Thai Massaman Curry with Chicken

Cozy up to Comfort with Thai Massaman Curry
If you’re looking for a warm, flavorful dish that can brighten any day, look no further than Thai Massaman Curry with Chicken. This beloved Thai dish is rich, aromatic, and incredibly satisfying.
Picture tender pieces of chicken simmered in a creamy coconut sauce, infused with the warm spices of massaman curry paste and complemented by hearty potatoes and crunchy peanuts.
It’s a delightful meal that’s perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
- Calories per serving: 450
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fat: 28g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 650mg
Why I Love This Thai Massaman Curry with Chicken
I absolutely adore this Thai Massaman Curry with Chicken because it’s like a warm hug in a bowl! The balance of spices creates a delightful flavor explosion that’s both comforting and exotic.
It’s easy to prepare, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings. Plus, who can resist the combination of tender chicken, creamy coconut milk, and crunch from the roasted peanuts?
It’s a dish that brings joy and togetherness around the table.

Ingredients
1 lb chicken thighs
cut into pieces
2 tablespoons massaman curry paste
1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk
1 cup chicken broth
1 large potato, diced
1 large onion, chopped
1 tablespoon fish sauce
1 tablespoon sugar
1 cup peanuts
roasted and unsalted
Fresh cilantro for garnish
How to Make Thai Massaman Curry with Chicken
Step 1: Sauté the Onions
In a large pot, heat a little oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook until they soften and turn translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
Step 2: Add the Curry Paste
Stir in the massaman curry paste and cook for another minute until it becomes fragrant, enveloping your kitchen in a warm, inviting aroma.
Step 3: Brown the Chicken
Add the chicken pieces to the pot, stirring to coat them with the curry. Brown the chicken on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
Step 4: Pour in Coconut Milk and Broth
Carefully pour in the coconut milk and chicken broth. Stir well to combine everything and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Step 5: Add Potatoes and Seasonings
Toss in the diced potatoes, fish sauce, and sugar. Let the curry simmer for about 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked through and the potatoes are tender.
Step 6: Incorporate Peanuts
Stir in the roasted peanuts and let them cook for an additional 5 minutes, adding depth and crunch to the dish.
Step 7: Serve and Garnish
Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro for a pop of color and flavor. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Tips & Variations
- For a deeper flavor, consider marinating the chicken in the curry paste for a few hours or overnight.
- If you prefer a vegetarian option, swap chicken for chickpeas or tofu and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- This curry is fantastic served over fluffy jasmine rice or with warm naan to soak up the sauce.
- Looking for more heat? Add a sliced chili pepper or a dash of chili flakes for an extra kick.
Delicious Variations
- Green Curry Chicken – A spicy alternative using Thai green curry paste for a fresh, vibrant kick.
- Panang Curry with Beef – Rich and creamy, featuring tender beef simmered in a panang curry sauce.
- Tom Kha Gai – A fragrant chicken soup made with coconut milk, lemongrass, and mushrooms for a lighter option.
- Massaman Curry with Sweet Potatoes – A twist on this recipe, substituting sweet potatoes for regular potatoes for added sweetness.
Serving Suggestions for Thai Massaman Curry with Chicken
Serve this Thai Massaman Curry hot, and let it shine in vibrant bowls. Pair it with jasmine rice to soak up the creamy sauce, and perhaps a light cucumber salad for a refreshing contrast.
It’s perfect for a cozy dinner or a casual get-together with friends. For drinks, consider a chilled Thai iced tea or a light beer to complement the flavors.
Storage and Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze the curry for up to 3 months.
Just make sure to thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating on the stovetop. The flavors might even improve as they meld together overnight!
Helpful Questions
Can I use other meats?
Absolutely! You can swap chicken for beef, pork, or even shrimp. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.Is it spicy?
Massaman curry is generally mild, but you can adjust the spice level by adding more or less curry paste or including fresh chilies.Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes! This dish reheats beautifully, making it a great option for meal prepping or serving at gatherings.What can I use instead of coconut milk?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute low-fat coconut milk or unsweetened almond milk, but the flavor will differ.Is there a vegetarian option for this dish?
Yes! Replace chicken with chickpeas or tofu and use vegetable broth to create a delicious vegetarian variant of this curry.
Enjoy cooking this luscious Thai Massaman Curry with Chicken! It’s sure to warm your heart and satisfy your palate.
Print
Thai Massaman Curry with Chicken
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A warm, flavorful Thai dish featuring tender chicken simmered in a creamy coconut sauce with massaman curry paste, potatoes, and peanuts.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken thighs, cut into pieces
- 2 tablespoons massaman curry paste
- 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 large potato, diced
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 cup peanuts, roasted and unsalted
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat a little oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook until they soften and turn translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the massaman curry paste and cook for another minute until it becomes fragrant.
- Add the chicken pieces to the pot, stirring to coat them with the curry. Brown the chicken on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
- Carefully pour in the coconut milk and chicken broth. Stir well to combine and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Toss in the diced potatoes, fish sauce, and sugar. Let the curry simmer for about 20-25 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the potatoes are tender.
- Stir in the roasted peanuts and let them cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro.
Notes
For a deeper flavor, consider marinating the chicken in the curry paste for a few hours or overnight. This curry pairs well with jasmine rice or naan.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Thai
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
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