Creamy Basil Chicken in Coconut Curry Sauce Recipe
A flavorful Basil Chicken in Coconut Curry Sauce combines tender chicken pieces simmered in a rich and creamy coconut milk curry infused with aromatic basil and curry paste. This easy-to-make dish offers a perfect balance of savory and fragrant spices, ideal for a comforting meal served over rice or with warm naan.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
Herbs and Aromatics:
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
Sauce:
- 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk
- 2 tbsp red or yellow curry paste
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil or coconut oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp ginger, minced
- Salt to taste
- Optional: 1 tbsp fish sauce or soy sauce for extra umami
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and chop the basil. Finely chop the onion, and mince garlic and ginger.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat the oil in a large skillet or pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, and ginger. Cook for about 2-3 minutes until fragrant and softened.
- Cook Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the pan and cook until they are browned on all sides and nearly cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Curry Paste: Stir in the curry paste, coating the chicken and aromatics evenly. Cook for 1-2 minutes to release the spices’ fragrance.
- Simmer with Coconut Milk: Pour in the coconut milk, stirring well. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the chicken to finish cooking and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Add Basil and Season: Stir in the fresh basil leaves and season with salt and optional fish or soy sauce. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the basil is wilted and aromatic.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve the basil chicken curry hot with steamed rice or your choice of sides.
Notes
- Use fresh basil for the best flavor; Thai basil is ideal but sweet basil works well too.
- Adjust curry paste amount to your preferred spice level.
- Add vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas for added texture and nutrition.
- For a thicker sauce, simmer longer or add a cornstarch slurry.
- This dish can be made spicier by adding chopped fresh chili or chili flakes.
Keywords: basil chicken, coconut curry, Thai curry, chicken curry, coconut milk recipe, easy chicken curry, stovetop curry
