Ingredients
Chicken and Sauce
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 3-4 tablespoons Thai red curry paste, using more or less to taste
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 3 tablespoons sesame oil or extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh Thai basil or regular basil, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped, plus more for serving
- 1 (14 ounce) can full fat coconut milk
- 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce (optional, but recommended)
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- Juice of 1 lime
For Serving
- Steamed rice
- Roasted peanuts
- Persian cucumbers
Spicy Lime Mango
- 1 mango, diced
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and chopped
- Juice and zest from 1 lime
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Toss the chicken with 2 tablespoons of the Thai red curry paste, ground ginger, and 1 tablespoon of oil. Allow it to marinate and sit for 5 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large Dutch oven or pot over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and sear it on both sides until browned, approximately 2 minutes per side. Then add the remaining Thai red curry paste, fresh basil, and cilantro to the pot to build flavor.
- Simmer the Sauce: Reduce the heat to low and pour in the coconut milk, low sodium soy sauce, fish sauce (if using), and 1/4 cup of water. Partially cover the pot and let the mixture simmer gently for 20-30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and tender. Stir in the creamy peanut butter and lime juice, and continue simmering for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Expect a generous amount of sauce.
- Make the Spicy Lime Mango: In a separate bowl, combine the diced mango, chopped jalapeño, lime juice, and zest. Mix well to create a fresh, spicy, and tangy salsa that complements the richness of the chicken.
- Serve: Plate the chicken and spoon the peanut curry sauce over steamed rice. Garnish with roasted peanuts, Persian cucumbers, additional cilantro, and a scoop of the spicy lime mango salsa for a colorful and delicious presentation.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of Thai red curry paste according to your spice preference.
- Fish sauce is optional but adds authentic umami depth to the dish.
- For a lighter version, use chicken breasts instead of thighs and lower fat coconut milk.
- Spicy lime mango salsa can be prepared ahead and refrigerated for up to 2 days.
- Alternative cooking methods include Instant Pot and Slow Cooker; adjust cooking times accordingly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Thai