Chicken Massaman Curry is a rich, fragrant, and mildly spiced Thai curry that combines tender chicken with a blend of warm spices, coconut milk, and creamy potatoes. With influences from both Thai and Indian cuisines, this curry is known for its unique flavor profile—sweet, savory, and slightly tangy from tamarind and lime. The sauce is thick and luscious, infused with cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, and roasted peanuts, making it a perfect dish to serve with steamed rice or naan for soaking up every drop of the flavorful sauce. This comforting and delicious curry is perfect for a cozy dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons Massaman curry paste (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon tamarind paste (or juice of 1 lime)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 3-4 cardamom pods
- 1/2 cup roasted peanuts
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 onion, sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro or Thai basil for garnish
- Cooked jasmine rice for serving
Instructions
- Sear the Chicken: Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot or skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until lightly browned on all sides, about 5-6 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Cook the Curry Paste: In the same pot, add the Massaman curry paste and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
- Add Coconut Milk and Spices: Pour in the coconut milk and chicken broth, and stir in the curry paste until well combined. Add the cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, fish sauce, tamarind paste (or lime juice), and brown sugar. Stir to combine.
- Simmer the Curry: Return the chicken to the pot along with the cubed potatoes, sliced onion, and roasted peanuts. Bring the curry to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and the potatoes are cooked through.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the curry and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, or more tamarind/lime juice for a tangy kick.
- Serve: Serve the Chicken Massaman Curry over steamed jasmine rice, garnished with fresh cilantro or Thai basil.
Enjoy your Chicken Massaman Curry, a rich and aromatic dish full of warm spices and creamy flavors, perfect for a comforting meal any day of the week!
