Name: Thai Red Curry Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons Vegetable oil; 2 cloves Garlic, grated; 2 teaspoons Ginger, peeled and grated; 5 tablespoons Red curry paste; 13.5 oz Coconut milk, full fat; 2 teaspoons Fish sauce; 1 tablespoon Granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon Lime juice; 1 Red pepper, cut into slices; ½ Onion, cut into slices; 1 pound Boneless chicken thighs or chicken tenders; ¼ cup Cilantro, fresh chopped; 1 cup Thai basil

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 54 reviews

If you are craving something vibrant, aromatic, and packed with flavorful heat, this Thai Red Curry Chicken Recipe is an absolute winner. It’s a perfect meld of creamy coconut milk, fiery red curry paste, and tender chicken that comes together in about 30 minutes. Each bite offers a beautiful balance of spicy, sweet, and tangy notes that dance on your tongue, making it a delightful dish to share with family or friends any night of the week. Trust me, once you make this, it will quickly become a beloved staple in your recipe collection.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white bowl filled with two main layers: on the right side, a layer of plain white rice topped with green herb leaves, and on the left side, a thick orange curry with pieces of cooked chicken, red bell peppers, chopped onions, and dark green leafy vegetables, all garnished with chopped fresh green herbs. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, with small bowls of chopped green herbs above it and some scattered herb leaves around. A spoon with orange curry stains is placed on the right side of the bowl. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting the ingredients right is the foundation of this Thai Red Curry Chicken Recipe, and the beauty is how straightforward these essentials are. Every component plays a crucial role, from creating layers of flavor to adding texture and vibrant color that make the dish visually inviting.

Vegetable oil: Provides a neutral base for sautéing and helps release the deep flavors of garlic and ginger.
Garlic (2 cloves, grated): Adds a pungent depth that wakes up your taste buds right from the start.
Ginger (2 teaspoons, peeled and grated): Brings a fresh, slightly spicy warmth that complements the curry paste beautifully.
Red curry paste (5 tablespoons): The star ingredient loaded with spices and chilies that give this dish its signature kick.
Coconut milk (13.5 oz, full fat): Creates a luscious, creamy sauce that balances heat with richness.
Fish sauce (2 teaspoons): Adds an authentic salty umami burst that’s essential in Thai cooking.
Granulated sugar (1 tablespoon): Just a touch to mellow the intense flavors and round out the taste.
Lime juice (1 tablespoon): Provides a refreshing zing that brightens every bite.
Red pepper (1, cut into slices): Offers sweetness and crunch, contributing vivid color to the dish.
Onion (½, sliced): Adds subtle sweetness and a tender texture once cooked.
Boneless chicken thighs or tenders (1 pound): Tender, juicy pieces absorb the curry sauce perfectly for maximum flavor.
Cilantro (¼ cup, fresh and chopped): A fragrant herb that brings a fresh, herbal lift as a finishing touch.
Thai basil (1 cup): Adds a unique peppery-sweet aroma that defines the dish’s authentic character.

How to Make Thai Red Curry Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Aromatics

Start by heating the vegetable oil over medium heat in a large skillet or wok. Once hot, add the grated garlic and ginger, sautéing them until fragrant. This first step fills your kitchen with a heavenly scent and lays the flavor foundation you just can’t rush.

Step 2: Cook the Curry Paste

Next, stir in the red curry paste, allowing it to fry gently in the oil for about 2 minutes. This helps release the intense chili oils and spices, deepening the complexity of your curry sauce.

Step 3: Add Coconut Milk and Seasonings

Pour in the full-fat coconut milk, stirring to combine it smoothly with the curry paste. Then, add fish sauce, sugar, and lime juice. These ingredients balance salty, sweet, and tangy flavors, creating a harmonious sauce that’s rich but not overpowering.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken and Vegetables

Add your chicken pieces to the sauce and toss in sliced red pepper and onion. Let everything simmer gently so the chicken cooks all the way through and the vegetables soften just enough to keep a slight crunch, all while soaking up that gorgeous sauce.

Step 5: Finish with Fresh Herbs

Once the chicken is cooked and the sauce has thickened slightly, stir in a generous handful of chopped cilantro and Thai basil. These herbs provide a fresh brightness and authentic aroma that elevate the dish instantly.

How to Serve Thai Red Curry Chicken Recipe

The image shows two top-down views of a black pan on a white marbled surface, filled with a thick orange curry with visible creamy texture and small chunks of white meat and red bell pepper pieces. In the left pan, a pile of fresh green basil leaves sits neatly in the center of the vibrant curry. In the right pan, the green basil leaves are stirred throughout the curry, creating spots of bright green spread unevenly across the orange sauce. A woman's hand holding a wooden spoon is seen in the bottom right corner of the right pan, stirring the curry gently as light steam rises from the dish. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkling extra fresh cilantro or Thai basil leaves on top just before serving adds a burst of fragrance and color. A wedge of lime on the side also allows everyone to add a squeeze of zest to brighten their bowl, making every bite pop.

Side Dishes

This curry pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice, which is perfect for soaking up all that delicious sauce. For a heartier option, sticky rice or even a lightly toasted baguette give wonderful texture contrasts and help round out the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Consider serving the curry in a rustic bowl topped with crushed peanuts for added crunch or a drizzle of coconut cream swirled on top for that extra touch of indulgence. For a fun twist, serve alongside grilled vegetables or a crisp cucumber salad for freshness and balance.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This Thai Red Curry Chicken Recipe holds up well when refrigerated in an airtight container. It can be stored for up to three days, and the flavors often deepen overnight, making your next meal even tastier.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, this curry freezes beautifully. Transfer it to a freezer-safe container and keep it for up to two months. Just make sure to thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating for best texture.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the curry gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or coconut milk if the sauce has thickened too much. Stir frequently to ensure even heating and maintain that silky sauce consistency.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs in this Thai Red Curry Chicken Recipe?

Absolutely! While chicken thighs stay juicier and more tender, chicken breast works well too. Just be careful not to overcook it, as breast meat can dry out more easily.

Is Thai Red Curry Chicken Recipe very spicy?

The spiciness level depends largely on the amount and brand of red curry paste used. This recipe has a moderate heat that can be toned down by reducing the curry paste or balanced by extra coconut milk and sugar.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?

Yes! Simply swap the chicken for tofu or vegetables like eggplant and make sure to use a vegetarian fish sauce alternative or soy sauce. The flavors will still be amazing.

What is the best way to store fresh herbs like Thai basil and cilantro?

To keep them fresh longer, wrap the herbs loosely in a damp paper towel and store them in a sealed container or plastic bag in the refrigerator. This helps maintain their vibrant flavor and texture.

Can I prepare this dish in advance for a dinner party?

Definitely! The Thai Red Curry Chicken Recipe actually tastes better the next day once flavors meld. Prepare it a few hours or even a day ahead, refrigerate, and gently reheat before serving.

Final Thoughts

Making this Thai Red Curry Chicken Recipe at home is not only easy and quick but also immensely satisfying. It’s a dish that brings warmth and excitement to the dinner table, full of flavor and a wonderful balance of textures. Gather your ingredients, dive in, and I promise you’ll find yourself returning to this recipe time and again for a delicious taste of Thailand.

Thai Red Curry Chicken Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need