Fiery Thai Green Curry with Coconut and Fresh Basil

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A fragrant and hot Thai green curry simmered with tender chicken, creamy coconut milk, and bright fresh basil for a warming, spicy bowl. This thai-inspired curry ready in about 30 minutes pairs cut into 1-inch cubes chicken breast, green curry paste, can coconut milk for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Thai cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a large saucepan over medium heat and add 3 tbsp green curry paste; cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and oil begins to separate.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 14 oz coconut milk, then add 1 lb cubed chicken breast, 1 small diced eggplant, 1/2 cup drained bamboo shoots, and 3 torn lime leaves; bring to a gentle simmer.
  3. Step 3: Cook uncovered for 10-12 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the eggplant is tender, stirring occasionally.
  4. Step 4: Season the curry with 2 tbsp fish sauce and 1 tbsp palm sugar, stirring until sugar dissolves; remove from heat.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 1/4 cup fresh Thai basil leaves, garnish with thinly sliced 1 red chili, and serve hot with steamed jasmine rice.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Fiery Thai Green Curry with Coconut and Fresh Basil take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 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 Fiery Thai Green Curry with Coconut and Fresh Basil?

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 green curry paste from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Fiery Thai Green Curry with Coconut and Fresh Basil?

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 Fiery Thai Green Curry with Coconut and Fresh Basil 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 Fiery Thai Green Curry with Coconut and Fresh Basil?

Thai curry 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.