Creamy Lemongrass Chicken Curry
Indulge in this aromatic and creamy Lemongrass Chicken Curry that perfectly balances spicy and savory flavors. Marinated in a blend of soy sauce, spices, and sweet chili, the tender chicken pieces are simmered in rich coconut milk and accented with the distinctive fragrance of fresh lemongrass and kaffir lime leaves. This dish is not only delightful but also versatile - serve it over coconut rice for a comforting meal that’s sure to impress your family and friends. Enjoy the culinary journey that this delicious curry offers and make your dinner a special occasion.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
soy sauce
6 tablespoons (none)
ground cumin
2 tablespoons (none)
mild curry paste
3 tablespoons (none)
ground turmeric
1 tablespoon (none)
garlic cloves, crushed
2 (crushed)
sweet chili sauce
4 tablespoons (none)
lemongrass, finely chopped
3 sticks (finely chopped)
chicken breasts
4 (130 g each) (cut into 2 cm pieces)
peanut butter
5 tablespoons (none)
coconut milk
300 ml (none)
fresh kaffir lime leaves
2 (none)
Instructions
1
Cut the chicken breasts into 2 cm pieces and set aside.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, ground cumin, mild curry paste, ground turmeric, crushed garlic, sweet chili sauce, and finely chopped lemongrass.
3
Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and stir well to ensure all pieces are coated evenly.
4
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld.
5
After marinating, transfer the chicken mixture to a saucepan. Add the peanut butter, coconut milk, and kaffir lime leaves.
6
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, then reduce to low heat and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
7
Remove and discard the kaffir lime leaves before serving.
8
Serve hot over steamed coconut rice or your choice of side.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Lemongrass Chicken Curry?
It is an aromatic, savory, and spicy dish featuring chicken marinated in soy sauce and spices, then simmered in a rich coconut milk sauce.
How long should the chicken be marinated?
The chicken should be marinated for at least 4 hours, though letting it sit overnight is preferred for the best flavor meld.
What are the primary flavorings in the marinade?
The marinade consists of soy sauce, ground cumin, mild curry paste, ground turmeric, crushed garlic, sweet chili sauce, and finely chopped lemongrass.
How much chicken do I need for this recipe?
You will need 4 chicken breasts, approximately 130 grams each.
What size should the chicken pieces be cut into?
The chicken breasts should be cut into 2 cm pieces.
Is there peanut butter in this curry?
Yes, the recipe uses 5 tablespoons of peanut butter to add richness and depth to the sauce.
What type of coconut milk is required?
The recipe calls for 300 ml of coconut milk.
How many lemongrass sticks are used?
The recipe requires 3 sticks of finely chopped lemongrass.
What should I do with the kaffir lime leaves?
Add 2 fresh kaffir lime leaves to the simmer, then remove and discard them before serving.
How long does the curry need to simmer?
After bringing the mixture to a boil, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes.
Can I use a different type of curry paste?
While the recipe specifies mild curry paste, you can substitute it with a spicier version if you prefer more heat.
What is the best side dish for this curry?
It is highly recommended to serve this curry over steamed coconut rice.
How many garlic cloves are included?
The recipe uses 2 crushed garlic cloves.
Does the recipe use sweet chili sauce?
Yes, 4 tablespoons of sweet chili sauce are added to the marinade for a balance of sweetness and spice.
Is this recipe considered difficult?
No, it is classified as an easy recipe focused on simple marinating and simmering techniques.
What type of cuisine is this?
This dish is categorized as Asian cuisine.
Can I substitute the chicken breasts with thighs?
Yes, chicken thighs can be used as a substitute, though you may need to adjust the simmering time slightly.
What amount of soy sauce is used?
The recipe calls for 6 tablespoons of soy sauce.
How much ground turmeric is needed?
One tablespoon of ground turmeric is used in the marinade.
How much ground cumin is needed?
Two tablespoons of ground cumin are included in the marinade.
Should the chicken be cooked before adding the coconut milk?
No, the marinated chicken is transferred to the saucepan and cooked along with the coconut milk and peanut butter.
How many kaffir lime leaves are needed?
The recipe requires 2 fresh kaffir lime leaves.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, the flavors often deepen if made in advance and reheated gently.
Is this curry spicy?
It has a mild to moderate spice level depending on the curry paste used, balanced by the creamy coconut milk.
What is the purpose of the turmeric?
Turmeric provides an earthy flavor and a vibrant golden color to the curry.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Yes, vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas would make excellent additions to the simmer.
Do I need to cover the bowl while marinating?
Yes, the bowl should be covered with plastic wrap and refrigerated.
Is the lemongrass eaten?
The lemongrass is finely chopped so it stays in the sauce, providing flavor and a bit of texture.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
The chicken is done when it is no longer pink in the middle and has become tender after about 20-25 minutes of simmering.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, this curry freezes well; just ensure it is stored in an airtight container.