Panang Chicken Curry

Panang Chicken Curry is a rich and creamy Thai dish that’s bursting with flavor and easy to prepare. This curry features tender pieces of chicken simmered in a luscious coconut milk sauce infused with Panang curry paste, which adds a perfect blend of spices, mild heat, and a hint of sweetness. With the addition of kaffir lime leaves, bell peppers, and a touch of peanut butter, this dish achieves a beautiful balance of savory, sweet, and aromatic flavors. Serve this warm, comforting curry over steamed jasmine rice for a satisfying meal that’s sure to impress any Thai food lover.

Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, thinly sliced
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• 3 tbsp Panang curry paste
• 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
• 1/4 cup chicken broth or water
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1/2 cup green beans, trimmed and cut in half
• 2 tbsp peanut butter (optional, for extra richness)
• 4-6 kaffir lime leaves, thinly sliced (optional but recommended)
• 1 tbsp fish sauce
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
• Juice of half a lime
• Chopped peanuts for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Cook the curry paste: In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the Panang curry paste and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
2. Add the chicken: Add the sliced chicken to the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring to coat the chicken in the curry paste, until the chicken is just starting to cook through.
3. Add the coconut milk and vegetables: Pour in the coconut milk and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Add the red bell pepper, green beans, peanut butter (if using), and kaffir lime leaves. Bring the curry to a simmer and let it cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the vegetables are tender.
4. Season the curry: Stir in the fish sauce and brown sugar, and adjust seasoning to taste. Add more curry paste for heat or more sugar for sweetness if desired.
5. Finish and serve: Remove from heat and stir in the fresh basil leaves and lime juice. Serve the Panang Chicken Curry over steamed jasmine rice and garnish with chopped peanuts if desired.

Panang Chicken Curry is a wonderfully fragrant and creamy dish that’s both comforting and packed with flavor, making it an ideal choice for a cozy dinner with a touch of Thai-inspired flair!