Healthy Recipes 101

The Heart of The Home Beats in The Kitchen

  • Recipe Index
  • Courses
    • Main Dishes
    • Side Dishes
    • Desserts
    • Appetizers & Snacks
    • Beverages
  • Method
    • Air Frying
    • Boiling
    • Broiling
    • Frying
    • Grilling
    • Oven Baked
    • One-Pan
  • About

Hot Tags

  • Juices
  • Chicken
  • Salmon Recipes
  • Air Fryer
  • Instant Pot
  • Salads
Fact-checked
Chicken

Thai Chicken Curry Recipe

5 from 5 votes
  • Chicken
  • Main Dishes
  • Soups & Stews
Prep Time 5 mins
Cook Time 25 mins
Servings 4 servings
Calories 500 kcal
Thai Chicken Curry Recipe
Jump to Recipe
facebook pinterest twitter Print Recipe

This healthy Thai chicken curry recipe may require many ingredients, but it’s actually simple to make. It comes together in 30 minutes and is perfect for cold days or National Hot and Spicy Food Day (August 19).

What Is Thai Curry?

“Thai curry” is a broad term that refers to any curry dishes native to Thailand. For each one, a curry paste is used to give it its unique flavor.

Although made with different ingredients, Thai curries share very specific traits: fresh, super fragrant, and with strong flavors (especially the heat). This is what Thai cuisine is all about, and we think that’s beautiful.

If you love curry, be sure to check out our egg curry recipe. We also have a massaman curry recipe that is also inspired by Thai cuisine.

Maybe one of these simple curry recipes will become a favorite of yours too, so be sure to check them out later. But for now, let’s get back to today’s Thai chicken curry recipe.

Is Thai Chicken Curry Healthy?

We’ve tried to make this Thai chicken curry recipe as healthy as possible by limiting fat and using nutritious ingredients. Our curry ends up containing:

  • About 7g of saturated fat per serving. This is considered rather low for a main dish that contains oil and coconut milk.
  • Only about 2.5g of added sugar. Added sugar comes from additional sweeteners (in this recipe, brown sugar) and you should only consume about 50g per day.
  • About 4g of fiber per serving. You should consume about 25 grams of fiber per day but we’ll sneak more into this meal later.

Moreover, this Thai chicken curry also contains ingredients that can be beneficial for your health. And they are:

Is Thai Chicken Curry Healthy

1. Turmeric

Turmeric is one of the key ingredients in a curry powder mix. This spice flavors the curry with a warm peppery taste alongside a subtle hint of an earthy, mustardy aroma.

Turmeric also includes curcumin, which gives curry its signature vibrant yellow color. It is curcumin in turmeric that may help treat breast cancer.

2. Ginger

What’s a curry without a little ginger?

Sweet and mildly hot, ginger is one of the most flavorful spices in the world and helps give curry its warmth and comforting aroma.

Like turmeric, ginger also has medicinal benefits including the ability to reduce blood sugar levels.

3. Carrots

Here at Healthy Recipes 101, we love adding carrots to our recipes. They are full of flavor and go well with so many dishes.

Carrots also bring many health benefits. They contain carotenes— a type of carotenoid that gives carrots their signature orange color.

Studies have shown that foods that are rich in carotenoids may improve skin health.

How Many Calories Are There in Thai Chicken Curry?

There are about 500 calories per serving in our Thai chicken curry with one serving including a hefty amount of curry and ¾ cup of cooked rice.

If you plan to include our curry in a wholesome meal, pair it with a 250-calorie salad or side dish. We will discuss side dish options later but for now, let’s get back to the recipe.

To have perfectly cooked chicken every time, check out our healthy chicken recipes.

Thai Chicken Curry Ingredients

Ingredients

Here are some of the main ingredients in today’s Thai chicken curry:

1. Chicken

We used boneless skinless chicken thighs because dark chicken meat is tender and full of flavor. Chicken breast, however, is a great alternative if you don’t have any chicken thighs in the fridge.

Other than chicken, this recipe also works for other types of meat such as beef or lamb.

2. Coconut Milk

This dairy-free milk is one of the key ingredients in Thai cuisine. Coconut milk adds a rich flavor and silky texture to any dish it accompanies.

