Thai Chicken Coconut Curry
Creamy, spicy, and fragrant, Thai Chicken Coconut Curry is a dish that brings the warmth of Southeast Asia right to your table. The golden curry sauce is rich with coconut milk and carries hints of lemongrass, ginger, and garlic, while tender pieces of chicken soak up all the aromatic goodness. It’s the kind of comfort food that wraps you in flavor and doesn’t let go.
Served over fluffy jasmine rice or with warm naan, this curry delivers both a bold flavor profile and a satisfying, hearty bite. It comes together in just around 30 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight dinner option. Whether you’re craving something cozy or you’re introducing someone to Thai flavors for the first time, this dish never disappoints.
Why You’ll Love This Thai Chicken Coconut Curry
This curry hits that perfect balance of savory and sweet, spicy and creamy. Coconut milk brings a lush base while red curry paste ignites the sauce with gentle heat. It’s quick to prepare, easy to adjust for spice levels, and makes excellent leftovers that taste even better the next day. If you’re someone who loves meals that taste like they took hours but actually didn’t, this recipe is for you.
What Kind of Coconut Milk Should I Use?
Full-fat canned coconut milk is your best choice here. It gives the curry its signature creaminess and depth of flavor. Avoid the refrigerated coconut milk drinks as they’re watered down and won’t give the same richness. If you like it ultra-luxurious, you can even add a spoon of coconut cream to elevate the sauce.
Ingredients for the Thai Chicken Coconut Curry
This dish may taste complex, but the ingredients are simple and easy to find. Each one brings something unique to the final flavor profile.
- Chicken breast or thighs – The protein that absorbs all the bold curry flavor.
- Red curry paste – Packs the heat and aromatic spice blend essential to Thai cooking.
- Coconut milk (full-fat) – Creates the rich, velvety base that holds all the flavors together.
- Garlic – A base layer of flavor that complements the curry and coconut.
- Ginger – Adds warmth and zing.
- Onion – Sweetens as it sautés and builds flavor.
- Bell peppers – Bring color and a touch of sweetness.
- Fish sauce – Adds umami and deepens the savory notes.
- Brown sugar – Balances the heat and acidity with a gentle sweetness.
- Lime juice – Brightens the curry with acidity.
- Fresh basil or cilantro – For a herbaceous finish.

How To Make the Thai Chicken Coconut Curry
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics
Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until softened. Stir in garlic and ginger, cooking just until fragrant.
Step 2: Build the Base
Add red curry paste and cook it out for a minute to deepen the flavor. Pour in the coconut milk and stir well until the curry paste is fully combined.
Step 3: Add Chicken
Toss in your chicken pieces and let them simmer in the sauce. Cook for about 10 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
Step 4: Veggie Time
Add sliced bell peppers and cook another 5 minutes until just tender. Stir in the fish sauce, brown sugar, and lime juice.
Step 5: Finish with Herbs
Turn off the heat and stir in fresh basil or cilantro for a fragrant burst. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
How to Serve and Store Thai Chicken Coconut Curry
This recipe generously serves 4 people and is incredibly versatile when it comes to presentation. Spoon it over a bowl of steamed jasmine rice or serve it with soft naan to soak up every drop. You can even pair it with rice noodles for something a little different.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The curry flavors deepen overnight, making it even more delicious the next day. It also freezes well, just hold off on adding the fresh herbs until you’re ready to reheat and serve.
What to Serve With Thai Chicken Coconut Curry?
Jasmine Rice
The classic pairing that soaks up the curry and lets the flavors shine.
Garlic Naan
Perfect for scooping and sopping up the sauce.
Thai Cucumber Salad
A refreshing side to balance the warm spices with crunch and coolness.
Mango Sticky Rice
If you want to end your meal on a sweet note, this is the way to go.
Coconut Cauliflower Rice
For a lower-carb option that still plays nicely with the coconut theme.
Spring Rolls
Crispy and light, they add a different texture to your meal.
Stir-Fried Greens
Bok choy or Chinese broccoli cooked in garlic complements the richness.
Easy Chicken Fried Rice
For a double dose of comfort, this classic side matches well with curry flavors: Easy Chicken Fried Rice【5†source】.
Want More Curry Ideas?
If this Thai Chicken Coconut Curry makes your heart (and taste buds) happy, here are more flavorful ideas to try next:
- Try the comforting Creamy Kielbasa Gnocchi Soup if you love creamy and hearty meals.
- Craving something spicy and fusion-style? You’ll adore Fiery Chicken Ramen with Creamy Garlic Sauce.
- For a more classic comfort route, dive into Delicious Garlic Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni.
- Need more Asian-inspired flavors? Don’t miss our reader-favorite Thai Curry Chicken Noodle Soup.
Save This Recipe For Later
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest board so it’s easy to find next time you’re craving curry comfort.
Tried it? I’d love to hear how it went! Did you make it spicier? Add more veggies? Let us know in the comments below.
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Conclusion
Thai Chicken Coconut Curry is more than just a quick dinner—it’s a dish that brings warmth, flavor, and comfort in every bite. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy night in or impressing guests, it’s always a standout. Once you try it, you’ll want to make it part of your regular meal rotation.

Thai Chicken Coconut Curry
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
This Thai Chicken Coconut Curry recipe features tender chicken simmered in a creamy coconut milk sauce with bold Thai red curry flavor, fresh herbs, and vegetables. A quick, hearty, and flavorful dish perfect for weeknight dinners. Keywords: Thai coconut curry, chicken curry, creamy Thai curry, easy Thai dinner, red curry coconut chicken.
Ingredients
1 lb chicken breast or thighs
2 tablespoons red curry paste
1 tablespoon oil
1 onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
1 can (13.5 oz) full-fat coconut milk
1 tablespoon fish sauce
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
1 tablespoon lime juice
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil or cilantro
Instructions
1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 3–4 minutes.
2. Add garlic and ginger and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Stir in red curry paste and cook for 1 minute to release its flavors.
4. Pour in coconut milk, stirring well to combine with the curry paste.
5. Add chicken pieces and simmer for 10–12 minutes, or until cooked through.
6. Add bell peppers and cook for another 5 minutes until tender but crisp.
7. Stir in fish sauce, brown sugar, and lime juice. Adjust seasoning to taste.
8. Turn off the heat and stir in chopped fresh basil or cilantro before serving.
Notes
This dish is best with jasmine rice or naan.
You can make it spicier by adding chili flakes or more curry paste.
Leftovers are even better the next day as the flavors deepen.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Thai
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 85mg


