Name: Thai-Inspired Coconut Red Curry Chicken Udon Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: 2 boneless chicken thighs or 3 small, cut into bite-size pieces; 1 tsp curry powder; ½ tsp garlic powder; ½ tsp paprika; ¼ tsp turmeric; Salt & pepper, to taste; 1 tbsp oil (for cooking); ½ small onion, chopped; 3-4 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tbsp red curry paste; 1 cup coconut milk; 1 pack udon noodles, fresh or frozen; Veggies of choice (optional, such as bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots)

Jump to Recipe

Introduction

This Thai-Inspired Coconut Red Curry Chicken Udon is a flavorful and comforting dish that brings together tender chicken, creamy coconut milk, and spicy red curry paste. It’s a quick and easy meal perfect for weeknights when you want something satisfying with a touch of exotic flair.

Thai-Inspired Coconut Red Curry Chicken Udon Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

2 boneless chicken thighs or 3 small, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 tsp curry powder
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp paprika
¼ tsp turmeric
Salt & pepper to taste
1 tbsp oil
½ small onion, chopped
3-4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp red curry paste
1 cup coconut milk
1 pack udon noodles, fresh or frozen
Vegetables of choice (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Season the chicken pieces with curry powder, garlic powder, paprika, turmeric, salt, pepper, and a drizzle of oil.
Step 2: Pan-fry the chicken over medium heat for 5–6 minutes or until golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
Step 3: In the same pan, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
Step 4: Stir in the red curry paste and mix well to coat the onions and garlic evenly.
Step 5: Pour in the coconut milk and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Step 6: Add the udon noodles and cooked chicken back to the pan. Let everything simmer together for 2–3 minutes until the noodles loosen and soak up the sauce.
Step 7: Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Garnish with fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lime juice, and red chili flakes if desired before serving.

Tips & Variations

For extra veggies, add bell peppers, snap peas, or spinach when you sauté the onion and garlic.
If you like it spicier, increase the amount of red curry paste or add fresh chopped chili.
Use chicken breast if preferred, but thigh meat stays juicier and more flavorful.
Frozen udon noodles are convenient, but fresh noodles give a better texture if available.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm gently in a pan over medium heat, adding a splash of water or coconut milk to loosen the sauce and keep the noodles from drying out.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of noodles?

Yes, rice noodles or soba noodles can be used as a substitute, but cooking times may vary slightly. Adjust accordingly to avoid overcooking.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Traditional udon noodles contain wheat, so this dish is not gluten-free unless you use gluten-free noodles as a substitute. Check the curry paste and other seasonings to ensure they are gluten-free as well.