Grilled Curry Chicken with Smashed Cucumber Salad in 4 Steps

Bring Big Flavor to the Grill with This Grilled Curry Chicken with Smashed Cucumber Salad

Let’s be honest: some nights, the last thing we want to do is hover over the stove juggling three pans while your toddler asks why the sky is blue again. That’s exactly why this Grilled Curry Chicken with Smashed Cucumber Salad deserves a spot on your summer menu rotation.

It’s quick. It’s satisfying. It tastes like you put in way more effort than you actually did. Plus, it’s that perfect balance of bold curry flavor, juicy grilled chicken, and a crisp, cool cucumber salad that feels like a mini tropical vacation—minus the airfare. 🙌

Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ, wrangling dinner for picky eaters, or just trying to make it through another Monday, this one’s got your back.

Why You’ll Love This Grilled Curry Chicken with Smashed Cucumber Salad

Aside from being deliciously addictive? This recipe checks all the boxes:

Fast & Family-Friendly – Marinate, grill, toss the salad—done.
Big, Bold Flavors – Thanks to red curry paste, coconut milk, lime juice, and garlic.
Healthy-ish – With lean chicken thighs and fresh cucumber salad, you can feel good about seconds.
Make-Ahead Magic – You can marinate the chicken the night before and toss the salad while it grills.

And did we mention it makes incredible leftovers?

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Grilled Curry Chicken:

¾ cup canned coconut milk
2 tablespoons red curry paste
1 tablespoon fish sauce (optional)
¼ cup finely chopped fresh cilantro
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (from 1 lime)
½ teaspoon kosher salt
1 tablespoon brown sugar
2 garlic cloves, grated
2½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
Cooked rice, for serving

For the Smashed Cucumber Salad:

6 small Persian cucumbers, cut into 1½-inch slices and smashed
4 green onions, thinly sliced
¼ cup finely chopped fresh cilantro, plus more for garnish
¼ cup fresh lime juice (from 2 limes)
2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
1 tablespoon fish sauce (optional)
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
½ teaspoon kosher salt

Let’s Cook: Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken

In a big bowl (or a large resealable bag), whisk together:

Coconut milk
Red curry paste
Fish sauce (if using)
Cilantro
Lime juice
Salt
Brown sugar
Grated garlic

Reserve about ¼ cup of this marinade (trust me, it’ll come in handy). Add in the chicken and coat each piece like you’re tucking it into a flavor blanket. Cover and pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. Overnight? Even better.

2. Get That Grill Going

Preheat your grill on high. When it’s hot and ready, reduce the heat to medium-low. Remove the chicken from the marinade (shake off the excess), and grill about 4 minutes per side until it gets those dreamy charred edges.

Brush on that reserved marinade and cook for another 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally. The goal: juicy, golden chicken with a temp of 165°F inside.

3. Make the Smashed Cucumber Salad

While the chicken’s grilling, grab a medium bowl and toss in:

Smashed cucumbers
Green onions
Cilantro
Lime juice
Sesame oil
Fish sauce (if using)
Brown sugar
Red pepper flakes
Salt

Let everything marinate at room temp for about 10 minutes. The cucumbers will soak up all that tangy-sweet goodness.

4. Serve It Up

Arrange the grilled curry chicken on a big platter, pile on the cucumber salad, and sprinkle with fresh cilantro. Serve with a side of fluffy rice—and prepare for chef’s kiss compliments.

Aneta’s Tip

If you’ve never “smashed” a cucumber before, don’t overthink it. Lay your knife flat on each slice and give it a gentle whack. It’s oddly satisfying (great stress relief!), and helps the cucumber soak up that zesty dressing.

Also, if your grill isn’t feeling cooperative or the weather’s being moody, you can absolutely sear the chicken on a grill pan or cast iron skillet indoors. Just crank your vent fan up!

This Recipe in My Kitchen

I first whipped up this Grilled Curry Chicken with Smashed Cucumber Salad for a backyard potluck when I needed something easy, impressive, and a little bit different from the usual burgers and hot dogs. Let’s just say… it vanished in record time.

Now it’s my go-to “hero” meal for everything from weekend cookouts to Tuesday night dinners when I’m craving something fresh and vibrant but don’t want to spend all evening in the kitchen.

Grilled Curry Chicken with Smashed Cucumber Salad served in a dark bowl, garnished with fresh cilantro. — Flavor-packed Grilled Curry Chicken with Smashed Cucumber Salad, garnished with cilantro for a fresh, vibrant finish.

FAQs About Grilled Curry Chicken with Smashed Cucumber Salad

Can I substitute chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Just keep in mind that chicken breasts tend to be drier, so reduce the grill time and keep an eye on the internal temp.

Is the fish sauce really necessary?

Not at all! It adds a deep umami flavor, but the dish is still amazing without it—perfect if you’re keeping things vegetarian-friendly for the salad or avoiding fish.

How long can I store the leftovers?

The chicken keeps beautifully for up to 3 days in the fridge. The cucumber salad is best fresh but will hold up for 24 hours (though it softens a bit).

Conclusion

Grilled Curry Chicken with Smashed Cucumber Salad isn’t just a recipe—it’s your new summer dinner MVP. It’s bold, breezy, and a little unexpected in all the best ways. Whether you’re feeding your family or hosting friends, this dish will have everyone asking for seconds (and maybe thirds). So fire up that grill and get ready to bring the flavor!

Looking for more flavor-packed meals like this Grilled Curry Chicken with Smashed Cucumber Salad? You’re in for a treat! If your taste buds are vibing with the bold, spicy-sweet, and citrusy combo here, you’ll definitely want to explore some other standouts from the Chicken Magic kitchen. These recipes carry the same energy—vibrant, satisfying, and perfect for easy weeknight dinners or backyard gatherings.

Here are four you shouldn’t miss:

Chicken Meatballs in Coconut Curry – If you loved the coconut-curry marinade in today’s recipe, this dish is your next obsession. Creamy, bold, and comforting, these meatballs are weeknight gold.
Grilled Salsa Verde Pepper Jack Chicken – Another grilled masterpiece with spicy flair and melty cheese? Yes, please. This one’s for the grill lovers who want something smoky and saucy.
Lemongrass Chicken with Rice and Zucchini – Craving a citrus-forward twist with Asian-inspired notes? This dish brings brightness and balance, just like our cucumber salad.
Chimichurri Grilled Chicken Bowl with Garlic Sauce – Bold herb flavors and juicy grilled chicken come together in this bowl—perfect for meal prep or a healthy family-style dinner.

Each of these dishes pairs beautifully with rice, fresh veggies, and that same effortless charm you found in the curry chicken. Give them a try and keep the flavor party going!