3. Vegetables

Curries are versatile and you can use any vegetables you have on hand. For today’s recipe, we used carrots, onions, and peas.

Other vegetables that pair well with our Thai chicken curry are broccoli, pumpkin, zucchini.

4. Seasonings

Here are the seasonings that bring out the flavors of our curry:

  • Red curry paste;
  • Herbs: shallots, lemongrass, ginger, galangal;
  • Spices: ground white pepper, cumin powder, ground coriander seeds, curry powder.

The trick is to use a little red curry paste to give your curry deep flavors and savoriness.

If you love Asian-style soups like this one, we also have Instant Pot curry recipe that you may like.

How to Make Thai Chicken Curry

How to Make Thai Chicken Curry

Here is a brief summary of our Thai chicken curry recipe:

Step 1: Sear the chicken.

Step 1: Sear the chicken.

Step 2: Sauté the vegetables.

Step 2: Sauté the vegetables.

Step 3: Sauté the seasonings.

Step 3: Sauté the seasonings.

Step 4: Add broth and simmer.

Step 4: Add broth and simmer.

Step 5: Mix the thickener.

Step 5: Mix the thickener.

Step 6: Add peas and thickener.

Step 6: Add peas and thickener.

Step 7: Serve.

Step 7: Serve.

Detailed instructions and full measurements will be available below.

Jump to Recipe

What to Serve With Thai Chicken Curry

For today’s recipe, we want to keep it traditional and serve this curry over a bed of warm cooked rice. We use medium-grain rice, but we highly recommend using Jasmine rice.

A type of long-grain rice, it has a soft texture, sweet flavor, and subtle aromatic notes. It would both complement and complete this Thai chicken curry.

However, curry and rice alone won’t make a fully nutritious meal. We recommend pairing them with a salad on the side.

what to serve with this recipe

Thai Mango Salad

Since we’re on the Southeast Asian theme, a Thai mango salad is a perfect fit.

The freshness of this vibrant, sweet, and sour salad balances out our rich and spicy curry. Together, they make a great combo for an easy, healthy, homemade Thai-inspired meal.

Here are their combined nutrition facts:

Recipes Course Calories Saturated fat Sodium
Thai Chicken Curry Main Dish 500 7.4 g 586 mg
Thai Mango Salad Side Dish 256 2.3 g 226 mg
Total 756 9.7 g 812 mg
Nutritional values in this table vary somewhat to those below due to different app calculations. Read more...

If you want to include more curry recipes in your diet, we’ve got some seriously delectable ones:

  • Instant Pot Thai Chicken Curry Recipe
  • Beef Curry Recipe
Thai Chicken Curry Recipe

Thai Chicken Curry Recipe

5 from 5 votes
PRINT RATE Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Pinterest
Making dinner has just gotten much easier thanks to this Thai chicken curry recipe. Within 30 minutes, you will have a healthy, hearty spicy meal to share with your family.
Prep Time 5 mins
Cook Time 25 mins
Total Time 30 mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine Asian, Thai
Servings 4 servings
Calories 500kcal

