Panang Curry with Chicken

Panang Curry with Chicken is a luscious dish that beautifully balances creamy coconut milk with aromatic Thai spices and a hint of sweetness from palm sugar. The tender chicken absorbs the rich curry sauce, while kaffir lime leaves add a distinctive citrusy fragrance that elevates the dish to authentic Thai perfection.

This curry is not only vibrant and flavorful but also incredibly simple to prepare, making it ideal for both weekday dinners and special occasions. Served over fluffy jasmine rice and garnished with fresh basil and crushed peanuts, it’s a comforting and impressive meal that brings the warmth of Thai cuisine right to your table.

Full Recipe:

• 500g (1 lb) chicken thigh fillets, sliced thinly

• 2 tablespoons Panang curry paste

• 1 can (400ml) coconut milk

• 1 tablespoon fish sauce

• 1 tablespoon palm sugar (or brown sugar)

• 4 kaffir lime leaves, torn

• 1 red chili, sliced (optional, for garnish)

• 1/2 cup Thai basil leaves

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

• 1/4 cup roasted peanuts, crushed (optional)

Directions:

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add the Panang curry paste and fry for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

2. Slowly add half of the coconut milk and stir well to combine with the curry paste. Simmer gently for 2-3 minutes.

3. Add the sliced chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until the chicken is cooked through.

4. Pour in the remaining coconut milk, fish sauce, and palm sugar. Stir well to dissolve the sugar.

5. Add the torn kaffir lime leaves and simmer gently for another 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

6. Turn off the heat, then stir in Thai basil leaves. Adjust seasoning with more fish sauce or sugar if needed.

7. Serve hot, garnished with sliced red chili and crushed peanuts if desired, alongside steamed jasmine rice.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: Approximately 450 kcal per serving | Servings: 4 servings

Introduction to Panang Curry

Panang Curry is one of the most beloved dishes in Thai cuisine, renowned for its rich, creamy texture and perfectly balanced flavors. Unlike other Thai curries, Panang stands out with its thicker, slightly sweeter sauce that envelops tender pieces of meat or vegetables. This curry showcases the harmonious blend of coconut milk, fragrant spices, and fresh herbs, making it a comforting yet exciting meal for both novice and experienced food lovers. It is traditionally made with beef or chicken but is versatile enough to accommodate various proteins or vegetarian alternatives.

Origins and Cultural Significance

Panang Curry originates from Thailand’s central region, specifically influenced by the southern provinces. The dish carries influences from Malaysia and Thailand’s neighboring countries, which explains its nutty, mildly sweet, and aromatic flavor profile. Traditionally, Panang curry paste is crafted with dried red chili, galangal, lemongrass, kaffir lime zest, coriander roots, cumin, and shrimp paste, giving it a distinct and complex taste. The use of kaffir lime leaves in Panang curry is essential, as it imparts a refreshing citrus note that differentiates it from other Thai curries.

In Thai culture, food is more than sustenance — it’s a celebration of balance and harmony. Panang curry embodies this philosophy perfectly by balancing spicy, sweet, salty, and sour elements in one dish. It is often enjoyed during family gatherings, festive occasions, or as a comforting weekday meal, reflecting the importance of food in bringing people together.

Flavor Profile and Ingredients

The hallmark of Panang curry lies in its unique flavor profile that combines creamy, spicy, and sweet notes in a luscious sauce. Coconut milk provides the silky, rich base that tempers the heat of the chili paste, while palm sugar introduces subtle sweetness that rounds out the spiciness. Fish sauce lends a salty, umami depth essential to authentic Thai cooking, and kaffir lime leaves add a bright, citrusy aroma that freshens each bite.

The curry paste itself is a potent blend of dried chili peppers, garlic, shallots, lemongrass, galangal, coriander seeds, cumin, and sometimes roasted peanuts or peanut butter, which adds to the slightly nutty undertone distinctive to Panang. This blend of ingredients results in a paste that is both fragrant and flavorful, setting the foundation for a truly authentic dish.

Using chicken thigh meat, as in the recipe provided, helps the dish stay tender and juicy. Chicken thighs are preferred for curries due to their higher fat content and ability to remain moist through cooking. However, beef, pork, tofu, or even seafood can also be excellent alternatives depending on your preference.

Cooking Techniques and Tips

Making Panang curry is straightforward but does require attention to timing and balance. The key to a successful curry lies in properly frying the curry paste in oil before adding coconut milk. This step helps release the aromatic oils and flavors from the spices and herbs, intensifying the overall taste of the dish.

Simmering the curry gently is essential to avoid curdling the coconut milk and to allow the chicken to absorb the curry’s complex flavors. Adding kaffir lime leaves towards the end of cooking ensures their fragrance remains fresh and bright without becoming overpowering.

If you want to adjust the heat, you can add fresh chili slices as a garnish or reduce the amount of curry paste used. Similarly, adjusting the palm sugar and fish sauce balances the sweetness and saltiness to your liking, making this dish highly customizable.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Panang curry is traditionally served with steamed jasmine rice, which complements the creamy sauce and helps balance the richness. The subtle fragrance of jasmine rice enhances the overall dining experience without competing with the curry’s bold flavors.

For a more complete meal, you can add a side of lightly stir-fried or steamed vegetables such as bok choy, green beans, or snap peas. A crisp, fresh cucumber salad or a tangy papaya salad can also provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the curry.

In Thai cuisine, complementary dishes are often served together to create a balance of textures and flavors on the table. Consider pairing Panang curry with crispy spring rolls, Thai-style fried chicken, or a simple mango sticky rice dessert to complete your meal.

Nutritional Information and Dietary Adaptability

Panang curry offers a satisfying meal that delivers protein, healthy fats, and a variety of micronutrients from its fresh ingredients and spices. The coconut milk is a source of medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which can provide quick energy, while the curry paste’s spices may have anti-inflammatory properties.

This dish is naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities. It can also be adapted for a vegetarian or vegan diet by substituting the chicken with tofu or hearty vegetables like mushrooms and eggplants and using soy sauce or tamari instead of fish sauce.

For those watching calories or fat intake, using light coconut milk or reducing the amount of coconut milk can lighten the dish without compromising flavor significantly. The key is to maintain the curry paste’s richness and the overall balance of seasoning.

Why Panang Curry Is a Must-Try Thai Dish

Panang curry holds a special place in the world of Thai food for its luxurious texture, beautifully layered flavors, and approachable preparation. It strikes a perfect balance between comfort food and exotic cuisine, making it a wonderful entry point for those new to Thai cooking while still satisfying more seasoned palates.

Its versatility means you can easily tweak the ingredients to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs, yet the dish remains deeply rooted in traditional Thai flavors. The aromatic curry paste, creamy coconut milk, fragrant kaffir lime leaves, and the interplay of sweet and spicy create a memorable dining experience.

Conclusion

Panang Curry with Chicken is more than just a meal — it’s an experience of Thai culinary artistry that delivers rich flavors and comforting textures in every bite. Its creamy, mildly spicy sauce and fragrant herbs showcase the complexity and elegance of Thai cuisine. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or yourself, this dish brings warmth, satisfaction, and a touch of exotic flair to the dinner table.

Mastering Panang curry at home allows you to enjoy an authentic taste of Thailand anytime, with the freedom to customize heat levels and ingredients to your liking. It’s a perfect example of how traditional recipes can be adapted to modern kitchens while preserving their original magic.

If you’re passionate about exploring international flavors, Panang curry is a must-add to your cooking repertoire — an inviting dish that never fails to impress with its balance, richness, and comforting goodness.