The Best Thai Panang Chicken Curry (VIDEO) - A Spicy Perspective (2023)

The Best Thai Panang Chicken Curry we’ve ever made! An authentic Thai Panang Curry Recipe, straight from Thailand. Cancel your takeout order and give it a try!

The Best Thai Panang Chicken Curry (VIDEO) - A Spicy Perspective (1)

Authentic Thai Cuisine

What’s your favorite type of food?

That is a question I get a lot. Especially when I meet new people and they find out I write a food blog.

Although my answer is likely to change on any given day, swayed by my current cravings, Asian cuisine is always at the top of my list.

The Best Thai Panang Chicken Curry (VIDEO) - A Spicy Perspective (2)

Favorite Asian Recipes

There are a few Asian dishes I just cannot get enough of. Dishes that make me squeal with delight at the sheer thought of them… Vietnamese Bun Cha Gio Bowls, Thai Pad Kee Mao, and Korean Bulgogi to name a few.

Many of these are meals that can be ordered at Asian restaurants. Yet I find they are often even tastier when made at home.

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Panang Curry

Thai Panang Curry is another dish I swoon over.

It’s rich and spicy with a distinctly unique flavor from the addition of kaffir lime leaves and panang curry paste. I could eat this every day of the week and never get tired of it!

To top it off, the fragrance of a good Panang curry is so intoxicating, it should be bottled in my humble opinion.

The Best Thai Panang Chicken Curry (VIDEO) - A Spicy Perspective (4)

Thai Panang Curry Recipe

I have ordered Panang chicken curry numerous times at Thai restaurants, and experimented with homemade version nearly as many times.

After much testing, I have finally come up with a recipe I feel is The Best Thai Panang Chicken Curry I’ve ever made, and possibly the best we’ve ever eaten.

I know that sounds braggy, and I do apologize, but this recipe is flipping amazing!

(Video) Real Deal Thai Panang Chicken Curry - Marion's Kitchen

Just taste it and you’ll forgive me.

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Best Panang Curry Recipe

The Best Thai Panang Chicken Curry is extremely simple to make. The catch is, you will most likely have to go to an Asian market to gather the ingredients.

But trust me, The Best Thai Panang Chicken Curry recipe is worth the trip!

If you happen to live in a large multicultural city, your standard grocery stores may have everything you need.

The Best Thai Panang Chicken Curry (VIDEO) - A Spicy Perspective (6)

Panang Curry With Chicken

If not, google asian markets… Even small towns usually have one.

Once there, hand your grocery list over and ask the clerk help you find the best brand of panang red curry paste, thick coconut milk, and fish sauce. Be sure to also pick up Thai basil leaves and kaffir lime leaves.

You can substitute other types of basil, however the kaffir lime leaves cannot be replaced. The flavor is too unique to swap another ingredient, or to leave it out. The Panang curry paste has some kaffir lime leaf in it, but it’s not enough.

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Local Asian Markets

When I go to the Asian market, I usually stock up on panang curry paste, the thickest coconut milk I can find, and kaffir lime leaves.

Fresh kaffir lime leaves can be frozen for longevity. They do turn dark in the freezer, but retain their vibrant flavor.

Panang curry paste is a type of red curry specific to Thailand and Laos.

It is less spicy and more aromatic than standard red curry paste. In a pinch you could substitute red curry paste, but the flavor will not be quite the same.

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How To Make Panang Curry

Ready to make The Best Thai Panang Chicken Curry you’ve ever tasted?

(Video) Thai Panang Chicken Curry | Thai Panang Curry Recipe with Chicken | Panang Curry with Chicken

  • Start by cutting chicken thighs, onions, and bell peppers into bite-size pieces.
  • Then crush the kaffir lime leaves to help release their oils. They are tough little leaves so smash and twist away, until they smell very strong.
  • Sauté the onions, peppers and garlic in a large skillet. Then add the panangcurry paste and a spoonful of peanut butter to the center of the pan. Sauté the curry for a couple minutes to intensify the flavor.
The Best Thai Panang Chicken Curry (VIDEO) - A Spicy Perspective (9)
  • Then add the kaffir lime leaves, coconut milk, fish sauce, and chicken to the pan.
  • Simmer the curry until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce thickens. Stir in Thai basil leaves and you have a dish worth drooling over.
  • Bold, fragrant, and oh so delicious! You local takeout joint has nothing on The BestThai Panang Chicken Curry.