Ingredients
 

  • 2 tbsp olive oil divided
  • 12 oz skinless boneless chicken thigh
  • 1/4 tsp salt divided
  • 1/2 tsp ground black pepper divided
  • 4 oz carrots diced
  • 4 oz onions finely diced
  • 3 tbsp garlic finely minced
  • 1 tbsp red curry paste
  • 1 tbsp shallots finely minced
  • 1/2 tbsp lemongrass finely minced
  • 0.5 oz ginger thinly sliced
  • 0.5 oz galangal thinly sliced
  • 1/8 tsp ground white pepper
  • 1/8 tsp cumin powder
  • 1/2 tsp ground coriander seeds
  • 2 tsp curry powder
  • 3 cups unsalted chicken broth
  • 3 tsp brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup coconut milk
  • 1 1/2 tbsp cornstarch
  • 2 oz frozen peas thawed
  • 1 tbsp tamarind concentrate
  • 1/2 tbsp Thai fish sauce
  • 3 cups cooked medium-grain rice
  • 1/4 cup fresh coriander finely chopped, for garnish
  • 0.25 oz red chile peppers cut into slices, for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Sear the chicken: Heat up 1 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add 12 oz skinless boneless chicken thigh, 1/8 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Sear the chicken for 5 minutes or until golden-brown on both sides. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
    Step 1: Sear the chicken.
  • Sauté the vegetables: In the same pot, add the remaining 1 tbsp olive oil, diced 4 oz carrots, 4 oz onions, and minced 3 tbsp garlic. Cook over medium heat for 2 minutes or until the onions are slightly translucent.
    Step 2: Sauté the vegetables.
  • Sauté the seasonings: Add 1 tbsp red curry paste, 1 tbsp shallots, 1/2 tbsp lemongrass, 0.5 oz ginger, 0.5 oz galangal, 1/8 tsp ground white pepper, 1/8 tsp cumin powder, 1/2 tsp ground coriander seeds, and 2 tsp curry powder. Stir constantly for 1 minute or until fragrant.
    Step 3: Sauté the seasonings.
  • Add broth and simmer: Add the cooked chicken, 3 cups unsalted chicken broth, and 3 tsp brown sugar. Turn the heat up to high and bring to a boil, then simmer uncovered for 15 minutes over medium heat, uncovered.
    Step 4: Add broth and simmer.
  • Mix the thickener: In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup coconut milk and 1 1/2 tbsp cornstarch. Mix to dissolve.
    Step 5: Mix the thickener.
  • Add peas and thickener: Bring the heat up to medium. Add 2 oz frozen peas, coconut thickener, 1 tbsp tamarind concentrate, 1/2 tbsp Thai fish sauce, and the remaining 1/8 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper to the pot. Stir constantly and cook for another minute or until slightly thickened. Turn off the heat.
    Step 6: Add peas and thickener.
  • Serve: Ladle hot curry into a deep dish or a bowl with 3/4 cup warm cooked rice per serving and garnish with 1/4 cup fresh coriander and 0.25 oz red chili peppers.
    Step 7: Serve.

Video

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Thai Chicken Curry Recipe
Amount Per Serving (1 serving)
Calories 500 Calories from Fat 153
% Daily Value*
Fat 17g26%
Saturated Fat 7g44%
Trans Fat 1g
Polyunsaturated Fat 2g
Monounsaturated Fat 7g
Cholesterol 80mg27%
Sodium 585mg25%
Potassium 603mg17%
Carbohydrates 62g21%
Fiber 4g17%
Sugar 8g9%
Protein 25g50%
Vitamin A 5131IU103%
Vitamin C 12mg15%
Calcium 66mg7%
Iron 4mg22%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Homemade Thai Chicken Curry Recipe

FAQ

1. Can You Use Coconut Cream in Curries?

Yes, you can. If you want your curry to be extra rich, use coconut cream instead of coconut milk.

Keep in mind that even though they basically taste the same, coconut cream is much more concentrated, thicker, and richer. The thicker consistency will affect the texture of your curry as well.

However, coconut cream is much higher in saturated fat than coconut milk. You might want to keep an eye on the nutritional values to make sure you don’t consume too much fat.

2. Can You Freeze Thai Chicken Curry?

Yes, you can. Thai chicken curry freezes well and will stay good for about a month in the freezer.

We recommend dividing the curry into serving portions and putting each one in a freezer-safe container. That way you can take one out when you need it and thaw with ease in a microwave.

Can you freeze this recipe

3. How Long Does Thai Chicken Curry Last?

This curry will last up to 5 days in the refrigerator if you keep it in an airtight container. We recommend letting any leftovers cool before placing them in the fridge.

