Coconut-Lemongrass Chicken Curry with Jasmine Rice
A fragrant Thai-inspired chicken curry simmered with fresh lemongrass and creamy coconut milk, served alongside fluffy jasmine rice for a comforting meal. This thai-inspired chicken ready in about 50 minutes pairs (14 oz) coconut milk, bruised and chopped lemongrass stalks, red curry paste for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 lb, cut into 1-inch pieces boneless chicken thighs
- 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
- 2, bruised and chopped lemongrass stalks
- 2 tbsp red curry paste
- 1 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tsp brown sugar
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 3 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 2 small, sliced shallots
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1 1/2 cups, uncooked jasmine rice
- 3 cups water
- for serving lime wedges
Instructions
- Step 1: Rinse 1 1/2 cups jasmine rice under cold water until water runs clear. Combine with 3 cups water in a pot, bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until rice is tender and water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it rest covered.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 2 sliced shallots, sauté for 2 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
- Step 3: Add 2 tbsp red curry paste and 2 bruised, chopped lemongrass stalks to the skillet, stirring for 1 minute until aromatic.
- Step 4: Add 1 lb boneless chicken thighs cut into 1-inch pieces, stirring to coat with the curry paste. Cook for 5 minutes until chicken is lightly browned.
- Step 5: Pour in 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk, 1 tbsp fish sauce, and 1 tsp brown sugar. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for 15 minutes until chicken is cooked through and sauce has thickened slightly.
- Step 6: Remove lemongrass stalks from the curry. Stir in 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves and cook for an additional minute.
- Step 7: Serve the curry hot over jasmine rice with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Coconut-Lemongrass Chicken Curry with Jasmine Rice take to make?
Total time is about 50 minutes (15 min prep + 35 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Coconut-Lemongrass Chicken Curry with Jasmine Rice?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep (14 oz) coconut milk from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Coconut-Lemongrass Chicken Curry with Jasmine Rice?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Coconut-Lemongrass Chicken Curry with Jasmine Rice for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Coconut-Lemongrass Chicken Curry with Jasmine Rice?
Thai chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