Get the Full (Printable) Best Panang Curry Recipe Below!

The Best Thai Panang Chicken Curry (VIDEO) - A Spicy Perspective (10)

Panang Chicken Curry FAQ

Where Can I Find Panang Curry Paste And Keffir Lime Leaves?

As mentioned above, you will need to make a stop at a local Asian market. However, this recipe is worth the trip… And Asian markets are tons of fun to explore!

Is Panang Curry Gluten Free?

Yes! As long as the curry paste and fish sauce you buy are gluten free, the entire recipe is as well. Most are, but be sure to check the ingredients. P.S. This recipe is dairy free as well!

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More Thai Recipes You Will Love

  • Thai Pad Kee Mao
  • Red Lentil Curry
  • Thai Chicken Satay with Peanute Sauce
  • Easy Chicken Pad Thai
  • Tom Yum Soup
  • Thai Larb Rolls (Keto)
  • Thai Turkey Meatballs

The Best Thai Panang Chicken Curry (VIDEO) - A Spicy Perspective (12)

(Video) Best Thai Panang Chicken Curry Recipe | Thai Panang Curry Recipe with Chicken

Print Recipe

4.91 from 214 votes

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The Best Thai Panang Chicken Curry

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 22 minutes

Total Time: 32 minutes

The Best Thai Panang Chicken Curry Recipe – The most amazing red chicken curry we’ve ever made! This light and healthy dish is better than any takeout option out there, and it’s easy to make.

Servings: 6

Ingredients

US CustomaryMetric

Instructions

  • Cut the chicken into bite-size pieces. Chop the onions and peppers into rough 1-inch pieces. Mince the garlic. Then crush the kaffir lime leaves to help release their oils.

  • Place a 14-inch skillet (or wok) over medium-high heat. Add the coconut oil. Once the oil melts, add the onions. Sauté for 1 minute, then add the peppers and garlic. Sauté another 2-3 minutes.

  • Move the veggies to the sides of the skillet and add the panang red curry paste and peanut butter to the center of the pan. Sauté the curry for 2-3 minutes to intensify the flavor, moving around the pan. Then add the kaffir lime leaves, coconut milk, and fish sauce. Stir to blend.

  • Stir in the chopped chicken and bring to a boil. Lower the heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce thickens. Stir occasionally. Remove from heat and stir in the basil leaves. Serve with rice, quinoa, or noodles.

(Video) Thai Panang Curry with Chicken | BEST CHICKEN CURRY

Video

Notes

There are some ingredients that may need to be purchased at an Asian food market, but this recipe is worth the trip! Most likely: panang red curry paste, kaffir lime leaves, thick canned coconut milk, fish sauce, and Thai basil. Kaffir lime leaves can be kept in the freezer. They turn dark, but retain their flavor. Kaffir lime leaves stay a little tough, even after cooking. You can eat them, eat around them, or take them out after cooking.

Nutrition

Serving: 6ounces, Calories: 340kcal, Carbohydrates: 8g, Protein: 24g, Fat: 23g, Saturated Fat: 16g, Cholesterol: 107mg, Sodium: 163mg, Potassium: 545mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 4g, Vitamin A: 4300IU, Vitamin C: 54.7mg, Calcium: 56mg, Iron: 3.8mg

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Thai

Author: Sommer Collier

Making this recipe? Follow us on Instagram and tag @ASpicyPerspective so we can share what you’re cooking!

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(Video) The best and easy panang chicken recipe ever! Don't miss this!

FAQs

Is panang curry supposed to be spicy? ›

Is Panang Curry Spicy? Yes, it is. Though not as spicy as traditional red or green curries. The heat stems from the red chilies that are in the red curry paste.

How do you make panang curry less spicy? ›

5 ways to make a curry or chilli less spicy:
  1. Coconut milk or cream.
  2. Lemon, lime or vinegar.
  3. Yogurt or soured cream.
  4. Sugar or ketchup.
21 Dec 2020

What makes panang spicy? ›

Panang curry isn't traditionally an overly spicy curry dish, though spicy food lovers can easily up the heat with the addition of spicier chili peppers. Most recipes call for red bell peppers, though I often include either spicy Thai chilies, or bird's eye chilies to satisfy that zesty craving.

What does panang curry chicken taste like? ›

Panang Curry has the nutty, mellow flavor and texture of roasted peanuts ground right into the curry paste.

