Description
This Thai Pumpkin Curry Chicken is a cozy, creamy blend of coconut milk, pumpkin purée, tender chicken, and aromatic Thai spices. Perfect for busy weeknights or fall dinners, it brings restaurant-quality flavor to your home kitchen in under 45 minutes.
Ingredients
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1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (cubed)
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1 tbsp coconut oil (or olive oil)
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1 medium onion, diced
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
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3 tbsp Thai red or yellow curry paste (Mae Ploy recommended)
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1 can (13.5 oz) full-fat coconut milk
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1 cup pumpkin purée (unsweetened)
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1 ½ cups broccoli florets (plus chopped stems)
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1 large carrot, sliced thin
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1 tbsp fish sauce (Red Boat brand preferred)
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1 tsp coconut sugar (or brown sugar)
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Juice of 1 lime
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Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
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Optional: red chili flakes for extra heat
Instructions
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Sear the Chicken: Heat coconut oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add cubed chicken thighs and cook until lightly golden. Remove and set aside.
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Build the Flavor Base: In the same pot, add garlic, ginger, and curry paste. Stir constantly for 1 minute until fragrant.
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Add Vegetables: Add the onion, carrot, and broccoli stems. Cook until the onion softens and begins to caramelize slightly.
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Create the Sauce: Pour in the coconut milk and pumpkin purée. Stir until smooth, then bring to a gentle simmer. Cook 10 minutes or until the carrots are tender.
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Combine Everything: Return the chicken and add broccoli florets. Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until everything is coated in the curry sauce.
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Finish and Serve: Stir in fish sauce, coconut sugar, and lime juice. Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with cilantro and serve hot over jasmine rice or quinoa.
Notes
Make it vegetarian: Substitute chicken with chickpeas or tofu.
Adjust spice level: Add more curry paste or chili flakes for heat.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days, or freeze for 2 months.
Tip: Use full-fat coconut milk for the creamiest texture and richest flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: One-Pot / Stovetop
- Cuisine: Thai
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 710 mg
- Fat: 27 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 115 mg