This lime coconut curry with chicken hits the spot every time. If you're like me, you get a craving for Thai curries pretty often. Whenever that craving strikes, this is the ultimate go-to dish. Picture tender chicken simmered in a rich, creamy coconut sauce infused with the bright zing of lime.
I recommend marinating the chicken overnight. However, if you can't plan that far ahead, try to let it marinate as long as possible. For the rice, I use an 8-grain mix that includes sprouted brown rice. Here is a link to the one I buy.
Can I make Thai lime coconut curry in advance?
Yes, you can make this curry up to 2 days in advance. This curry is arguably better the longer it sits. So if you know you won't have time to make dinner one night, get this beauty going a few days ahead of time and all you'll have to do is heat it.
❄️ Storage Tips
This curry freezes well, so make extra and freeze for up to 3 months. Then, defrost overnight in the refrigerator, and reheat on the stove or in the microwave. The rice can be frozen, too, but I do not recommend it. If you must, defrost in the refrigerator overnight. Then, either microwave or add a splash of water to a pot to reheat on the stove over low heat.
I have never frozen this dish when using frozen green beans. I am not sure they will hold up well. But you can give it a try and hope for the best!
More Thai-Inspired Recipes?
Want more Thai-inspired food other than this delicious Thai Lime Coconut Curry? I have plenty of recipes to satisfy your craving.
Thai Lime Coconut Curry with Chicken & Green Beans
Ingredients
- 5 tablespoon coconut oil melted
- 2 limes zested & juiced
- 2 tablespoon red curry powder
- 2 teaspoon chile powder
- 4 bone in, skin on chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoon coconut oil
- 1 onion finely diced
- 1 can coconut milk
- ½-1 lb. Chinese long green beans cut into 2-4 inch chunks
- 1 bunch of Thai basil stemmed
- 1 cup chopped cilantro
- 1 ½ cups sprouted brown rice
- 3 cups water or stock
Instructions
- Add your coconut oil, lime zest & juice, curry powder, chile powder, a pinch of salt, and chicken to a bowl. Mix well. Cover and refrigerate 2 hours minimum, overnight preferred.
- Cook your rice: Bring the water to boil. Add the rice. Cover. Lower to simmer. Cook 25-30 minutes, depending on how soft you like your rice.
- Let your chicken come to room temperature, ~30 minutes.
- Heat your high sided pot over medium heat and add 2 tablespoon of coconut oil. When hot, add your chicken skin side down. Add the onion. Cook until brown, ~5 minutes. Flip and cook another 5 minutes.
- Add your coconut milk and green beans. Bring to boil, reduce to simmer and cook 15-20 minutes, until the chicken reaches internal temperature of 165F.
- Remove from heat, cover, and let rest for 5 minutes. Add the chopped cilantro, basil leaves, and serve in individual bowls over the rice.
Krista Mason
Flavours are great! Used fresh green beans from my garden (as opposed to Chinese long green beans… not a commodity in my neighbourhood!). Though, a lot of oil. I melted coconut oil as suggested, and marinated thighs in the fridge for at least six hours. But, coconut oil solidifies when cold. Assuming all that flavour needs to be incorporated when cooking, the oiled marinade went in the pot when cooking. I found the time to cook the thighs needs to be longer than suggested. In doing so, lost the flavour of the coconut milk. Would suggest to cook the thighs longer before adding coconut milk. Due to what I had, I ended up doubling the recipe as I had 9 thighs. Browned them in two batches. Would expect it somewhat to be similar (but, hey, I ain’t no chef!). Still good!
Candice
Glad you liked it, Krista! The coconut oil does solidify when cold, but I still like to add it to the marinade in this recipe. The coconut isn't meant to be a strong flavor in this recipe, but if you'd like to to be more coconutty, you can always add coconut cream... it has a stronger coconut flavor and I think it will solve that issue for you. I also prefer waiting for the thighs to fully cook submersed in the liquid so it absorbs more flavor and braises because I find that it comes out more tender, but I understand that you prefer cooking them longer before stewing... to each there own! Either way, glad it still came out tasty, and I appreciate the feedback. Enjoy!