Which Thai curry is the least spicy? ›

Yellow curry is the mildest and often made with coriander, cumin, lemongrass ginger, garlic, and yellow or red chili. In addition to coconut milk, this curry has a rich taste with sweet and mild flavors.

Which is hotter panang or green curry? ›

However, Thai green curry is slightly hotter than a panang but milder than a red or yellow. Massaman is our mildest Thai curry with a spice rating of 1/5.

Which is hotter panang or massaman? ›

Which is Hotter Panang or Massaman Curry? Panang and massaman curries tend to have fairly similar heat levels. It's not easy to say that one curry is hotter than the other as they can both use the same base red curry paste.

Which Thai curry is the spiciest? ›

Green Thai Curry is considered the hottest of all curries that will give you that burning but tasty flavor all over your mouth.

What is spicier panang or massaman? ›

For fans of spicier curries with a zesty, nutty taste, opt for a panang curry. If you want a mild curry with a rich, intense range of flavors, order the massaman curry. But whatever you do, don't forget the rice – you'll need it to make the most of that incredible sauce!

Is panang curry or red curry hotter? ›

No, red curry is spicier than Panang curry.

Panang curry has a sweet and salty flavor whereas the red curry is one of the hottest Thai curries due to the red chilies and peppercorns, the primary ingredients used to make red curry.

Is Thai panang curry healthy? ›

It is healthy and delicious and packed full of flavor. Panang curries are from Thailand, where they use curry pastes that come in green or red, making this one of the easiest curry with chicken recipes out there.

What gives panang curry its flavor? ›

Peanuts give panang curry paste its distinctive nutty flavor and full-bodied texture. Fully pulverizing each ingredient, one at a time, in the mortar and pestle creates a smooth and balanced curry paste.

Is panang curry sweet? ›

Panang is less spicy but much sweeter than the red curry. The green curry is not just a green coloured curry, it translates as “Sweet Green Curry” and the red curry translates as “Spicy Red Curry”. The colour of the dish denotes the spicy or sweet nature of the curry. Among the three curries Panang is the sweetest.

Is there any Thai food that isn't spicy? ›

You can order egg noodle soup or rice noodle soup that is usually not spicy. They are both served in clear broth with green onions, bean sprouts, and cilantro. Restaurants can quickly whip up noodle soups to your liking because they do not require any pre-made sauces that may contain chilies.

Which is hotter Thai curry red or green? ›

Did you know that Thai green curries are hotter than red! Our hot green paste is made with a combination of fresh kaffir lime leaves, Thai basil, coriander and spicy green chillies, while our medium-spiced red paste mixes red chillies, galangal and aromatic lemongrass.

What meat goes best with panang curry? ›

Quick-cooking, lean cuts of beef such as sirloin or strip steak are a popular choice for panang, with the meat sliced thin and simmered briefly until cooked through with the curry paste and coconut milk. For this version, I use thick, bone-in short ribs that are browned and braised with water and coconut milk.

What does panang mean in Thai? ›

The word “Panang” is derived from the ancient Khmer language that was adopted by the Thai, meaning “cross” mostly referring to leg position, like sitting cross-legged (on the floor).

Why is it called panang curry? ›

The name of the curry is derived from Penang in Malaysia, but when talking about the curry it is usually written as 'panang' or 'phanaeng'. As with many other Thai dishes, restaurants and chefs will have their own preferred way of making panang curry.

Which Thai curry is most popular? ›

Green curry is considered the most popular curry in Thai cuisine. The green color of Thai green curry sauce has become more vibrant over the years with the addition of fresh coriander (cilantro), makrut lime leaf and peel, and basil.

Is panang curry sour? ›

A chicken panang recipe is typically a balance of sour and spicy rather than the sweet and spicy of beef panang, although this can simply depend on the chef.

What are the hottest curries in the world? ›

Carolina Reaper Curry Kit

Feel the burn with the world's hottest curry on record! Packing a whopping 1.5 million Scoville heat units, this one is not for the faint-hearted!

Is Thai spicy actually spicy? ›

The main trait of Thai food is its spiciness, although it's not always hot to taste. There are many dishes that aren't spicy and over the years, many traditional and classic Thai meals have actually been toned down a bit! However, authentic Thai food is still considered spicy and that's due to a number of reasons.

