Remember that time I tried to make Beef Wellington for Christmas? Total disaster! 😂 But then I discovered Thai Red Curry Chicken, and it was like a dinnertime miracle. The rich, flavorful sauce, the tender chicken…even my picky eaters devoured it! It’s become a staple in our cozy chaos.
This Thai Red Curry Chicken recipe isn’t about fancy techniques. It’s about simple ingredients, easy steps, and a whole lot of love. It brings warmth and satisfaction to our table, even on the craziest weeknights. If you’re a busy mom seeking sanity-saving comfort food, keep reading!
INGREDIENTS You’ll Need:

1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces: I prefer thighs for extra juiciness, but chicken breasts work too!
1 tbsp coconut oil: Olive oil is fine in a pinch, but the coconut oil adds a subtle sweetness that elevates the dish.
1 medium onion, chopped: Yellow or white onions are perfect.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh is best, but jarred minced garlic works when you’re short on time.
1 red bell pepper, sliced: Adds a pop of color and a touch of sweetness.
1 (13.5 oz) can coconut milk: Full-fat coconut milk gives the richest flavor.
2-3 tbsp Red Curry Paste: Adjust to your spice preference! My family likes about 2.
1 tbsp fish sauce: Don’t skip this! It adds essential umami flavor.
1 tbsp brown sugar: Balances the spice and acidity.
1 lime, juiced: Adds brightness and freshness at the end.
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro: For garnish, adds a fresh, vibrant flavor.
Cooked rice, for serving: Jasmine rice is my family’s favorite!
Trust me, this Thai Red Curry Chicken ingredient list is simple because busy moms need comfort without complexity! You can find these simple ingredients at your regular grocery store. This Thai Red Curry Chicken proves delicious doesn’t mean expensive. No worries if you don’t have brown sugar. I use honey for extra comfort in my Thai Red Curry Chicken.
Let’s Make it Happen!
1. Heat the coconut oil in a large skillet or pot over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned on all sides. Don’t worry about cooking it all the way through just yet! This comforting Thai Red Curry Chicken is coming together quickly.
2. Add the onion and red bell pepper to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. The onions should start to look translucent.
3. Stir in the garlic and Red Curry Paste and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant. This is where the magic happens! That Red Curry Paste smell is amazing.
4. Pour in the coconut milk, fish sauce, and brown sugar. Stir to combine. Bring to a simmer. In my busy kitchen, this comforting Thai Red Curry Chicken usually takes about 30 minutes to cook, prep included! While you are waiting, it is a perfect time to prep tomorrow’s lunch!
5. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly. Here’s where I used to struggle with my Thai Red Curry Chicken – I’d overcook the chicken. Learn from my experience!
6. Stir in the lime juice and cilantro. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Add more fish sauce for saltiness, brown sugar for sweetness, or Red Curry Paste for more heat.
7. Serve hot over cooked rice. Don’t forget to garnish with extra cilantro! This Spicy Thai Chicken should smell amazing by now!
While your Thai Red Curry Chicken is cooking, take a moment to appreciate creating comfort for your family! It’s all about the little wins, right? Here’s a Thai Red Curry Chicken comfort hack that changed our family’s dinnertime: I always double the recipe and freeze half for a super-easy meal later!
How We Love to Eat This!
My family devours this comforting Thai Red Curry Chicken when I serve it with steamed broccoli or green beans. The kids also love having a side of naan bread to soak up all that delicious Coconut Milk Curry sauce.
This Thai Red Curry Chicken is perfect for those busy weeknights when we need comfort food fast! It’s also great for a casual get-together with friends. I like to serve it family-style, with a big bowl of rice and everyone can help themselves.
Leftovers are fantastic for lunch the next day! I often pack it in my husband’s lunch with some rice and a side of fruit. You can also use leftover Thai Red Curry Chicken to make curry fried rice. So good!
We also love to make it a party by adding some pineapple chunks in the Thai Red Curry Chicken while it simmers. You can also add some Bamboo Shoots for an added crunch! This meal reminds me of another family favorite, Chicken Parmesan Soup.
FAQs: Your Questions Answered
- Is this Thai Red Curry Chicken really filling enough for growing kids? Absolutely! The chicken and rice provide protein and carbs, while the veggies add essential nutrients. Plus, the Coconut Milk Curry sauce is so flavorful that kids tend to eat more veggies than they normally would!
- What if my picky eater won’t try this Thai Red Curry Chicken? Start by offering a small portion alongside something they already love. You can also try making a milder version with less Red Curry Paste. My kids were hesitant at first, but the sweet coconut milk and tender chicken won them over.
- Can I meal prep this Thai Red Curry Chicken for busy weeks ahead? Definitely! This recipe is perfect for meal prepping. Cook the curry and rice separately, then combine them when you’re ready to eat. It will last in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Can I make this Thai Red Curry Chicken in a slow cooker? Yes! Brown the chicken and veggies in a skillet first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours.
- What if I don’t have fish sauce? You can substitute soy sauce or tamari, but the flavor won’t be quite the same. Fish sauce adds a unique umami that’s hard to replicate.
- Can I add other vegetables to this Thai Red Curry Chicken? Of course! Feel free to add your favorite veggies, such as carrots, peas, potatoes, or zucchini.
- Is this Spicy Thai Chicken recipe gluten-free? Yes, as long as you use gluten-free fish sauce and Red Curry Paste.
Final Thoughts:

This Thai Red Curry Chicken supports my family’s comfort food goals because it’s quick, easy, and satisfying. It’s a dinnertime win that everyone enjoys. It’s become a staple in our cozy chaos. This comforting recipe is linked to Thai Chicken Coconut Red Curry Recipe – Averie Cooks for more inspiration.
My Thai Red Curry Chicken Comfort Hacks:
- Double the recipe: Freeze half for a future meal.
- Use pre-cut veggies: Saves time on busy weeknights.
- Serve with store-bought naan bread: Easy and delicious!
Family-Tested Variations:
- Spicy: Add extra Red Curry Paste or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Sweet: Add pineapple chunks or a drizzle of honey.
- Vegetarian: Substitute tofu or chickpeas for the chicken.
My husband loves the Spicy version, while the kids prefer the Sweet. I hope this satisfying recipe helps make your family’s mealtime a success! I encourage you to try making this Thai Red Curry Chicken recipe your own way. For more simple comfort food ideas for busy families, check out Southwest Chicken Soup. Another simple comfort food solution can be found on Thai Red Curry with Chicken – RecipeTin Eats. Also for more comforting flavor combinations checkout Chilis Chicken Enchilada Soup Recipe.
I hope you and your family find the same comfort and joy in this dish that we do! You’ve got this! This Thai Red Curry Chicken recipe is so easy, it’s practically foolproof!
Thai Red Curry Chicken
This Thai Red Curry Chicken is a flavorful and aromatic dish that’s quick to make. Tender chicken simmers in a rich coconut milk-based sauce, infused with red curry paste, vegetables, and fragrant herbs.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tbsp coconut oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 (14 oz) can coconut milk
- 2 tbsp red curry paste
- 1 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 lime, juiced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Cooked rice, for serving
Instructions
- Heat coconut oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Add the onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the red bell pepper and green bell pepper and cook for another 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the coconut milk, red curry paste, fish sauce, and brown sugar. Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Stir in the lime juice and cilantro.
- Serve the Thai Red Curry Chicken over cooked rice.
Notes
For a spicier curry, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped Thai chili. Garnish with extra cilantro and a lime wedge for serving.

