching and maintain sauce's smooth texture. Avoid microwave to prevent protein toughening.

Spicy Green Thai Chicken Coconut Curry Recipe

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4.6 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Fragrant green thai chicken coconut curry delivers a symphony of Southeast Asian flavors that dance across your palate. Creamy coconut milk, tender chicken, and zesty herbs combine in a quick, comforting meal that brings Bangkok’s street food magic directly to your dinner table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, sliced thin
• 2–3 tbsps green curry paste (adjust to taste)
• 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk (full-fat for best texture)
• 1 tbsp coconut oil or vegetable oil
• ½ cup chicken broth or water
• 1 tbsp fish sauce
• 1 tsp brown sugar
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 zucchini or green beans, sliced
• 1 cup baby spinach or Thai basil leaves
• Juice of ½ lime
• Cooked jasmine rice, for serving
• Optional toppings: fresh cilantro, lime wedges, sliced chili, or extra Thai basil

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Instructions

1. Sear Chicken: Caramelize chicken in hot coconut oil over medium-high heat until golden and nearly cooked, approximately 5-6 minutes. Transfer protein to a waiting plate.
2. Activate Curry Aromatics: Introduce green curry paste into the identical pan, toasting until intensely fragrant and releasing essential oils, roughly 1-2 minutes.
3. Construct Curry Liquid Base: Integrate coconut milk, chicken broth, fish sauce, and brown sugar. Whisk thoroughly, creating a harmonious, silky sauce that gently bubbles.
4. Incorporate Vegetables and Protein: Layer sliced bell peppers, zucchini, and reserved chicken into the simmering liquid. Allow vegetables to soften and chicken to complete cooking, approximately 4-5 minutes.
5. Finalize Curry: Fold tender baby spinach or Thai basil into the curry, allowing leaves to delicately wilt. Finish with a vibrant squeeze of fresh lime juice, calibrating seasoning to personal preference. Serve immediately over steamed jasmine rice.

Notes

• Ensure chicken is lightly browned but not fully cooked to prevent dryness, as it will continue cooking in the sauce.
• Toast curry paste briefly to release aromatic oils and enhance flavor depth, creating a more intense taste profile.
• Add vegetables towards the end of cooking to maintain crisp texture and prevent overcooking, preserving nutritional value.
• Adjust seasoning carefully by tasting, using lime juice to brighten and fish sauce to add umami complexity to the final dish.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Thai

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg