Easy Red Curry Chicken
Easy Red Curry Chicken: A Comforting and Flavorful Stew
When the weather gets colder, there is nothing more comforting than a warm bowl of stew. One of my favorite options is Easy Red Curry Chicken, a dish full of flavor, texture, and nutrients. This recipe combines tender chicken, crunchy vegetables, creamy coconut milk, and the spicy touch of red curry paste. The result is a comforting meal that feels indulgent yet is nourishing and balanced.
Cooking curry at home is much easier than it seems. With a handful of fresh ingredients and a few pantry staples, you can prepare this flavorful chicken stew in less than an hour. The best part is that you can adjust the spice level to your taste, making it perfect for the whole family.
In this article, we will look at the nutritional benefits of the main ingredients, step-by-step preparation, and some practical tips to make this curry a success every time.
What Makes Easy Red Curry Chicken So Special
This recipe is more than just a quick dinner idea. It is a balanced dish that brings together proteins, healthy fats, fiber, and antioxidants. The red curry paste gives it character, while the coconut milk softens the spiciness and provides creaminess. Fresh vegetables add crunch, color, and valuable nutrients.
It is also versatile. You can serve it as a complete one-bowl meal or combine it with rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a more filling option. And if you like experimenting, try swapping chicken for shrimp or tofu.
Nutritional Benefits of the Main Ingredients
1. Chicken Breast
Chicken is a lean source of protein that helps maintain muscle mass, supports satiety, and contributes to healthy metabolism. It is low in fat and provides essential amino acids that the body cannot produce on its own.
2. Coconut Milk
Coconut milk is rich and creamy, adding depth to the curry. It contains lauric acid, a type of saturated fat that has been studied for its antimicrobial properties. In moderation, it can be part of a healthy diet, especially when balanced with vegetables and lean protein.
3. Red Curry Paste
The base of Thai cuisine, red curry paste, is made from red chili peppers, garlic, lemongrass, and spices. It provides capsaicin, a compound known for its metabolism-boosting and anti-inflammatory properties. It also enhances satiety, making meals more filling.
4. Vegetables (Carrots, Red Pepper, Green Beans)
Adding vegetables not only enriches the dish with fiber but also provides antioxidants and vitamins.
Carrots are a great source of beta-carotene and vitamin A, essential for eye health.
Red pepper provides vitamin C, which supports immunity and enhances iron absorption.
Green beans add fiber, folate, and minerals like manganese.
5. Onion and Garlic
Both onion and garlic are aromatic bases that boost flavor without adding calories. They are also rich in sulfur compounds with antioxidant and immune-supporting properties.
6. Olive Oil or Coconut Oil
Using a small amount of healthy fats helps absorb fat-soluble vitamins from the vegetables and enhances flavor. Olive oil adds monounsaturated fats, while coconut oil complements the tropical notes of the curry.
Easy Red Curry Chicken combines lean protein, vegetables, and spices in a creamy, warming stew.
Step-by-Step Recipe for Easy Red Curry Chicken
Ingredients
- 600 g boneless chicken breast (2 units), diced
- 1 medium onion (50 g)
- 2 medium carrots (75 g)
- ½ large red pepper (50 g)
- 100 g green beans
- 100 ml coconut milk
- 200 ml vegetable broth
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil or coconut oil
- 1–2 tsp red curry paste (depending on spice preference)
- 1 pinch toasted sesame seeds
- 12 roasted peanuts
- 1 pinch sea salt
Instructions
- Heat one tablespoon of oil in a pot and sauté the chicken until golden. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, add onion, carrots, and red pepper. Season lightly with salt and cook until soft. Add green beans and sauté for just 2 minutes to keep them crisp. Remove and set aside.
- Add a little more oil and stir-fry the red curry paste for a few seconds, being careful not to burn it.
- Pour in the coconut milk and vegetable broth, stirring well. Let it simmer over medium heat for 3–5 minutes.
- Return the chicken and vegetables to the pot. Cook on low heat for another 5–7 minutes, until the chicken is tender and the flavors combine.
- Taste, adjust seasoning, and serve hot, sprinkled with sesame seeds and roasted peanuts.
Rich in antioxidants, fiber, and healthy fats, this curry is both nutritious and satisfying.
Cooking Tips for the Best Results
- Balance the spice: Start with a small amount of curry paste and increase gradually. Remember that spiciness intensifies as it cooks.
- Preserve the crunch: Do not overcook the vegetables. Green beans, in particular, should remain slightly crisp for texture.
- Make ahead: Curries taste even better the next day as the flavors meld. Prepare it in advance and reheat gently.
- Serve smart: Pair with brown rice or quinoa for extra fiber, or with cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
- Add protein variety: You can replace chicken with shrimp, turkey, or even tofu for a vegetarian version.
The Science Behind the Flavor
This curry is technically a stew. The process begins with sautéing meat and vegetables, which triggers the Maillard reaction—a chemical change that develops the golden color and deep flavor we associate with roasted or caramelized foods.
However, moderation is key. Overly browned or burnt foods may form undesirable compounds like acrylamide. Keeping sautéing under control ensures rich flavor without health risks.
Why You Should Try Easy Red Curry Chicken
- It is warming, satisfying, and full of nutrients.
- It is gluten-free and naturally lactose-free.
- It provides a balance of lean protein, vegetables, and healthy fats.
- It can be adapted to personal taste and dietary needs.
This makes it not just another curry, but a wholesome stew that can easily become part of your weekly menu.
A versatile dish that can be adapted with different proteins or vegetables while keeping its comforting flavor.
Would you like to watch the video recipe?
Conclusion
Easy Red Curry Chicken is a flavorful stew that brings warmth, comfort, and nutrition to your table. Made with lean chicken, colorful vegetables, coconut milk, and aromatic spices, it is the perfect one-pot dish for cold evenings. Whether you enjoy it with rice, quinoa, or on its own, this curry is an excellent way to enjoy healthy eating without giving up on taste.
Discover more delicious curry recipes:
CURRY ROJO DE POLLO
Equipment
- olla cocotte
Ingredients
- 600 g pechuga de pollo sin hueso 2 unidades
- 50 g cebolleta 1 unidad
- 75 g zanahorias medianas 2 unidades
- 100 g judías verdes finas
- 50 g pimiento rojo 1/2 unidad si es grande
- 100 ml leche de coco
- 200 ml caldo de verduras
- 2 cda aceite de oliva virgen extra o aceite de coco
- 1 cdita pasta de curry rojo si te gusta más picante, añade 2 cdita
- 1 pizca semillas de sésamo tostado
- 12 cacahuetes tostados
- 1 pizca sal marina
Instructions
- Sofreír el pollo cortado en dados, añadirle sal y reservar. Se puede usar AOVE o aceite coco. Ten en cuenta que es importante dorarlo, para que tenga sabor.
- Cortar la cebolla, la zanahoria y el pimiento rojo en juliana, sazonar y saltear todo con AOVE.A continuación saltear las judías verdes con el resto de verduras ya pochadas, solo 2 minutos, tienen que quedar crujientes. Reservar.
- En la misma olla añadir AOVE y una cdita de pasta de curry rojo,sofreír unos segundos y añadir la leche de coco y el caldo de verduras. Dejar hervir a fuego medio-bajo unos 3-5 minutos.
- Añadir el pollo y las verduras que tenemos reservadas. Cocinar a fuego lento durante 5 minutos más. Probar el punto de sal y rectificar.
- Servir en un bol o plato hondo y decorar con las semillas y los cacahuetes tostados.