Traditional Thai Green Curry with Chicken

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

A vibrant Thai dish with tender chicken, coconut milk, and a paste of lemongrass, galangal, and green chilies, balanced with creamy coconut and aromatic basil. This thai-inspired chicken ready in about 60 minutes pairs chicken breast, green curry paste, 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.

★ 4.0 (12 ratings) Prep: 30 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 Thai cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large pot, heat 1 tbsp coconut milk over medium heat. Add 3 tbsp green curry paste and sauté for 2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in 2 bruised lemongrass stalks, 1-inch galangal slice, and 2 kaffir lime leaves. Cook for 5 minutes until aromatic.
  2. Step 2: Add 1.5 lbs chicken breast slices and cook for 3-4 minutes until browned. Pour in 2 cups coconut milk, 1 tbsp fish sauce, and 1 tbsp sugar. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes until chicken is tender.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1/4 cup Thai basil and 1 tbsp lime juice. Simmer for 2 minutes. Serve over 1.5 cups cooked rice.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Traditional Thai Green Curry with Chicken take to make?

Total time is about 60 minutes (30 min prep + 30 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 Traditional Thai Green Curry with Chicken?

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 breast from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Traditional Thai Green Curry with Chicken?

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 Traditional Thai Green Curry with Chicken 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 Traditional Thai Green Curry with Chicken?

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.

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