Chicken Massaman Curry is an easy, gluten-free weeknight dinner option. It has a wonderful flavor– mild and just slightly sweet from the coconut milk. This chicken curry recipe is a one pot dinner that comes together in 30 minutes.
When I go to the grocery store, I like to stock up for the week. I try to plan in advance so that I have enough food to make several meals, preferably with leftovers. But I’m not actually very good at meal planning.
I’m a sucker for fresh, colorful produce, and I often wind up buying more than I need. That’s when my homemade massaman curry recipe comes to the rescue.
This Thai massaman curry is a one-pot meal that’s easy, impressive and an excellent way to use up vegetables. If you’re unfamiliar with Thai cuisine, massaman curry is a great place to start. It’s slightly sweet and slightly spicy (not too spicy).
I typically prepare it with chicken, but you can easily make this into a vegetarian dinner by swapping the poultry for chickpeas or tofu (or simply increasing the potatoes).
There are intricate versions of this dish that include many spices and unique ingredients, but I’m making it easy for you: mix one can of massaman curry paste with one can of coconut milk. In my opinion, it tastes just as good as any curry I’ve had from a Thai restaurant, yet it’s easy enough to prepare at the last minute after a hectic day at work.
In my simplified version of this dish, the main ingredients are coconut milk, massaman curry paste, chicken or beef, onions, potatoes, tomatoes, peanuts and cilantro.
For massaman curry paste, I like the brand Maesri. Sometimes I can find it in the grocery store; other times I have to order it online. I’ve tried other brands, which work, but the Maesri is definitely the best I’ve tried so far.
On top of those ingredients, you can pretty much add any vegetable you want to use. I’ve added bell peppers to this version, and their sweetness works wonderfully with all of the other flavors.
For a DIY twist, you can try making this curry recipe with my homemade coconut milk!
Looking for more easy dinner recipes?
Be sure to check out my Teriyaki Salmon, Rotisserie Chicken Tacos, and Spinach & Artichoke Pasta!
Chicken Massaman Curry
Ingredients
- 1 (13.5 ounce) can coconut milk
- 1 (4 ounce) can massaman curry paste (I like the brand Maesri)
- 1 tablespoon high heat oil or clarified butter (vegetable, grapeseed or peanut oil would all work)
- 5 boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts, trimmed of fat and cut into large cubes
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 1 medium red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 medium yellow bell pepper, chopped
- 4 mini gold potatoes, quartered
- 3 medium plum tomatoes, quartered
- 1/2 cup packed cilantro, roughly chopped
- 1/4 - 1/2 cup toasted unsalted peanuts, chopped or whole (for garnish)
- Optional: rice for serving
Instructions
- In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the coconut milk and curry paste until evenly combined. Set aside.
- In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottom saucepan, heat the oil on medium-high until shimmering, and then brown the chicken on both sides for several minutes. You might want to do this in batches to avoid crowding the pan.
- Once the chicken is browned, stir in the onion, bell peppers, potatoes and tomatoes (add all of the chicken back into the pot first if it was cooked in batches). Add the coconut milk mixture and stir. Bring to a boil, cover, and turn the heat down to low.
- Simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are soft and chicken is cooked through. Remove from the heat and stir in the cilantro.
- Serve over rice if using, and garnish with peanuts.
Please read my full post for additional recipe notes, tips, and serving suggestions!
Nutrition
Recipe Troubleshooting
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Kathryn says
I love massaman curry – it’s a staple in our house!
Julia @Vikalinka says
I have a family to feed and I am still so bad at meal planning…just too impulsive to plan! Beautiful produce on display in this curry. You are such a master of light!
Taylor @ Food Faith Fitness says
I love curry, but have never tried Massaman curry!
This is so easy and delicious looking, it looks like the whole “I haven’t tried it” thang needs to change!
Mary Frances says
I’ve never tried something like this! The spice combination, and all those colorful foods, are calling my name though!
Caroline says
I’m not a meal planner either! I love that Ziplock bag idea! Jen, this looks so yummy. I love curries and really need to try that massaman paste!
Marta@What should I eat for breakfast today says
I am happy to try it, so I pin it :) I must also write that pictures are awesome.
Jennifer Farley says
Thanks, Marta! I am headed to Berlin in a few months so I may have to hit you up for dining tips :)
Marta@What should I eat for breakfast today says
Oh great! Let me know when you’re here and if you’ll have time I’ll take you for a nice coffee or tee or wine :)
Sasha says
I love getting soups like this in Thai restaurants and am trying to incorporate more of them into my home cooking. Thanks for sharing this – I’ll be referring to it when I’m in the kitchen :)
Laura (Tutti Dolci) says
It’s pouring rain and I’m craving anything comforting – this curry would be just perfect!
cheri says
I love dishes like this. So bright and colorful. Beautiful pics.
Da Granite Da Nang says
I’ve been looking for a new recipe to serve at my sister-in-law’s baby shower next weekend and this is now it! I made this to tonight and it is amazing! seriously the best dish I’ve eaten all summer!!
Arthur in the Garden! says
Yummy!
Paula – bell’alimento says
Great recipe! I can’t wait to try! Pinning!
Fabiola@notjustbaked says
I love massaman curry. I have all if these ingredients and family visiting, I know what I’m making for dinner. Thanks!
Karina Alvaera says
This looks so good! Plus the recipe looks simple enough that I would probably succeed in making it! lol
Alice // Hip Foodie Mom says
love the curry recipe. . and I didn’t even know Ziploc made Ziploc® brand Fresh Produce Bags! I usually keep my herbs in jars of water with bags over them in the fridge or certain fruits, like lemons and limes in regular ziploc bags to last longer. . will def look for these!
Jennie @themessybakerblog says
I just recently started planning my menu for the week. It saves me so much time. This curry sounds amazing, as do those produce bags.