Thai Green Curry with Chicken
Thai Green Curry with Chicken is a warm, fragrant bowl of comfort that brings the bold and colorful flavors of Thailand right into your kitchen. With its creamy coconut base, bright green curry paste, and tender pieces of chicken, this dish delivers the perfect balance of savory, spicy, and slightly sweet. It’s the kind of dinner that feels like a treat but comes together easily enough for a busy weeknight.
What makes this curry so irresistible is its aroma and versatility. Whether you like it fiery or mild, you can adjust the heat with a simple tweak of the curry paste. Pair it with fluffy jasmine rice or spoon it over rice noodles for a comforting meal that feels both exotic and satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Thai Green Curry with Chicken
There are countless reasons to keep this Thai Green Curry recipe on repeat. It’s fast, flavorful, and flexible. The creamy coconut milk mellows the spice while enhancing all the other vibrant ingredients, from the fresh basil to the zingy lime. Plus, the chicken stays incredibly juicy, simmered gently in that luscious green sauce.
This is also one of those recipes that gets better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep. It tastes just as amazing reheated, and the flavors have time to deepen even more overnight.
What Kind of Curry Paste Should I Use?
Not all curry pastes are created equal, and the one you choose will set the tone for your dish. You can find green curry paste in most grocery stores in the international aisle, and there are great options like Mae Ploy or Thai Kitchen. If you want something with more punch and a traditional flavor, go for a Thai-imported brand. If you’re sensitive to heat, start with less and build up to your taste.
Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, try making your own green curry paste from scratch with ingredients like green chilies, garlic, lemongrass, galangal, and kaffir lime. It adds a wonderfully fresh touch to the dish.
Ingredients for the Thai Green Curry with Chicken
A good green curry starts with a few quality ingredients that work in harmony. Every ingredient plays a role in creating a rich, flavorful curry that coats the chicken and vegetables beautifully.
- Chicken thighs: Juicy and tender, these are ideal for absorbing the curry flavors.
- Green curry paste: The heart of the dish, this brings spice and fragrance.
- Coconut milk: Adds creaminess and balances the heat.
- Fish sauce: Brings the salty umami depth you need in Thai cuisine.
- Brown sugar: A small touch of sweetness to round out the flavors.
- Bamboo shoots: Classic in Thai curry for a bit of crunch.
- Thai basil leaves: Offers a peppery aroma that elevates the curry.
- Lime juice: Adds brightness and acidity.
- Jasmine rice: Not cooked in the curry, but essential for serving.

How To Make the Thai Green Curry with Chicken
Step 1: Sauté the Curry Paste
Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add the green curry paste and sauté it for about a minute until it becomes fragrant. This step unlocks its flavor and helps it blend better with the other ingredients.
Step 2: Add the Chicken
Toss in the chicken thighs and stir to coat them with the curry paste. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the chicken is browned and starting to cook through.
Step 3: Pour in Coconut Milk
Add the coconut milk and stir gently, scraping the bottom to incorporate the curry paste fully. Let it simmer for 10 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce thickens slightly.
Step 4: Add Bamboo Shoots and Seasonings
Stir in the bamboo shoots, fish sauce, and brown sugar. Simmer for another 5 minutes to let everything come together.
Step 5: Finish with Basil and Lime
Right before serving, stir in the Thai basil leaves and lime juice. Let them infuse the curry for 1-2 minutes. Taste and adjust salt or lime as needed.
Serving and Storing Thai Green Curry
This dish serves about 4 people generously, especially when paired with jasmine rice or noodles. The rich coconut base keeps well, making it a great make-ahead meal. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave until warm.
The curry sauce also thickens slightly as it sits, which only enhances its depth. If you find it too thick upon reheating, add a splash of coconut milk or water to loosen it up.
What to Serve With Thai Green Curry?
Steamed Jasmine Rice
The natural pairing. It soaks up all that beautiful curry sauce and keeps the heat in check.
Rice Noodles
For a slurpable alternative, serve it over soft rice noodles.
Thai Cucumber Salad
A cool, tangy cucumber salad with vinegar and sugar cuts through the richness of the curry.
Roti or Naan
Not traditionally Thai, but perfect for dipping into the curry.
Mango Sticky Rice
End the meal on a sweet, tropical note with a beloved Thai dessert.
Stir-Fried Veggies
Add more crunch and color to your plate with some quick sautéed bell peppers, green beans, or snap peas.
Crispy Spring Rolls
Add a crispy starter to the mix for a full Thai feast.
Want More Thai Dinner Ideas?
If you love this Thai Green Curry with Chicken, here are some other irresistible dinner recipes to check out:
- Easy Chicken Fried Rice for a quick, protein-packed stir fry.
- Crispy and Delicious Easy Chinese Egg Rolls for a crunchy appetizer.
- Pepperoni Pizza Grilled Cheese for a fun comfort-food fusion.
- Garlic Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni if you love creamy pasta dishes.
- Creamy Mushroom Sauce for Steak to elevate your next steak night.
Save This Recipe For Later
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add extra veggies or keep it classic? Did you go for homemade curry paste?
I love seeing your variations and helping you make this dish your own. Let’s cook and inspire each other!
Explore beautifully curated health-boosting dinners and Thai-inspired favorites on Luna Meals on Pinterest and discover what you’ll make next.
Conclusion
Thai Green Curry with Chicken is the kind of recipe that turns any dinner into something special. With just a handful of pantry-friendly ingredients and bold Southeast Asian flavors, you can bring a comforting, colorful dish to the table in under an hour. Whether you’re new to Thai cooking or it’s already a favorite, this recipe will hit all the right notes every time.

Thai Green Curry with Chicken
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
This Thai Green Curry with Chicken is a creamy, aromatic, and spicy Thai dinner favorite made with coconut milk, green curry paste, chicken thighs, and fresh basil. A perfect weeknight meal that’s both comforting and full of bold Southeast Asian flavor.
Ingredients
1 lb chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
2 tbsp green curry paste
1 tbsp oil
1 can coconut milk (13.5 oz)
1 tbsp fish sauce
1 tsp brown sugar
1 cup bamboo shoots, drained
1 cup Thai basil leaves
1 tbsp lime juice
2 cups cooked jasmine rice (for serving)
Instructions
1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add green curry paste and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
2. Add chicken thighs and stir to coat with curry paste. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes until lightly browned.
3. Pour in the coconut milk and stir to blend. Simmer for 10 minutes until chicken is fully cooked.
4. Add bamboo shoots, fish sauce, and brown sugar. Simmer for another 5 minutes.
5. Stir in Thai basil leaves and lime juice just before serving. Adjust lime or salt to taste.
6. Serve hot over jasmine rice or rice noodles.
Notes
Use full-fat coconut milk for the richest flavor and texture.
Taste and adjust the curry paste depending on spice tolerance.
Fresh Thai basil makes a huge difference, but regular basil can substitute in a pinch.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Thai
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (with rice)
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 31g
- Cholesterol: 115mg


