Creamy Chicken Panang Curry with Kaffir Lime
Indulge in the rich and aromatic flavors of this Creamy Chicken Panang Curry, where tender pieces of cooked chicken are enveloped in a luscious blend of peanut sauce, curry powder, and coconut milk. Enhanced with the zesty fragrance of kaffir lime leaves and a hint of sweetness from brown sugar, this delightful dish is a perfect harmony of taste and texture. It’s a quick and satisfying meal that's perfect for family dinners or impressing guests. Serve it over fluffy rice for a complete experience, and enjoy the comforting essence of Thai cuisine in your own home.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Peanut Sauce
1/2 cup (Prepared)
Curry Powder
2 teaspoons (Ground)
Oil
1 tablespoon (Cooking oil (e.g., vegetable or coconut oil))
Cooked Chicken
1 lb (Cut into bite-size pieces)
Coconut Milk
1/4 cup (Canned or fresh)
Kaffir Lime Leaves
4 leaves (Fresh or dried)
Coconut Cream
1/4 cup (Canned or fresh)
Fish Sauce
1 tablespoon (Optional)
Lime Juice
1 tablespoon (Freshly squeezed)
Soft Brown Sugar
2 teaspoons (Packed)
Instructions
1
In a small bowl, combine the peanut sauce and curry powder until well mixed.
2
In a wok or large frying pan, heat the oil over medium heat. Add finely chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
3
Stir in the peanut and curry mixture, cooking for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
4
Gradually pour in the coconut milk, stirring continuously until the mixture comes to a gentle boil.
5
Add the cooked chicken pieces and toss in the kaffir lime leaves. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
6
Using a wire mesh strainer or slotted spoon, carefully remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
7
Continue to simmer the sauce for an additional 5 minutes or until it thickens to your desired consistency.
8
Return the chicken to the pan, and add in the coconut cream, (optional) fish sauce, fresh lime juice, and brown sugar. Stir to combine and allow to cook for another 5 minutes.
9
Serve the Chicken Panang Curry over steamed rice, garnished with extra lime leaves or fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy a taste of Thailand!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Chicken Panang Curry with Kaffir Lime?
It is a rich and aromatic Thai-inspired dish featuring tender chicken in a luscious blend of peanut sauce, curry powder, and coconut milk, flavored with kaffir lime.
What makes this curry creamy?
The creaminess comes from a combination of coconut milk, coconut cream, and prepared peanut sauce.
Is this recipe suitable for a quick weeknight dinner?
Yes, it is described as a quick and satisfying meal perfect for family dinners or impressing guests.
What are the key aromatic ingredients?
The key aromatics include curry powder, kaffir lime leaves, and fresh lime juice.
Can I use dried kaffir lime leaves?
Yes, the recipe allows for the use of either fresh or dried kaffir lime leaves.
How is the chicken prepared for this recipe?
You should use 1 lb of already cooked chicken cut into bite-size pieces.
What type of oil should I use for sautéing?
You can use any cooking oil, such as vegetable or coconut oil, to sauté the onion.
Do I need to add sugar to this curry?
The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of packed soft brown sugar to provide a hint of sweetness.
Is fish sauce mandatory in this recipe?
No, fish sauce is listed as an optional ingredient to enhance the savory flavor if desired.
How do I start the cooking process?
Begin by combining the peanut sauce and curry powder in a small bowl until well mixed.
When do I add the coconut milk?
Gradually pour in the coconut milk after the peanut and curry mixture has been cooked for about 2 minutes and becomes fragrant.
How long should the chicken simmer in the sauce?
The chicken should simmer with the lime leaves for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld properly.
Why is the chicken removed during the cooking process?
The chicken is temporarily removed so the sauce can be simmered alone for an additional 5 minutes to thicken to the desired consistency.
When is the coconut cream added?
Coconut cream is added toward the end of the process, once the chicken is returned to the pan.
What provides the peanut flavor in this dish?
A half cup of prepared peanut sauce is used as the primary base for the curry's flavor.
Is this Chicken Panang Curry spicy?
The dish is tagged as spicy, though the coconut milk and peanut sauce help balance the heat from the curry powder.
What should I serve with this curry?
It is best served over fluffy steamed rice to experience the full Thai culinary essence.
How should I garnish the final dish?
You can garnish the curry with extra lime leaves or fresh herbs to enhance the presentation.
How much curry powder is required?
The recipe requires 2 teaspoons of ground curry powder.
Can I use fresh lime juice?
Yes, the recipe specifically calls for 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lime juice.
What kind of pan is recommended for cooking?
A wok or a large frying pan is recommended for preparing this curry over medium heat.
How many ingredients are used in this recipe?
The recipe utilizes 10 main ingredients including the chicken, sauces, and aromatics.
What flavor does kaffir lime add to the dish?
Kaffir lime leaves provide a zesty fragrance and a distinct citrus note that characterizes Thai cuisine.
Is this a traditional Panang curry?
This version uses peanut sauce and curry powder for a creamy and quick take on the traditional flavors.
How do I ensure the sauce reaches the right thickness?
After removing the chicken, simmer the sauce alone for 5 minutes until it thickens to your preference.
What type of brown sugar is best?
Soft brown sugar is recommended as it dissolves easily and provides a rich sweetness.
Does this recipe include onion?
Yes, the instructions include sautéing finely chopped onion until translucent as a base for the sauce.
Is this dish considered comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as comfort food due to its rich, creamy texture and satisfying flavors.
Can I use canned coconut products?
Yes, the recipe allows for either canned or fresh coconut milk and coconut cream.
How long is the final cooking step?
The final step involves stirring all ingredients together and cooking for an additional 5 minutes.