Sautéed Chicken with Red Curry Paste and Paprika
A fragrant sauté of chicken with garlic, red curry paste, and paprika that builds a flavorful base for many dishes. This vietnamese-inspired chicken ready in about 20 minutes pairs red curry paste, paprika, finely chopped garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 3, 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 pound, cut into bite-sized pieces boneless chicken thighs
- 2 tsp red curry paste
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 4, finely chopped garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- to taste salt
- to taste black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Step 2: Add 4 finely chopped garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 3: Stir in 2 tsp red curry paste and 1/2 tsp paprika, cooking for 2 minutes until the mixture darkens and releases aroma.
- Step 4: Add 1 pound bite-sized boneless chicken thighs, spreading them evenly in the skillet.
- Step 5: Cook without stirring for 3 minutes to brown the chicken, then stir and cook for another 3-4 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
- Step 6: Season with salt and black pepper to taste, then remove from heat and serve as a base for curries or rice dishes.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sautéed Chicken with Red Curry Paste and Paprika take to make?
Total time is about 20 minutes (10 min prep + 10 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 Sautéed Chicken with Red Curry Paste and Paprika?
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 Sautéed Chicken with Red Curry Paste and Paprika?
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 Sautéed Chicken with Red Curry Paste and Paprika for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). 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 Sautéed Chicken with Red Curry Paste and Paprika?
Vietnamese 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.