Real Thai Green Curry with Basil

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

A vibrant green curry with coconut milk, Thai basil, and tender chicken, balanced with lemongrass and kaffir lime. This thai-inspired asian ready in about 40 minutes pairs chicken thighs, coconut milk, green 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Thai cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp oil in a wok over medium-high heat. Add sliced lemongrass (white part only) and kaffir lime leaves, sauté 1 minute until fragrant. Add green curry paste and stir 2 minutes until aromatic.
  2. Step 2: Add chicken pieces and cook 4-5 minutes until browned. Stir in bell pepper chunks, fish sauce, and 200ml coconut milk. Simmer 10 minutes until chicken is tender.
  3. Step 3: Add remaining 200ml coconut milk and Thai basil, cook 2-3 minutes until basil wilts. Season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp sugar. Serve over steamed rice.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Real Thai Green Curry with Basil take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 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 Real Thai Green Curry with 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 chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Real Thai Green Curry with 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 Real Thai Green Curry with 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 Real Thai Green Curry with Basil?

Thai asian 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.

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