Thai Green Chicken Curry
Coconut curry with green paste, basil and bamboo.
Thai Green Chicken Curry is a classic protein-forward Thai recipe built around a handful of pantry staples. It serves 3 and comes together in roughly 30 minutes from prep to plate. It is an approachable, beginner-friendly dish โ the kind of recipe you can put on the table in about 30 minutes without much fuss. The method leans on shallow- or deep-frying, which is what gives the finished dish its signature texture and depth.
The headline ingredients here are chicken, green curry paste and coconut milk. Spend a little time choosing well: fresher, more carefully-sourced versions of these will lift the whole plate, while every other element is mostly there to support them. A few sensible swaps: chicken thighs are more forgiving than breasts if you tend to overcook protein.
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480
kcal
30g
Protein
14g
Carbs
34g
Fat
Ingredients
- chicken500 g
- green curry paste3 tbsp
- coconut milk400 ml
- bamboo1 cup
- basil1 small bunch
- fish sauce1 tbsp
Method
- 1Step 1 ~8 min
Fry curry paste in a splash of coconut cream until aromatic.
- 2Step 2 ~8 min
Add chicken; coat well.
- 3Step 3 ~8 min
Pour in coconut milk; simmer 12 min.
- 4Step 4 ~8 min
Stir in bamboo and basil; finish with fish sauce.
Per-step times are approximate and based on the total cook time of 30 minutes.
Pro tips & common mistakes
- Get the oil properly hot before anything goes in. Cold oil is the single biggest reason fried food turns greasy instead of crisp.
- Keep the pot at a lazy simmer, not a hard boil. Bubbles should break the surface slowly; aggressive boiling tightens proteins and muddies the sauce.
- Taste a small spoonful just before serving and adjust salt, acid (lemon or vinegar) and heat โ that final balance check is what separates a good home cook from a great one.
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Frequently asked questions
- How long does Thai Green Chicken Curry take to cook?
- From prep to plate, Thai Green Chicken Curry takes about 30 minutes and yields 3 servings. About a third of that is hands-on; the rest is the cooking itself.
- Is Thai Green Chicken Curry vegetarian?
- No โ this version contains non-vegetarian ingredients (chicken, green curry paste, coconut milk). For a vegetarian take, replace the main protein with paneer, halloumi, mushrooms or extra-firm tofu and keep the same spices.
- What are the key ingredients in Thai Green Chicken Curry?
- The headline ingredients are chicken, green curry paste, coconut milk. The rest of the list is supporting cast โ spices, aromatics and pantry staples โ that round out the flavour rather than carry it.
- Can I scale this recipe up or down?
- Yes. The ingredient quantities scale linearly: halve for 2 servings or double for 6. Cooking times stay roughly the same, except for anything that depends on pan surface area โ if you double a stir-fry, cook it in two batches rather than crowding the pan.
- How should I store the leftovers?
- Let leftovers cool to room temperature, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently โ low heat on the stove with a splash of water, or short bursts in the microwave covered with a damp paper towel so it does not dry out.
- Can I freeze Thai Green Chicken Curry?
- Yes. Cool fully, portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 1 month. Defrost overnight in the fridge and reheat gently; you may need a splash of water or stock to bring the sauce back to its original consistency.
- What should I serve with Thai Green Chicken Curry?
- Thai Green Chicken Curry pairs naturally with classic thai sides โ a simple grain, a fresh salad, or a light pickle to cut through richness. Aim for something that contrasts the main dish in texture or temperature rather than echoing it.
- What if I do not have one of the main ingredients?
- Most ingredients in this recipe have sensible swaps. Match like-for-like by texture and cooking time and you will land somewhere close to the original.