Craving a delicious, healthy, and easy dinner? Look no further! This Vietnamese Curry Chicken recipe is a perfect blend of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. It's a fantastic option for busy weeknights, requiring minimal prep time and delivering maximum flavor. This homemade cooking masterpiece is sure to become a staple in your healthy meals repertoire. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this quick dinner idea!
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (13.5 oz) can full-fat coconut milk
- 1/4 cup fish sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons curry powder (Vietnamese curry powder preferred, but any mild curry will work)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or more, to taste)
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Cooked rice, for serving
- Lime wedges, for serving
Instructions:
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Sauté Aromatics: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and ginger and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Brown the Chicken: Add the chicken to the pot and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
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Add Vegetables: Stir in the bell peppers and cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly softened.
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Simmer the Curry: Add the diced tomatoes (undrained), coconut milk, fish sauce, brown sugar, curry powder, soy sauce, and red pepper flakes to the pot. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly.
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Garnish and Serve: Stir in the fresh cilantro. Serve hot over cooked rice with a lime wedge on the side.
Cooking Tips & Variations:
- For a richer flavor: Use bone-in chicken thighs. You'll need to increase the cooking time accordingly.
- Adjust the spice level: Add more or less red pepper flakes to your liking. If you prefer a sweeter curry, add a bit more brown sugar.
- Add vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables such as carrots, potatoes, or zucchini. Add them along with the bell peppers.
- Make it a complete meal: Serve with steamed broccoli or a side salad for a more balanced meal.
- Meal prep friendly: This curry tastes even better the next day! It's perfect for meal prepping lunches or dinners for the week.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 400-450
- Protein: 30-35g
- Fat: 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: 20-25g
This Vietnamese Curry Chicken is a delicious and easy recipe that's perfect for a weeknight dinner. The combination of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors is sure to be a hit with everyone. Enjoy this easy recipe and don’t forget to share your culinary creations with us! This best recipe is sure to become a new family favorite among your delicious dishes. Happy cooking!