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Easy Chicken Curry

Easy chicken curry recipe served over basmati rice in a white bowl with fresh cilantro and lime wedges

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This quick and easy chicken curry is bold, creamy, and ready on the stovetop in just 30 minutes. Made with chicken breasts, red curry paste, yellow curry powder, and coconut milk, it is mild enough for the whole family yet packed with flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
  • 1.5 tablespoons red curry paste (Thai Kitchen recommended)
  • 1 tablespoon yellow curry powder
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 1 small onion, sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (1-inch knob) fresh ginger, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional)
  • 13.5 ounces full-fat canned coconut milk (1 can)
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice (from 1 lime)
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons cold water (slurry)

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine chicken with red curry paste and yellow curry powder. Toss to coat. Marinate for 15 to 30 minutes at room temperature or up to 4 hours refrigerated.
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown chicken on all sides, about 3 to 4 minutes. Remove and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, heat remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add sliced onion with a pinch of salt and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Add garlic, ginger, and red bell pepper and cook 2 to 3 minutes until fragrant.
  4. Return chicken to skillet. Add brown sugar, coconut milk, and lime juice. Stir to combine. Cover and simmer on medium-low heat for 15 minutes until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F. Do not allow the sauce to boil.
  5. Mix cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water to form a smooth slurry. Pour into skillet while stirring. Sauce will thicken in 1 to 2 minutes. Remove from heat while slightly thinner than desired as it continues to thicken while cooling.
  6. Serve over basmati rice. Top with fresh cilantro, chopped cashews, and lime wedges.

Notes

  • Full-fat coconut milk gives the richest, creamiest result. Plain whole-milk yogurt or heavy cream can be substituted with slightly different flavor.
  • Chicken thighs work well in place of breasts and stay juicier. Rotisserie or leftover shredded chicken can also be used – toss in spices and add after sauteing vegetables, then heat through before adding coconut milk.
  • Do not allow the curry to boil during the simmer. Boiling causes coconut milk to curdle and the sauce loses its smooth texture. Keep heat at medium-low.
  • This curry tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop overnight.

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