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Easy Thai Yellow Curry Chicken

I've had an ongoing love affair with Thai yellow curry for many years now, and I've finally figured out how to duplicate amazing restaurant quality yellow curry at home.

Since I use a store bought curry paste, it's really quick and easy!

Yellow Thai Curry

Once my craving for Thai yellow curry hits, I can't rest until I have it. When I lived in California many years ago, I used to order it every single Sunday afternoon, and eat the entire container alone on my couch while binge watching reality TV.

Secret: I've also been known to eat leftover yellow curry for breakfast. 

Thai curry simmering in a pan

I've tried a few times to make it at home, but it never quite achieved the same flavor as my favorite restaurant's curry. Then I discovered Mae Ploy's yellow curry paste.

This paste is SO good, and has all the same flavors and richness of the best of the best restaurant curry. Plus, it has the perfect amount of heat (in my opinion). It's there, but not overpowering.

So step one is to get your hands on some Mae Ploy paste.

Mae Ploy yellow curry paste

If you live near an Asian grocery store, you will probably find it there. If not, you can order it from Amazon.

Next, you'll need to buy some full fat, unsweetened coconut milk (the kind that comes in a can). It may be tempting to use low fat to save on calories, but you'll be denying yourself that rich creamy texture that comes with the regular coconut milk. 

Third, you'll want to snag some russet potatoes, thick carrots, brown sugar and a sweet onion. If you're a fan of cilantro, buy some of that, too. 

Now you're all set!

Measuring spoon with Thai curry paste

I experimented with finding the perfect paste to coconut milk ratio. I will say, I love for my curry to be full of flavor. So that's what this recipe is based on. If you prefer your curries on the weaker side, then you may opt to use less curry paste your first time around. 

Homemade Thai curry served with jasmine rice and cilantro

Can I substitute veggies or protein in yellow curry?

Of course. I chose to use potatoes, carrots and onions because that's what's traditionally in the yellow curry I order at restaurants, and I like it that way. But you're welcome to use any veggies you like (red bell peppers work well, as do sweet potatoes). Just be aware of how long each vegetable takes to cook so that you know when to add them.

As for protein, I recommend shrimp or lean pork as the best alternatives to chicken.

The BEST Yellow Curry

This curry tastes like it came straight from your favorite Thai restaurant.
4.77 from 13 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Thai
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 517kcal
Author: Kate

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon canola oil
  • ¼ cup yellow curry paste*
  • 14 oz canned, unsweetened coconut milk full fat
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts pounded thin
  • ½ sweet onion diced
  • 1 large russet potato peeled and cubed into 1.5" cubes
  • 2 large carrots peeled and sliced into thin rounds
  • 1 handful cilantro optional
  • 3 cups cooked jasmine rice for serving
  • kosher salt

Instructions

  • In a high sided saute pan over medium low heat, add canola oil and curry paste. Saute and stir the curry paste for 1-2 minutes, or until it becomes fragrant.
  • Add coconut milk and brown sugar, and stir until combined.
  • Once the mixture begins to bubble, add chicken and onion.
  • Saute, stirring frequently for about five minutes, or until the chicken is opaque.
  • Add potato, set to a low simmer, and cover. Cook for 10 minutes.
  • Add carrot, stir, and cover. Cook for 5 more minutes.
  • Remove cover and check potatoes and carrots for doneness. You want the potatoes to be tender, and the carrots to be soft, but still retain a bit of crispness.
  • Add a few sprinkles of salt, to taste
  • Serve over cooked jasmine rice. Add cilantro if desired.

Notes

*I made this recipe using Mae Ploy yellow curry paste, so I can't vouch for how it will turn out with other curry pastes. If you want to try a different type of paste, just experiment with the combination of paste, coconut milk and brown sugar until you get the right flavor.

Nutrition

Calories: 517kcal | Carbohydrates: 33g | Protein: 29g | Fat: 31g | Saturated Fat: 22g | Cholesterol: 72mg | Sodium: 180mg | Potassium: 1229mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 8375IU | Vitamin C: 14.8mg | Calcium: 74mg | Iron: 3.4mg
Thai Yellow Curry with cilantro and lime garnish.
Recipe Rating




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Neha

Monday 2nd of September 2019

It was super creamy and tasted so yum! Can't wait to make this thai curry again.

Kelly Anthony

Sunday 1st of September 2019

I love when I can recreate my favorite restaurant meal. This easy thai yellow curry will make a great addition to our weekly menu.

Alyssa

Sunday 1st of September 2019

Thanks, Kelly! It's nice to make restaurant food at home, because we know the quality of ingredients we're putting into it. Plus we don't have to stand at the door waiting for the delivery person to arrive. :)

Andrea

Sunday 1st of September 2019

Oh my, does this look wonderful. I've never had yellow curry before but I'm sure I'm going to love it.

Krissy Allori

Sunday 1st of September 2019

I love yellow curry! This looks like one I can actually make.

Alyssa

Sunday 1st of September 2019

You can definitely make it. I was intimidated by Thai recipes until I found this one, and the paste makes it “no fail”

Diana

Sunday 1st of September 2019

Such a wonderful recipe! I love Thai curries but have never tried a yellow curry before. Pinning to try this next week. Thanks

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