Green Thai Chicken Coconut Curry

Green Thai Chicken Coconut Curry is a rich, creamy, and vibrant dish that brings together tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and aromatic green curry paste in a luscious coconut milk base. It’s a bold yet comforting meal that’s surprisingly easy to make at home in under 30 minutes—perfect for curry lovers looking for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bursting with authentic Thai flavors
• Creamy, spicy, and perfectly balanced
• Ready in 30 minutes or less
• Customizable with your favorite vegetables
• Delicious with rice or noodles for a complete meal

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (sliced thin)
• Green curry paste (store-bought or homemade)
• Coconut milk (full-fat for best flavor)
• Onion (sliced)
• Garlic (minced)
• Ginger (grated or minced)
• Bell peppers (red and green, sliced)
• Zucchini or green beans (optional)
• Fish sauce
• Brown sugar
• Lime juice
• Fresh Thai basil or cilantro (for garnish)
• Cooked jasmine rice or rice noodles, for serving
• Optional: sliced red chili for heat, kaffir lime leaves for extra aroma

directions

this recipe

1. Heat a bit of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat.
2. Add onion, garlic, and ginger, and sauté for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
3. Stir in green curry paste and cook for another minute to release its aroma.
4. Add the sliced chicken and cook for 3–4 minutes until lightly browned.
5. Pour in coconut milk and stir to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer.
6. Add bell peppers, zucchini, and any other vegetables. Simmer for 8–10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender.
7. Stir in fish sauce, brown sugar, and lime juice. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
8. Remove from heat and garnish with Thai basil or cilantro and optional sliced red chili.
9. Serve hot over jasmine rice or noodles.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian: Substitute chicken with tofu or chickpeas, and use soy sauce instead of fish sauce.
• Spicy Kick: Add fresh chopped Thai chilis or a bit more curry paste.
• Mild Version: Use less curry paste and add more coconut milk.
• Creamier Curry: Stir in a spoonful of peanut butter or extra coconut cream.
• Low-Carb: Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave until warmed through.
You can also freeze the curry for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

What is green curry made of?

Green curry paste typically includes green chilis, lemongrass, garlic, shallots, galangal, kaffir lime, and spices—blended into a flavorful base.

Can I use red or yellow curry paste instead?

Yes, the flavor will be different but still delicious—feel free to switch it up!

Is green curry very spicy?

It has a medium to hot spice level, but you can adjust by using less paste or adding more coconut milk.

Can I make this curry ahead of time?

Absolutely—it tastes even better the next day as the flavors develop.

What’s the best coconut milk to use?

Full-fat canned coconut milk gives the best creamy texture and rich flavor.

Can I use frozen vegetables?

Yes, frozen bell peppers, green beans, or mixed stir-fry veggies work well.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes—just make sure your curry paste and fish sauce are certified gluten-free.

What protein can I substitute for chicken?

Shrimp, beef, tofu, or tempeh all work well in this recipe.

Can I add noodles instead of rice?

Definitely—serve with rice noodles or stir them directly into the curry for a complete meal.

How do I thicken the curry sauce?

Simmer uncovered to reduce the liquid slightly, or stir in a bit of cornstarch mixed with water.

Conclusion

Green Thai Chicken Coconut Curry is a flavorful, comforting dish that’s both quick and impressive. Whether you’re new to Thai cooking or a curry enthusiast, this recipe is simple to follow and endlessly adaptable. With its creamy texture, fresh herbs, and bold aroma, it’s a restaurant-quality meal you can easily make at home—and one you’ll want to cook again and again.

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