Discover the vibrant flavors of Ground Chicken Thai Green Curry, a quick and healthy dinner recipe that’s bursting with authentic Thai spice and freshness. This dish perfectly balances creamy coconut milk, fragrant green curry paste, tender ground chicken, and crisp vegetables for an effortless meal that feels both comforting and exciting. Whether you’re looking for a new weeknight favorite or a dish to impress, Ground Chicken Thai Green Curry brings amazing taste and simplicity to your table every time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Speedy and Satisfying: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights without sacrificing flavor.
- Healthy and Nutritious: Uses lean ground chicken combined with fresh vegetables for a lighter yet filling meal.
- Authentic Thai Flavors: Infused with fragrant green curry paste and coconut milk, delivering a taste true to the culinary tradition.
- Versatile and Customizable: Easily adapted with your favorite veggies or protein swaps to fit any dietary need.
- One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup with most ingredients cooked together in one pan, saving you time and effort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Ground Chicken Thai Green Curry recipe uses simple, fresh ingredients that pack a punch in taste and texture. Each ingredient plays a key role in balancing spice, creaminess, and aroma to create a harmonious dish.
- Ground Chicken: The perfect lean protein that cooks quickly and absorbs curry flavors beautifully.
- Green Curry Paste: The heart of the dish, bringing authentic Thai spice and herbal notes.
- Coconut Milk: Adds rich creaminess that mellows the heat and ties all flavors together.
- Thai Basil Leaves: Fresh and fragrant, they add a peppery, slightly sweet finish to every bite.
- Vegetables: Classic choices like bell peppers, zucchini, and green beans provide texture and color.
- Fish Sauce: Adds umami depth and saltiness essential to traditional Thai curry.
- Lime Juice: Brings zesty brightness that balances the richness perfectly.
- Garlic and Shallots: Aromatics that create a flavorful curry base when sautéed.
Variations for Ground Chicken Thai Green Curry
Feel free to make this dish your own by tweaking ingredients based on what you have or prefer. It’s a wonderfully flexible recipe that can fit many dietary needs and flavor cravings.
- Protein Swap: Substitute ground chicken with ground turkey, pork, or tofu for different textures and flavors.
- Veggie Boost: Add eggplant, carrots, or snap peas for extra crunch and nutrition.
- Heat Level: Adjust curry paste amount or add fresh chili slices to increase or tone down spice.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use full-fat coconut milk and skip any dairy toppings to keep it vegan-friendly.
- Low-Carb Version: Serve over cauliflower rice instead of jasmine rice to reduce carbs.
How to Make Ground Chicken Thai Green Curry
Step 1: Prepare the Aromatics
Start by finely chopping garlic and shallots. Heat some oil in a large pan over medium heat and sauté them until fragrant and translucent, creating a flavorful base for your curry.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Chicken
Add the ground chicken to the pan, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until it’s no longer pink, allowing it to absorb those aromatic flavors.
Step 3: Add Green Curry Paste
Stir in the green curry paste, letting it cook for a minute or two until the aromas bloom, ensuring the paste flavors penetrate the chicken.
Step 4: Pour in Coconut Milk and Simmer
Slowly add the coconut milk, stirring to combine everything smoothly. Bring to a gentle simmer and let it thicken slightly while the flavors meld together.
Step 5: Add Vegetables and Seasonings
Toss in your choice of chopped vegetables, fish sauce, and a squeeze of lime juice. Simmer until veggies are tender but still vibrant, creating a fresh yet rich curry.
Step 6: Finish with Fresh Herbs
Turn off the heat and stir in fresh Thai basil leaves to add aromatic freshness that brightens up the dish instantly.
Pro Tips for Making Ground Chicken Thai Green Curry
- Use Fresh Curry Paste: For the best flavor, opt for fresh or high-quality green curry paste rather than powders.
- Don’t Overcook Veggies: Keep vegetables slightly crisp to retain their texture and nutrients.
- Balance Your Flavors: Taste and adjust fish sauce, lime, and sugar as needed to find your perfect harmony of salty, sour, and sweet.
- Toast the Paste: Sauté the curry paste before adding liquids to unlock deeper flavors.
- Serve Immediately: Curry flavors are brightest fresh, so enjoy right after cooking for the best taste.
