Quick Thai Coconut Curry Chicken with Cilantro Lime Rice

Think a restaurant-worthy curry is out of your homemade dinner grasp? Think again. This Thai coconut curry chicken comes together in just 30 minutes, making it a game-changing weeknight meal. Chicken breast strips and bell pepper are seared until browned, then simmered in a creamy coconut milk curry with sweet Thai chili sauce and lime juice.

Once the sauce thickens and the vegetables are tender, spoon everything over fluffy cilantro-lime rice. Top with fresh cilantro and chili flakes for a burst of flavor. It’s simple, convenient and absolutely delicious.

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Ingredients

0.5 cup Jasmine RiceView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 unit Bell PepperView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 unit LimeView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

0.25 ounce CilantroView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 unit Chili PepperView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

10 ounce Chicken Breast StripsView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 tablespoon Curry PowderView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 unit Coconut MilkView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 ounce Sweet Thai Chili SauceView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 unit Chicken Stock ConcentrateView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

4 teaspoon Cooking OilView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 teaspoon SugarView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

SaltView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

PepperView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

Instructions

1. In a small pot, combine rice, ¾ cup water (1½ cups for 4 servings) and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then cover and reduce to a low simmer. Cook until rice is tender, 15-18 minutes. Keep covered off heat until ready to serve.
2. While rice cooks, wash and dry produce. Core, deseed and dice bell pepper into 1-inch pieces. Zest and quarter lime. Mince cilantro. Thinly slice chili. Place chicken on a plate; pat dry with paper towels.
3. Heat a large drizzle of oil in a medium pan over medium-high heat (use a large pan for 4 servings). Add bell pepper and a big pinch of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, 5 minutes.
4. Add chicken, another large drizzle of oil and a big pinch of salt to pan with bell pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until chicken is lightly browned, 3-4 minutes (it’ll finish cooking in the next step). Stir in half the curry powder (all for 4 servings); cook for 1 minute.
5. Thoroughly shake coconut milk in container before opening. Stir ⅔ cup coconut milk (1⅓ cups for 4 servings; save the rest for another use), chili sauce, stock concentrate, juice from half the lime and 1 tsp sugar (2 tsp for 4) into pan with chicken mixture. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium low. Simmer until sauce is thickened, bell pepper is tender and chicken is cooked through, 4-6 minutes. Taste and season with salt and more lime juice if desired. Turn off heat.
6. Fluff rice with a fork; stir in lime zest and half the cilantro. Season with salt and pepper. TIP: For an extra-rich experience, stir in 1 TBSP butter (2 TBSP for 4 servings). Divide rice between shallow bowls and top with coconut curry chicken, remaining cilantro and a pinch of chili if desired. Serve with any remaining lime wedges on the side. Chicken is fully cooked when internal temperature reaches 165°.

Recipe Tips

FAQ

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast strips?

Yes, you can substitute chicken thighs. Adjust cooking time as needed until chicken is cooked through.

What can I use instead of coconut milk?

Coconut milk is key for the creamy texture, but you can use light coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative for a lighter version.

How do I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave.