Description
Panang Chicken Curry is a rich, creamy Thai dish made with coconut milk, Panang curry paste, and tender chicken. This dish is perfectly balanced with savory, sweet, and spicy flavors, and it’s surprisingly easy to make at home. Ideal for cozy dinners or impressing guests, this curry is full of bold flavors that will transport you to Thailand.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 1 lb chicken breast or thighs (boneless, skinless)
- 2 tbsp Panang curry paste
- 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
- 1 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 3–4 Kaffir lime leaves (optional but recommended)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for frying)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.
- Cook the Curry Paste: Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add Panang curry paste and cook for 1-2 minutes to release its aroma. Be careful not to burn it.
- Add Coconut Milk and Simmer: Pour in coconut milk and stir to dissolve the curry paste. Add fish sauce and brown sugar to balance the flavors. Bring the sauce to a simmer.
- Cook the Chicken: Add chicken pieces to the pan and cook for 7-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is tender and cooked through. Avoid overcooking if using chicken breasts.
- Add Lime Leaves and Basil: Tear Kaffir lime leaves slightly to release oils, and add them to the curry. Stir in fresh basil leaves and let simmer for another 2-3 minutes.
- Finish with Lime Juice: Add fresh lime juice to brighten the dish.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve over steamed jasmine rice and garnish with extra basil or chopped peanuts if desired.
Notes
- For Juicy Chicken: Use chicken thighs for a juicier and more forgiving texture.
- Control the Spice: Adjust the heat by adding more or less Panang curry paste, or incorporate chili paste for extra spice.
- Kaffir Lime Substitute: If Kaffir lime leaves are unavailable, substitute with regular lime zest.
- Make Ahead: The curry often tastes better the next day, as the flavors meld together.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 75mg