This Thai Spicy Chicken and Rice recipe makes a balanced, filling meal that is bursting with fragrant Thai flavors. A perfect dinner for busy weeknights that the whole family will love!
How to Make Thai Spicy Chicken and Rice
Here is the basic outline of how to make this Thai Spicy Chicken and Rice recipe, plus some helpful tips to ensure it comes out perfect:
1. Brown the Chicken: Start by seasoning the chicken in a bit of salt of pepper. Then, using a pair of tongs, add the chicken pieces to a hot, oiled pot. Let the chicken cook for a few minutes, then flip it over and cook the other side. Once the chicken is golden-brown on all sides, remove it from the pan and set it aside.
Tip: The chicken pieces are ready to be flipped over when they release easily from the pan.
2. Start the Vegetables and Rice: In the same pot, sauté the vegetables, then add in the garlic, ginger and curry paste. Stir in the broth, coconut milk, fish sauce, brown sugar and rice. Allow everything come to a simmer.
3. Let the Chicken and Rice Finish Cooking: Add the chicken back to the pot and cover it with a tight-fitting lid. Leave it alone to cook until all the liquid has been absorbed by the rice. Stir in the lime juice at the very end. Then, you can serve the dish with some cilantro and lime wedges, if you want an extra burst of freshness and flavor.
Tip: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked through. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165ºF (74ºC).
For this Thai Spicy Chicken and Rice recipe, I recommend:
- Thai Red Curry Paste – This is one I use and love! It gives amazing, authentic flavor to Thai dishes and adds the perfect amount of heat.
- Coconut Milk – I love the taste and consistency of this brand. It adds so much body and richness to soups and curries.
- Pot/Dutch Oven – This one is super affordable and the quality is excellent. I love also using it to make soups, stews and chili.
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If you make this Thai Spicy Chicken and Rice recipe, let me know! Rate it and leave a comment below, because I love hearing from you! 🙂

Thai Spicy Chicken and Rice
Ingredients
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- Salt and pepper
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 medium carrots, thinly sliced into matchsticks
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 2 tablespoons Thai red curry paste
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1 (14-ounce) can coconut milk
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon packed brown sugar
- 2 cups uncooked white rice
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Optional toppings: Fresh cilantro, lime wedges and red chiles
Instructions
- Season the chicken generously on all sides with salt and pepper.
- In a large pot, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for about 5 minutes, until it begins to brown and releases easily from the pan. Flip the chicken over and cook the other side for an additional 5 minutes until browned. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
- Add the carrots and bell pepper to the same pot. Sauté for about 3 minutes, until slightly softened. Stir in the garlic, ginger and curry paste and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the broth, coconut milk, fish sauce, brown sugar and rice. Bring mixture to a simmer.
- Return the chicken to the skillet. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover and cook for 15 to 20 minutes, until all of the liquid is absorbed and the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165ºF (74ºC).
- Stir in the lime juice and serve warm, garnished with optional toppings if using.
Nutrition
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Shannon @ Love At First Bento says
What gorgeous photos Alia! This looks like such a vibrant, flavorful dish, and I love that it seems quite simple to prepare too.
Alia says
Thanks so much Shannon! It is actually really easy to make, I hope you get a chance to try it sometime! 🙂
Anna M. says
I love anything Thai! This looks so good!!
Alia says
Me too! Thank you Anna! 🙂