Authentic & Easy Green Curry Chicken: Your Ultimate Homemade Thai Dinner Recipe
Forget the takeout menu! This incredibly simple and authentic Easy Green Curry Chicken recipe brings the vibrant flavors of Thailand right to your kitchen. Featuring tender chicken and a colorful medley of fresh vegetables, all simmered to perfection in a rich, creamy green curry coconut sauce, this dish is a weeknight dinner game-changer. Get ready to impress your taste buds and your family with a meal that’s healthier, more delicious, and surprisingly easy to make at home.
Why Choose Homemade Easy Green Curry Chicken?
Today, I’m thrilled to share a recipe that will transform your perception of homemade Thai food: this phenomenal Easy Green Curry Chicken. For years, I’ve perfected this dish, constantly trying to capture that authentic restaurant quality right here in my own kitchen. And let me tell you, this recipe doesn’t just compete with takeout; it surpasses it. The best part? It’s far less complicated than you might imagine, making it an ideal choice for a flavorful and satisfying meal any night of the week.
There’s an undeniable magic that happens when fragrant green curry paste harmonizes with rich coconut milk. This combination creates a warming, comforting, and deeply satisfying sauce that forms the heart of this beloved Thai dish. It’s a flavor profile that transports you with every spoonful, making ordinary evenings feel extraordinary.
In my home, my husband Mike is usually my toughest critic, while the kids can be a bit more unpredictable. I often rely on Mike’s honest feedback to gauge a new recipe’s success. When I first introduced this Easy Green Curry Chicken, I was particularly eager to see his reaction. He enjoys some of my Thai-inspired creations, but he’s rarely as enthusiastic about them as I am – perhaps because Thai cuisine holds a special place as one of my absolute favorites. Given the choice between takeout options, I almost always gravitate towards Thai or Middle Eastern fare.
So, when Mike took his first few bites of this green curry, I held my breath. His immediate declaration? He absolutely loved it! This isn’t just a casual approval; it’s a testament to how truly delicious and approachable this recipe is. It quickly became a regular request, a dish we both crave time and time again. The blend of vibrant fresh vegetables, the luxurious and creamy green curry sauce, and the aromatic fresh herbs all contribute to making this dish an undeniable winner in our household.
Perfecting Your Spice Level and Serving Suggestions
When I prepare this green curry chicken, I typically use three tablespoons of green curry paste to achieve a robust, well-balanced flavor that’s just right for my palate. However, the beauty of cooking at home is the ability to customize! If you prefer a milder curry, start with two tablespoons and add more to taste. For those who adore a powerful, intensely flavorful curry, feel free to increase the amount. Remember, different brands of green curry paste can vary in heat and intensity, so it’s always a good idea to taste and adjust as you go.
This versatile dish pairs beautifully with a variety of accompaniments. We love serving it over fluffy basmati or fragrant jasmine rice, allowing the rice to soak up every last drop of the delectable sauce. For an extra touch, a side of warm naan bread is perfect for scooping up the rich, creamy juices. Beyond rice, consider quinoa for a healthier grain option, or even cauliflower rice if you’re looking for a low-carb alternative.
What I love most about this recipe is its adaptability. It’s incredibly easy to tailor to your dietary preferences or whatever ingredients you have on hand. Whether you’re a vegetarian seeking a flavorful plant-based meal or simply want to incorporate more vegetables, this recipe allows for effortless modifications. Simply omit the chicken and boost the vegetable content, perhaps by adding some hearty chickpeas. In my experience, chickpeas are a fantastic addition, absorbing the curry flavors wonderfully and adding a satisfying texture.
Creative Ways to Customize Your Green Curry Chicken
-
Make it Vegetarian or Vegan:
To create a satisfying vegetarian or vegan green curry, simply omit the chicken entirely. Instead, bulk up the dish with an abundance of your favorite vegetables. Hearty options like sweet potatoes, cauliflower florets, mushrooms, or even tofu (pressed and pan-fried for texture) work beautifully. Don’t forget to add a can of chickpeas for extra protein and fiber, making it a truly wholesome meatless meal.
-
Vary Your Vegetables:
This recipe is incredibly forgiving when it comes to vegetables. Feel free to use whatever fresh produce you have in your fridge! Beyond the carrots, bell peppers, bok choy, and snow peas listed, I often incorporate zucchini, green beans, or broccoli. Spinach, kale, bamboo shoots, and water chestnuts are also excellent additions, offering diverse textures and nutrients.
-
Boost the Heat:
If you’re a fan of a fiery curry, there are many ways to amp up the spice. You can add sliced red chiles or jalapeños directly into the curry as it simmers. A pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce can also provide an extra kick. For a true Thai heat, a few bird’s eye chilies will do the trick! Always add gradually and taste as you go.
-
Explore Different Bases:
While traditionally served with rice, this green curry is incredibly versatile. For a low-carb twist, try serving it over “zoodles” (zucchini noodles) or spiralized sweet potato noodles. The sauce clings beautifully to them, offering a light yet flavorful alternative. It also works well with rice noodles or even a side of roasted vegetables if you’re avoiding grains.
-
Alternative Proteins:
Not a fan of chicken? This recipe works wonderfully with other proteins. Try shrimp (add them towards the end as they cook quickly), beef (thinly sliced and seared), or even firm white fish like cod or halibut. For an extra rich flavor, chicken thighs can be used instead of breast.
-
Garnish for Freshness:
Don’t underestimate the power of garnishes! Fresh cilantro, chopped green onions, and fresh basil leaves brighten up the dish both visually and flavor-wise. A wedge of lime on the side allows everyone to add a final burst of citrusy brightness, enhancing all the other flavors.
This Easy Green Curry Chicken is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. It’s the perfect balance of savory, sweet, spicy, and tangy, creating a depth of flavor that will leave you completely satisfied. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is designed to be straightforward and rewarding. So, grab your ingredients and get ready to create a truly memorable Thai feast right at home!
Tried this recipe? Leave a star rating and comment below! Subscribe to my newsletter or follow me on
Facebook,
Instagram, or
Pinterest for the latest.
Easy Green Curry Chicken
Pin
Ingredients
- 1 cup basmati rice
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound chicken breast, cubed
- 1/4 sweet onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic , minced
- 1 bell pepper, seeds removed, chopped
- 3 Tablespoons green curry paste
- 2 teaspoon ginger, grated
- 1 can coconut milk, divided {you can use light if you want}
- 1 Tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 cup bok choy , {or greens of your choice}
- 1 cup carrots, cut into matchsticks
- 3/4 cup snow peas
- 1 lime, juiced
- cilantro, to garnish
- Green onion, chopped, to garnish
- Basil leaves, chopped, to garnish
- Red chiles, diced, to garnish
Instructions
-
Heat the 2 Tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté for 2 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for 2 more minutes until fragrant. Add the bell pepper and cubed chicken, continuing to sauté for 3 minutes until the chicken is lightly browned on all sides.
-
Next, incorporate the green curry paste and grated ginger, stirring well to coat the chicken and vegetables. Pour in the full can of coconut milk and the fish sauce. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 10 minutes, or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked through and tender.
-
Finally, add the bok choy, carrots, and snow peas to the simmering curry. Continue to cook for a few more minutes, just until the bok choy is wilted and the other vegetables are crisp-tender. Remove the skillet from the heat, stir in the fresh lime juice, and taste for seasoning adjustments.
-
Serve your delicious Green Curry Chicken immediately over a bed of steamed rice. Garnish generously with fresh cilantro, chopped basil, sliced green onion, and diced red chiles (if you desire extra spice and color). Enjoy!
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.