Prepare to embark on a mouthwatering culinary journey that will transport your taste buds straight to the vibrant streets of Thailand! This irresistible Thai Chicken Coconut Curry is not just a meal – it's an experience that combines the perfect balance of creamy coconut, spicy red curry, and tender chicken that will make your dinner guests think you've secretly trained with a Thai master chef. Get ready to unlock the secrets of traditional Thai cooking with a recipe so delicious, it'll become your new go-to comfort food!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Thai
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups jasmine rice
- 1 lb chicken, sliced
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 2 tablespoons red curry paste
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Rinse the jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming sticky.
- In a medium pot, combine the rinsed jasmine rice with 4 cups of water. Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Once the water reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a lid, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes or until the rice is tender and the water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for another 5 minutes.
- While the rice is cooking, prepare the chicken. In a large skillet or wok, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is browned and cooked through.
- Add the red curry paste to the skillet with the chicken. Stir well to combine and cook for an additional 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Pour in the coconut milk and fish sauce, stirring to incorporate. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Once the chicken is cooked and the sauce has thickened, taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. You can add more fish sauce or curry paste according to your preference.
- To serve, fluff the jasmine rice with a fork and divide it among four plates. Spoon the chicken and coconut curry sauce over the rice.
- Garnish each serving with fresh basil leaves for an aromatic touch and added flavor.
- Enjoy your traditional Thai meal!
Tips
- Rice Matters: Use high-quality jasmine rice and take your time rinsing it thoroughly. This simple step ensures fluffy, perfectly cooked rice every time.
- Curry Paste Intensity: Adjust the red curry paste to your spice tolerance. Start with less and add more if you want extra heat.
- Coconut Milk Hack: Shake the coconut milk can well before opening to ensure a smooth, well-mixed sauce.
- Fresh is Best: Use fresh basil leaves just before serving to maintain their vibrant flavor and aroma.
- Protein Variations: Feel free to substitute chicken with tofu, shrimp, or beef to keep things interesting.
- Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a little water or chicken broth. If it's too thin, let it simmer a bit longer.
- Meal Prep Tip: This dish tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to make extra for leftovers!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 480kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Cholesterol: 90mg