Is panang curry chicken sweet? ›

Panang curry is a little bit spicy, a little bit sweet. Start with Marion's Kitchen Thai Red Curry kit as the base for this chicken curry, adding a little sugar for the sweetness. Extra lime leaves and chilli on top add colour and flavour.

Is panang curry salty? ›

Phanaeng (Thai: พะแนง, pronounced [pʰā. nɛ̄ːŋ]), also spelled phanang, panang, and other variants) is a type of red Thai curry that is thick, salty and sweet, with a zesty makrut lime flavour.

Does panang curry always have peanuts? ›

Of course, you can make your panang curry paste as spicy or sweet as you like. Shop-bought Panang curry pastes often don't include peanuts for allergy reasons, but peanuts are a key ingredient, so as long as you aren't intolerant, they must go in! You will find my beef panang curry recipe right here.

Which curry is healthiest Thai? ›

Green curry is a healthier version of Thailand's yellow curry. The green sauce is lower in calories and a great option for those looking to make diet-friendly substitutions to their favorite dishes. For additional benefits, order extra vegetables and a lean protein like chicken to complete the meal.

Is panang curry good for weight loss? ›

The vegetable panang curry is a great source of protein and is scientifically proven to help with weight loss.

What is the healthiest curry to eat? ›

Healthier options:

Tomato-based or dry curries like tandoori, madras, jalfrezi, rogan and bhuna dishes; plain rice, roti, poppadums.

What is the secret to Thai curry? ›

The secret to making amazing Thai curries is to use plenty of aromatics, like onion, ginger and garlic. Choose full-fat coconut milk for its richness (you won't regret it!). Stirring in just a little bit of rice vinegar and sugar adds tons of complexity.

What nationality is panang curry? ›

Origin & Type

Thai Panang curry originates from the central region of Thailand, dating back to 1890. The name of the dish translates to the Thai word for cross, in relation to sitting on the floor crossed-legged.

How do you thicken panang curry? ›

Mix cornstarch, tapioca starch, or arrowroot with cold water or a cup of liquid from the curry sauce to make a slurry. Add this at the end of the cooking process—the sauce should thicken as soon as it returns to a boil.

Which is milder panang or Massaman? ›

Panang curry has a zesty, nutty flavor, while massaman is milder with a rich, warming sauce.

Which Thai curry is sweetest? ›

Out of all Thai curry varieties, massaman curry stands out as the mildest, sweetest, and the most unusual type. It is a combination of creamy coconut milk, meat, potatoes, and a curry paste made with roasted spices.

Which Thai curry is hottest? ›

Named after it's vivid colour, Thai green curry contains an array of vegetables and coconut milk to cut through the spice. Made from young chillies, basil and coriander to give it its vibrant colour, the Thai Green Curry is considered the hottest, and is a fond favourite for those who adore Thai food.

Is Thai Panang curry healthy? ›

It is healthy and delicious and packed full of flavor. Panang curries are from Thailand, where they use curry pastes that come in green or red, making this one of the easiest curry with chicken recipes out there.

What is the hottest form of curry? ›

Phaal curry is a British-Indian dish known to be the hottest in the world, and at Brick Lane Curry House it's so hot that thex chef has to wear a gas mask while making it to not choke on the spicy fumes released. Their website even describes the order as: “An excruciatingly hot curry, more pain and sweat than flavor.

Which Thai curry should I try first? ›

Kang Keaw Wan Kai (sweet green curry with chicken) is a great starting point for beginners. Red curry is usually made from dried red chiles, along with spices like coriander, cumin, and turmeric. It's very versatile and can include a wide range of proteins and vegetables.

Which Thai curry is least spicy red or green? ›

Did you know that Thai green curries are hotter than red! Our hot green paste is made with a combination of fresh kaffir lime leaves, Thai basil, coriander and spicy green chillies, while our medium-spiced red paste mixes red chillies, galangal and aromatic lemongrass.

Videos

1. The Best Panang Curry Chicken | Sei Chan Cooks
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2. Mum’s Thai Panang Chicken Curry - Marion's Kitchen
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3. How to Make Panang Curry with Jet Tila | Ready Jet Cook With Jet Tila | Food Network
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4. Thai Panang Curry Recipe With Chicken (using store bought curry paste)
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5. Thai Panang Chicken Curry
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6. Thai Panang Chicken Curry - Super Easy & Quick Delicious Thai Curry
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