Authentic Thai Green Curry Chicken (Gaeng Keow Wan Gai)
Savor the rich and aromatic flavors of Thailand with this Authentic Thai Green Curry Chicken recipe, or Gaeng Keow Wan Gai. This dish features tender chunks of chicken simmered in a creamy coconut milk sauce infused with fragrant green curry paste, fresh basil, and a hint of heat from serrano chilies. Perfect for a cozy dinner or to impress guests, this curry is best served hot alongside jasmine rice. Enjoy the balance of spicy, sweet, and savory tones that make Thai cuisine so beloved.
N/A
Servings
900
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Boneless Skinless Chicken
3 lbs (cut into small chunks)
Coconut Milk
4 cups (canned or fresh)
Fish Sauce
2 tablespoons
Laos Powder
3 pieces (crushed or ground)
Green Curry Paste
3 tablespoons (see my recipe)
Fresh Sweet Basil Leaves
1/2 cup (torn)
Young Fresh Lime Leaves
8 (torn into pieces)
Green Peas
1/2 cup (fresh or frozen)
Serrano Chilies
7 (sliced)
Instructions
1
In a large wok or frying pan, combine the chicken, 2 cups of coconut milk, fish sauce, and laos powder. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
2
Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium and let simmer until the chicken is fully cooked and tender, approximately 10-15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
3
Using a slotted spoon, carefully remove the cooked chicken from the pan and transfer it to a plate. Set aside.
4
Increase the heat and allow the remaining coconut milk mixture to continue boiling until it thickens and becomes oily, about 5-7 minutes.
5
Add the green curry paste to the thickened coconut milk. Stir well to combine and let it cook for about 3 minutes until the paste is well incorporated and the sauce is smooth.
6
Return the chicken to the wok and pour in the remaining 2 cups of coconut milk. Bring the entire mixture back to a gentle boil.
7
Once boiling, reduce the heat and simmer for an additional 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
8
Finally, add the fresh sweet basil leaves, lime leaves, green peas, and sliced serrano chilies. Increase the heat slightly and let everything boil for another 5 minutes to infuse the flavors.
9
Serve hot, garnished with additional basil leaves if desired, alongside jasmine rice.
Nutrition Information
66g
Fat
20g
Carbs
60g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Gaeng Keow Wan Gai?
Gaeng Keow Wan Gai is the traditional Thai name for Green Curry Chicken, known for its sweet, spicy, and savory flavor profile.
What kind of chicken is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 3 lbs of boneless skinless chicken cut into small chunks for easy cooking and eating.
How much coconut milk do I need?
You will need a total of 4 cups of coconut milk, split into two 2-cup portions for different stages of the cooking process.
What is Laos Powder?
Laos Powder, also known as galangal powder, is a fragrant spice used in Thai cooking; this recipe uses 3 pieces, crushed or ground.
How many serrano chilies are used?
The recipe uses 7 sliced serrano chilies to provide a significant level of heat to the curry.
Can I use frozen green peas?
Yes, you can use either 1/2 cup of fresh or frozen green peas for this recipe.
When do I add the fresh sweet basil leaves?
The basil leaves are added in the final stage along with the lime leaves, peas, and chilies, and boiled for 5 minutes.
How long should I simmer the chicken initially?
Simmer the chicken in the coconut milk mixture for approximately 10-15 minutes until it is fully cooked and tender.
Why do I boil the coconut milk until it becomes oily?
Boiling the coconut milk until it thickens and becomes oily helps concentrate the flavors and allows the curry paste to incorporate more effectively.
What is the calorie count for this dish?
This Thai Green Curry Chicken contains approximately 900 calories per serving.
What is the fat content in this recipe?
The recipe contains 66g of fat, primarily derived from the coconut milk and chicken.
How much protein is in this green curry?
This dish is high in protein, providing 60g per serving.
What are the carbohydrates per serving?
There are 20g of carbohydrates in this green curry recipe.
How much fish sauce should I use?
The recipe requires 2 tablespoons of fish sauce to add a savory, umami depth.
Can I substitute the green curry paste?
While green curry paste is essential for this specific dish, you should use 3 tablespoons of high-quality paste for the best flavor.
What type of lime leaves are used?
The recipe calls for 8 young fresh lime leaves, torn into pieces to release their citrus aroma.
How do I prepare the chicken?
The chicken should be boneless and skinless, then cut into small, bite-sized chunks.
What side dish goes best with Thai Green Curry?
This curry is best served hot alongside fragrant jasmine rice.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 9 main ingredients in this authentic Thai recipe.
Is this recipe considered spicy?
Yes, with 7 serrano chilies and green curry paste, this dish has a notable spicy kick.
What is the role of the sweet basil?
Fresh sweet basil adds a distinct peppery and sweet aromatic quality that is essential to Thai green curry.
Can I use bone-in chicken?
The recipe specifies boneless skinless chicken for faster cooking and convenience, but bone-in could be used with adjusted cooking times.
How do I incorporate the curry paste?
Add the curry paste to the thickened, oily coconut milk and stir for 3 minutes until smooth before adding the chicken back.
Should the lime leaves be left whole?
No, the 8 lime leaves should be torn into pieces to better infuse the sauce with flavor.
How long is the total final simmer time?
After combining all ingredients, the curry simmers for 10 minutes, followed by a final 5-minute boil with the herbs.
Can I use canned coconut milk?
Yes, the recipe allows for either canned or fresh coconut milk.
What should I do if the sauce is sticking to the pan?
You should stir the mixture occasionally during the initial simmering process to prevent sticking.
How do I garnish the dish?
You can garnish the finished curry with additional fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and extra aroma.
Is there sugar in this recipe?
The raw data does not list added sugar, though the coconut milk provides natural sweetness.
What heat setting should I use to start?
Begin by bringing the initial mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.