asian chicken curry recipe
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The Best asian chicken curry recipe
I’ve been making this Asian chicken curry for years, and it’s one of those recipes that just never gets old. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner but flavorful enough to impress when we have friends over. My kids request it all the time—even my picky eater cleans his plate—and I love that it’s packed with protein and veggies without feeling heavy. The coconut milk keeps it creamy, while the ginger and garlic give it that warm, aromatic kick that makes the whole house smell amazing.
What I appreciate most about this recipe is how versatile it is. You can serve it over rice, noodles, or even with a side of naan if you’re feeling fancy. It reheats well, so leftovers are just as good the next day, which is a lifesaver for busy weeks. Plus, the turmeric and fresh herbs add anti-inflammatory benefits, making it a dish I feel good about feeding my family. It’s comfort food with a healthy twist, and that’s a win in my book.
Thai-Inspired Asian Chicken Curry
4.6 from 1271 votes
A rich and aromatic chicken curry with coconut milk, lemongrass, and Thai spices. This dish is creamy, flavorful, and perfect over steamed jasmine rice for a comforting meal.
Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time35 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time55 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 420 kcal
🥘Ingredients
For the Curry Paste
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 stalk lemongrass, finely chopped (white part only)
- 1-inch piece ginger, grated
- 1-2 Thai red chilies, seeded and chopped (adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
For the Curry
- 1.5 lbs (700g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup bamboo shoots, drained and sliced
- 1 cup Thai basil leaves (or regular basil)
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp black pepper
For Serving
- Steamed jasmine rice
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Lime wedges
- Sliced red chilies (optional)
👨🍳Directions
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1 Prepare the curry paste: In a blender or mortar and pestle, combine garlic, lemongrass, ginger, chilies, coriander, cumin, turmeric, paprika, fish sauce, soy sauce, and brown sugar. Blend until smooth. Set aside.
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2 Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and bell pepper, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until softened.
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3 Add the curry paste to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
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4 Pour in half of the coconut milk and stir well to combine with the paste. Simmer for 2 minutes.
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5 Add the chicken pieces and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is no longer pink on the outside.
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6 Pour in the remaining coconut milk and chicken broth. Stir well, then add bamboo shoots. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce has thickened slightly.
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7 Stir in Thai basil leaves, lime juice, salt, and black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
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8 Remove from heat and serve hot over steamed jasmine rice. Garnish with fresh cilantro, lime wedges, and sliced chilies if desired.
🔧Equipment
- Large skillet or wok
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring spoons
- Blender or mortar and pestle (for paste)
📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)
🔥Calories: 420 kcal🧈Total Fat: 25g💛Saturated Fat: 18g❤️Cholesterol: 125mg🧂Sodium: 950mg🌾Total Carbs: 18g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 6g🥩Protein: 32g
📝Notes
Tips: For a spicier curry, add more Thai chilies or a dash of chili flakes. If you prefer a milder version, reduce the chilies or omit them entirely. You can also substitute chicken breasts for thighs, but thighs will yield a juicier result. For extra richness, stir in a tablespoon of peanut butter at the end.
Watch Video Of How Thai-Inspired Asian Chicken Curry Works
This Asian chicken curry is one of those foolproof recipes I always reach for because it’s simple, flavorful, and works for just about any occasion. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a big family gathering, the rich, aromatic sauce and tender chicken bring everyone together without any fuss. Plus, it’s easy to customize with extra veggies or adjust the spice level, so it never disappoints.
