Chicken Massaman Curry
Make the best authentic Thai Chicken Massaman Curry with this easy, flavorful recipe! Tender chicken and potatoes, creamy coconut milk, and aromatic spices create a comforting, mildly spiced curry that’s perfect for dinner.
Prep Time15 minutes mins
Cook Time35 minutes mins
Total Time50 minutes mins
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Thai
Keyword: Chicken, Curry, Massaman Curry
Servings: 10
Calories: 235kcal
- 4 ounces Massaman curry paste (see notes above)
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 cans (14 oz each) unsweetened coconut milk, full fat
- 1/2 teaspoon ginger
- 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 onion
- 1 pound chicken
- 4 medium potatoes
- 2 carrots
- 1 tablespoon peanut butter (creamy or crunchy)
- 1/2 cup peanuts
- sriracha sauce to taste
- red pepper flakes to taste
- jasmine rice (cooked)
Heat vegetable oil in an extra large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Stir in curry paste; cook and stir for about 2-3 minutes. This is strong, make sure your windows are open and a fan is blowing.
Add 1 can coconut milk and stir until well blended. Add ginger, cilantro, sugar, fish sauce, lime juice, and Worcestershire. Bring to a boil.
Thinly slice the onion and chicken, then add them to the sauce. Reduce to a simmer. When chicken is white and cooked through (about 5 min or so) add another can of coconut milk and bring back to a boil.
Peel and dice potatoes. Peel and slice carrots. Add the potatoes, carrots, and remaining ingredients (except for the rice) and stir until everything is well mixed. Cover and simmer for about 15 minutes or until potatoes are no longer crunchy in the middle. Serve hot over Jasmine rice and garnish with extra cilantro and/or limes if desired.
- Boil potatoes for 3–4 minutes before adding to the curry to speed up cooking.
- For extra veggies, let them simmer in the sauce or stir-fry them first if you're short on time.
- Shake or stir coconut milk well before opening—or open from the bottom to avoid separation.
- Adjust spice level with sriracha: mix it in or serve on the side.
- Use soy sauce instead of salt to deepen flavor.
- Don’t skip the lime—fresh lime juice brightens the whole dish!
- Slow Cooker: Sauté curry paste first, then add all ingredients and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4.
- Instant Pot: Sauté curry paste, add ingredients, and pressure cook for 8 minutes. Natural release 5 minutes, then quick release.
Calories: 235kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Cholesterol: 16mg | Sodium: 399mg | Potassium: 185mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 3860IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 38mg | Iron: 1mg