Chicken Biryani recipe
Previous Recipe
Chicken Biryani Recipe
best chicken salad sandwich recipe
Next Recipe
Chicken Salad Sandwich Recipe

More Delicious Like This

Thai mango salad recipe

Healthy Thai Mango Salad Recipe

Salads
Total 15 minutes
Egg Curry Recipe

Egg Curry Recipe

Eggs
Total 35 minutes
Chicken Biryani recipe

Chicken Biryani Recipe

Chicken
Total 1 hour
Massaman Curry Paste

Chicken Massaman Curry Recipe

Chicken
Total 40 minutes
Chicken Shawarma Recipe

Healthy Chicken Shawarma Recipe

Chicken
Total 1 hour 15 minutes
What is in Korma curry paste

Chicken Korma Recipe

Chicken
Total 1 hour
Luna Regina

Luna Regina

facebook instagram pinterest youtube twitter linkedin
Luna is the founder and chief recipe developer of Healthy Recipes 101. Apart from cooking, she also loves reading, programming, exploring the outdoors, and collecting useless facts about everything.

Comments/ Reviews

Cancel reply
Thai Chicken Curry Recipe
Thai Chicken Curry Recipe
Recipe Rating




Comments

  1. Swarup Kumar Samal

    January 8, 2019 at 9:27 am

    Excellent recipe

    Reply
    • Luna

      February 20, 2019 at 4:34 am

      Thanks for the compliment! 🙂

      Reply
  2. Berto

    January 26, 2019 at 1:12 am

    Friendly and tasty receipe. Thanks…

    Reply
    • Luna

      February 20, 2019 at 4:34 am

      Thanks for stopping by! 🙂

      Reply
  3. Derek day

    February 13, 2019 at 10:36 am

    Afrer the comments about tumeric why is there none in this dish

    Reply
    • Luna Regina

      September 5, 2019 at 2:42 am

      Hi Derek, the turmeric is actually in the curry powder 🙂

      Reply
  4. steven

    April 24, 2020 at 2:22 pm

    What is the yogurt supposed to substitute?

    Reply
  5. roy

    May 11, 2020 at 7:03 am

    good good good good

    Reply
  6. P. K. Shee

    June 3, 2020 at 11:20 am

    Sehr schoen.

    Reply
Lizzie Streit, MS, RDN, LD
Recipe developed by Luna Regina on May 3, 2020 Nutritionally reviewed by Lizzie Streit, MS, RDN, LD

Latest Recipes

Air Fryer Blackened Chicken Recipe

Chicken
Air Fryer Blackened Chicken Recipe

Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma Recipe

Chicken
Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma Recipe

Air Fryer Orange Chicken Recipe

Chicken
Air Fryer Orange Chicken Recipe

Air Fryer Chicken Pot Pie Recipe

Chicken
Air Fryer Chicken Pot Pie Recipe

Air Fryer Chicken Satay Recipe

Chicken
Air Fryer Chicken Satay Recipe

Air Fryer Mongolian Chicken Recipe

Chicken
Air Fryer Mongolian Chicken Recipe

Top Pinterest

Banana Papaya Smoothie Recipe

Smoothies
Banana Papaya Smoothie Recipe

Pumpkin Spice Smoothie Recipe

Smoothies
Pumpkin Spice Smoothie Recipe

Strawberry Papaya Smoothie Recipe

Smoothies
Strawberry Papaya Smoothie Recipe

Orange Creamsicle Smoothie Recipe

Smoothies
Orange Creamsicle Smoothie Recipe

Pineapple Carrot Juice Recipe

Carrot Juice
Pineapple Carrot Juice Recipe

Strawberry Carrot Juice Recipe

Carrot Juice
Strawberry Carrot Juice Recipe

AS SEEN ON
eatthis
parade
bustle
insider
buzzfeed
forbes
cnn
msn
Healthy Recipes 101
We do not offer medical, dietetic, or nutritional advice. Please seek consultation from a qualified health care professional prior to any decision to alter your current diet. Learn more See additional information.
  • Recipe Index
  • Course
  • Method
  • About
  • Cooking Challenge
  • Nutrition Guidelines
  • Recipe Development
  • Cooking Tips
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact

Follow Us

facebook instagram pinterest youtube twitter linkedin

Get our latest healthy recipes

Stay up-to-date with our latest RDN-approved recipes, kitchen tips, and healthy eating challenges.

Opt-out at any time by clicking the 'unsubscribe' link at the bottom of our email.

Visit our other Healthy101 sites:

Healthykitchen101
© 2021 Healthy Kitchen 101, LLC - All Rights Reserved
Return to Top