How to Serve Ground Chicken Thai Green Curry
Garnishes
Fresh Thai basil, chopped cilantro, thinly sliced red chilies, and a wedge of lime make perfect garnishes to add freshness, heat, and a burst of color.
Side Dishes
Serve Ground Chicken Thai Green Curry alongside fluffy jasmine rice or steamed brown rice to soak up the rich sauce, or choose noodles for a different texture.
Creative Ways to Present
For a vibrant presentation, serve the curry in a coconut shell bowl or sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top for added crunch and visual appeal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place leftover curry in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days, ensuring the flavors actually deepen overnight.
Freezing
Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to two months. Coconut milk may separate slightly when thawed, so stir well when reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or coconut milk if the curry has thickened too much.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works well and absorbs the curry flavors nicely, making a great alternative that is equally lean and tasty.
Is this recipe spicy?
The recipe has moderate heat thanks to the green curry paste, but you can adjust spice levels by adding more or less paste or fresh chilies to suit your taste.
Can I make this curry vegetarian?
Yes! Replace ground chicken with tofu or chickpeas and use a vegetarian fish sauce alternative or soy sauce to keep the umami depth while staying plant-based.
What is the best way to serve this curry with rice?
Jasmine rice complements the dish beautifully because its fragrant, slightly sticky texture balances the rich and spicy curry sauce perfectly.
How do I store leftover Thai basil?
Wrap Thai basil loosely in a damp paper towel, place in a plastic bag, and refrigerate to keep it fresh for a few days.
Final Thoughts
Ground Chicken Thai Green Curry is a fantastic dish that brings together bold flavors, healthy ingredients, and quick preparation in a way that feels both exotic and comforting. Give this recipe a try and watch it become a go-to meal in your weekly dinner rotation—you’ll wonder how you ever lived without its vibrant blend of spice, creaminess, and freshness.
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Ground Chicken Thai Green Curry
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Ground Chicken Thai Green Curry is a quick, healthy, and flavorful dinner that combines tender ground chicken, creamy coconut milk, fragrant green curry paste, and crisp vegetables. Ready in under 30 minutes, this authentic Thai-inspired curry delivers bold spices and fresh herbs in a comforting one-pot meal perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests.
Ingredients
Proteins
- 500g ground chicken (1 lb)
Aromatics
- 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 2 shallots, finely chopped
Paste & Liquids
- 2 tablespoons green curry paste
- 400ml (1 can) full-fat coconut milk
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon lime juice (freshly squeezed)
Vegetables
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 small zucchini, chopped
- 100g green beans, trimmed and cut in half
Herbs & Garnishes
- Handful fresh Thai basil leaves
- Optional garnishes: chopped cilantro, thinly sliced red chilies, lime wedges
Other
- 1 tablespoon cooking oil (vegetable or coconut oil)
Instructions
- Prepare the Aromatics: Finely chop the garlic and shallots. Heat the oil in a large pan over medium heat and sauté the garlic and shallots until fragrant and translucent, creating a flavorful base for the curry.
- Cook the Ground Chicken: Add the ground chicken to the pan, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until the chicken is no longer pink, allowing it to absorb the aromatic flavors.
- Add Green Curry Paste: Stir in the green curry paste and cook for 1-2 minutes until the aromas bloom and the flavors penetrate the chicken.
- Pour in Coconut Milk and Simmer: Slowly pour in the coconut milk while stirring to combine smoothly. Bring to a gentle simmer and let it thicken slightly as the flavors meld together.
- Add Vegetables and Seasonings: Toss in the sliced bell pepper, chopped zucchini, green beans, fish sauce, and lime juice. Simmer until the vegetables are tender yet still vibrant in color.
- Finish with Fresh Herbs: Turn off the heat and stir in fresh Thai basil leaves to add a fragrant, peppery brightness that enhances the dish.
Notes
- Use fresh or high-quality green curry paste for the best authentic flavor.
- Do not overcook vegetables; keep them slightly crisp to retain texture and nutrients.
- Taste and adjust fish sauce, lime juice, and a pinch of sugar to balance salty, sour, and sweet flavors.
- Toast the curry paste in oil before adding liquids to unlock deeper aromas.
- Serve immediately for the freshest and brightest curry flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Thai
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
