Basil Chicken in Coconut Curry Sauce Recipe
Introduction
This Basil Chicken in Coconut Curry Sauce is a flavorful and creamy dish that combines tender chicken with fragrant basil and rich coconut curry. It’s a simple yet satisfying meal perfect for any weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) chicken, cut into pieces
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
- 2 tablespoons curry paste
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat a pan over medium heat and cook the chicken pieces until they are browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Step 2: Reduce the heat to low, add the curry paste to the pan, and stir to coat the chicken evenly.
- Step 3: Pour in the coconut milk, bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, and cook for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Step 4: Stir in the fresh basil leaves just before serving and cook for an additional minute until wilted.
Tips & Variations
- For extra heat, add a sliced chili pepper along with the curry paste.
- Use Thai basil if available for a more authentic flavor.
- Serve over steamed jasmine rice or with warm naan bread.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to avoid separating the coconut milk.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other types of meat instead of chicken?
Yes, this recipe works well with shrimp, pork, or tofu for a vegetarian option.
Is the curry paste spicy?
The level of spiciness depends on the brand and type of curry paste used. Adjust the amount to suit your heat preference.
PrintBasil Chicken in Coconut Curry Sauce Recipe
A fragrant and flavorful Basil Chicken in Coconut Curry Sauce recipe that combines tender chicken simmered in a rich, creamy coconut milk base infused with aromatic curry paste and fresh basil leaves. This dish offers a perfect balance of spicy, sweet, and savory flavors, ideal for a comforting weeknight dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
Sauce
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 2 tablespoons red or yellow curry paste
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or coconut oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
- Salt to taste
- Optional: 1 tablespoon fish sauce or soy sauce for seasoning
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Cut the boneless chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces, ensuring they are evenly sized for uniform cooking.
- Sauté the aromatics: Heat the vegetable or coconut oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add finely chopped onion, minced garlic, and fresh ginger, cooking until fragrant and softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Cook the chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the skillet and cook until browned on all sides, approximately 5-7 minutes, ensuring the chicken is cooked through.
- Add the curry paste: Stir in the curry paste, coating the chicken and aromatics evenly to develop the sauce’s depth of flavor. Cook for 1-2 minutes until aromatic.
- Add coconut milk and simmer: Pour in the coconut milk, stir well, and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat and cook uncovered for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Incorporate fresh basil: Stir in the chopped fresh basil leaves and simmer for an additional 2 minutes to infuse the basil aroma into the curry.
- Season and serve: Taste the sauce and add salt, and optionally fish sauce or soy sauce, adjusting seasoning as needed. Serve hot with steamed rice or your choice of side.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts if preferred, but thighs offer more flavor and tenderness.
- Adjust the amount of curry paste to your spice tolerance; start with less and add more if desired.
- Fresh basil is key to the authentic flavor; if unavailable, Thai basil or a mix of basil varieties can be used.
- For a thicker sauce, simmer longer or stir in a teaspoon of cornstarch slurry.
- This dish pairs well with jasmine or basmati rice to balance the creamy curry.
Keywords: Basil chicken curry, Coconut curry chicken, Thai chicken curry, Coconut milk curry, Easy chicken curry
