Red Curry Chicken Simmered with Coconut Milk and Thai Basil

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

A rich and aromatic Thai red curry featuring tender chicken simmered in creamy coconut milk with fragrant Thai basil and vibrant spices. This thai-inspired curry ready in about 35 minutes pairs red curry paste, coconut milk, fish sauce 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: 10 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Thai cuisine 480 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Affiliate disclosure: AislePrompt may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through Amazon links, at no additional cost to you. See our policy →

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Cookware & pots → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large saucepan over medium heat until hot but not smoking. Add 3 tbsp red curry paste and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and oil begins to separate from the paste.
  2. Step 2: Pour in 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk, stirring to combine with the curry paste, then add 1/4 cup water to adjust consistency.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 lb chicken thigh pieces into the coconut curry mixture and bring to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat. Cook for 8 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 medium cubed eggplant and 1/2 cup drained bamboo shoots to the curry. Stir and simmer uncovered for another 7-8 minutes until chicken is cooked through and eggplant is tender.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 2 tbsp fish sauce and 1 tbsp palm sugar, simmering gently for 2 minutes to balance salty and sweet flavors.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat and fold in 1/2 cup fresh Thai basil leaves and 2 slices of red chili for mild heat and aromatic freshness.
  7. Step 7: Serve the curry hot with steamed jasmine rice or sticky rice.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Red Curry Chicken Simmered with Coconut Milk and Thai Basil take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (10 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 Red Curry Chicken Simmered with Coconut Milk and Thai 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 red curry paste from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Red Curry Chicken Simmered with Coconut Milk and Thai 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 Red Curry Chicken Simmered with Coconut Milk and Thai 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 Red Curry Chicken Simmered with Coconut Milk and Thai 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.

Related recipes