Panang Chicken Curry is a flavorful dish that combines the richness of coconut milk with the bold and spicy notes of Thai curry paste. The tender chicken simmers in a creamy, aromatic sauce, offering a comforting yet exotic experience. This dish is perfect for those who love a bit of spice without being overwhelmed.
The vibrant colors of the dish, especially when garnished with fresh coriander and sliced red chili, make for a visually appealing presentation. Served alongside fluffy steamed rice, it’s a well-balanced meal that not only satisfies your hunger but also your craving for bold, aromatic flavors.
Full Recipe:
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500g skinless chicken breast, thinly sliced
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2 tablespoons vegetable oil
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1 onion, chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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2 tablespoons Panang curry paste
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400ml coconut milk
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100ml chicken stock
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1 tablespoon fish sauce
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1 teaspoon sugar
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Juice of 1 lime
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1 red chili, sliced (optional for extra heat)
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Fresh coriander leaves, chopped
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Salt, to taste
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Steamed rice, to serve
Directions:
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Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until soft and golden.
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Add the garlic and Panang curry paste, stirring for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
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Add the sliced chicken to the pan, cooking until the chicken is browned on all sides.
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Pour in the coconut milk and chicken stock. Stir well to combine and bring to a simmer.
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Add the fish sauce, sugar, and lime juice. Stir to incorporate the flavors.
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Let the curry simmer for 10–12 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened.
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Taste the curry and adjust the seasoning, adding more fish sauce, sugar, or lime juice if needed.
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Serve the curry with steamed rice and garnish with fresh coriander and sliced red chili.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 380 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Introduction
Panang chicken curry, also known as Kaeng Panang Gai in Thai, is a beloved dish that embodies the perfect balance of flavors. With a creamy, spicy, and aromatic coconut base, this curry is rich, satisfying, and a true reflection of Thai cuisine’s vibrant and dynamic flavors. The dish features tender chicken cooked in a thick, fragrant curry paste made with a blend of fresh herbs, spices, and coconut milk. It’s the ideal meal for those who enjoy savory, sweet, and salty flavors, with a hint of spice that can be easily adjusted according to taste.
History and Origins
Panang curry hails from Thailand and is one of the many variations of Thai curries. Its name comes from the island of Penang in Malaysia, though the exact origins are debated. While many associate it with the Penang region, it has become a staple in Thai cuisine. Unlike red and green Thai curries, Panang curry is typically thicker and sweeter due to the use of coconut milk and peanuts in its base. It’s often enjoyed with chicken, beef, or pork, but the chicken version is particularly popular due to its tender texture and ability to absorb the rich flavors of the curry.
Key Ingredients and Flavors
One of the defining features of Panang curry is the curry paste, which is composed of a variety of ingredients that come together to create a complex, layered flavor profile. The paste combines dried and fresh chilies, shrimp paste, garlic, galangal (a close relative of ginger), lemongrass, lime zest, white pepper, and a blend of ground spices such as coriander, cumin, and nutmeg. Additionally, peanuts add a subtle nutty depth to the paste, making it different from other types of curry.
The sauce is made with coconut milk, which lends the dish its creamy and rich texture. Fish sauce and sugar are added to balance the savory and sweet elements, while fresh herbs like basil and makrut lime leaves add freshness and fragrance to the dish. The combination of all these elements creates a harmony of flavors that is characteristic of many Thai dishes.
Cooking Techniques
The process of making Panang chicken curry starts with preparing the curry paste. Traditionally, the paste is ground using a pestle and mortar, allowing the ingredients to be finely crushed and blended together. However, a food processor can be used as an alternative for a quicker preparation. Once the paste is ready, it is fried in coconut milk to release the flavors and create a fragrant base for the curry.
Cooking the chicken in the curry paste ensures that it absorbs all the delicious flavors, becoming tender and juicy. The addition of vegetables, such as French beans, provides a nice contrast to the richness of the curry. Finally, the dish is finished with fresh herbs like Thai basil and makrut lime leaves, adding a burst of freshness and color to the curry.
Serving Suggestions
Panang chicken curry is typically served with steamed jasmine rice, which complements the rich and aromatic sauce. The rice helps to balance out the spiciness of the curry, making it a perfect pairing. You can also serve it with a side of pickled vegetables or a fresh Thai salad to add some crunch and acidity, which will further enhance the overall experience.
For an extra touch of authenticity, garnish the curry with extra Thai basil leaves and sliced red chilies. This not only adds visual appeal but also provides an extra layer of flavor and spice.
Health Benefits
While Panang chicken curry is undeniably indulgent, it also offers some nutritional benefits. The dish is packed with protein from the chicken and a variety of vitamins and minerals from the fresh herbs and vegetables. Coconut milk, though rich in fats, contains medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which are known for providing a quick source of energy and supporting metabolism.
Additionally, the spices used in the curry paste, such as garlic, ginger, and lemongrass, are known for their anti-inflammatory and digestive benefits. The curry can also be made with lean cuts of chicken to make it a lower-calorie option without sacrificing flavor. For those looking to adjust the recipe to suit dietary needs, it can be made with plant-based alternatives, such as tofu or tempeh, and served with brown rice or cauliflower rice for a healthier option.
Why You Should Try This Recipe
Panang chicken curry is a perfect dish for anyone looking to try a flavorful and hearty Thai meal. Its depth of flavor comes from the combination of fresh ingredients and carefully balanced seasonings, making it a great choice for dinner parties or weeknight meals. The creamy coconut milk sauce is rich and comforting, while the subtle spiciness makes it a true standout among other curry varieties. Plus, this dish is easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time, making it an excellent choice for meal prepping.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Panang chicken curry is an absolute must-try for curry enthusiasts and anyone who loves bold, flavorful dishes. The harmony of sweet, salty, and spicy elements makes it a unique and satisfying meal that can be enjoyed by people of all tastes. Whether you’re looking to spice up your weeknight dinners or impress guests with an exotic and flavorful meal, Panang chicken curry is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.
With its rich history, vibrant flavors, and versatility, this dish is a beautiful representation of Thai cuisine that can be easily adapted to suit your preferences. So, grab your ingredients, get your curry paste ready, and enjoy a comforting, homemade Thai meal that will transport you straight to the streets of Bangkok.