Thai-Style Chicken Chili

Total Time

Prep/Total Time: 30 min.

Makes

6 servings

Updated: Jul. 12, 2023
I love this Asian take on the classic one-pot meal. This Thai chili recipe is quick, easy, nutritious and delicious. —Roxanne Chan, Albany, California
Thai-Style Chicken Chili Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons sesame oil
  • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 medium carrot, diced
  • 1 celery rib, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon minced fresh gingerroot
  • 1 large garlic clove, minced
  • 1 can (28 ounces) diced tomatoes
  • 1 can (13.66 ounces) light coconut milk
  • 1 tablespoon red curry paste
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 cup frozen shelled edamame, thawed
  • 2 cups fresh baby spinach
  • 1 green onion, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon grated lemon zest
  • Fresh cilantro leaves
  • Dry roasted peanuts

Directions

  1. In a large saucepan, heat sesame oil over medium heat. Add chicken, carrot and celery; cook and stir until vegetables are slightly softened, 3-4 minutes. Add ginger and garlic; cook 1 minute more.
  2. Stir in tomatoes, coconut milk, curry paste, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, covered, 10 minutes. Add edamame; cook 5 minutes more. Stir in spinach, green onion and lemon zest until spinach wilts. Remove from heat; top with cilantro and peanuts.
Thai Chili Tips

How can you make Thai chili more or less spicy?

To make Thai chili spicier, try increasing the amount of red curry paste. This paste is made from red chilis, and each additional teaspoon will make a significant difference. Alternatively, for less spice, reduce the red curry paste or substitute it with other types of curry, such as green or yellow curry paste.

What do you serve with Thai chili?

Thai chili tastes fantastic when topped with a few garnishes. Start with flavors found in other Thai chicken recipes, like freshly squeezed lime juice, thinly sliced red chili peppers, chopped nuts or shredded coconut. Consider adding fresh herbs like cilantro, chopped scallions or basil to bring fresh, herbaceous notes to this recipe with curry. If it's too spicy, serve the Thai chili with a dollop of sour cream, Greek yogurt or coconut cream.

How long will Thai chili last?

Chili is good for about 3 to 4 days after it’s cooked. Once the chili has cooled slightly, transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the fridge.

Can you freeze this Thai chili recipe?

Thai chili can be frozen for up to 3 months. We like to freeze soup in individual servings in freezer-safe bags. Press the air out of the bag and compress the contents so they can lay flat in the freezer. Stack the bags once the soup is fully frozen.

—Lindsay Mattison, Taste of Home Contributing Writer

Nutrition Facts

1-1/3 cups: 270 calories, 16g fat (6g saturated fat), 50mg cholesterol, 635mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 4g fiber), 18g protein.