Coconut Curry Chicken with Rice Noodles

Coconut Curry Chicken with Rice Noodles is a flavorful and aromatic dish that blends the richness of coconut milk with bold curry spices, tender chicken, and slurp-worthy rice noodles. It’s an easy, one-bowl meal that delivers big taste with minimal effort—perfect for weeknights or casual dinner gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich, creamy coconut curry sauce
• Comforting and hearty with protein-packed chicken
• Naturally gluten-free with rice noodles
• Quick and easy to prepare in under 40 minutes
• Customizable with your favorite vegetables
• Perfectly balanced spice and creaminess
• Great for meal prep and leftovers
• Family-friendly and satisfying
• No need for takeout—restaurant flavor at home
• Works well with Thai, Indian, or fusion menus

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
• Rice noodles
• Coconut milk (full-fat for best flavor)
• Red or yellow curry paste
• Garlic
• Ginger
• Onion
• Bell peppers or other vegetables (optional)
• Soy sauce or tamari
• Lime juice
• Fresh cilantro or Thai basil (for garnish)
• Cooking oil
• Salt and pepper

Directions

1. Cook the rice noodles according to package instructions, rinse with cold water, and set aside.
2. In a large skillet or wok, heat oil over medium heat. Sauté diced onion, garlic, and ginger until fragrant.
3. Add curry paste and stir for 1–2 minutes to release its aroma.
4. Add sliced chicken and cook until browned on all sides.
5. Pour in coconut milk, soy sauce, and lime juice. Stir and simmer until the chicken is cooked through.
6. Add vegetables (if using) and cook until tender but still crisp.
7. Toss in the cooked rice noodles and stir to coat in the sauce.
8. Garnish with fresh herbs and a wedge of lime before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

• Use tofu instead of chicken for a vegetarian version
• Swap in shrimp or beef for different proteins
• Add broccoli, snap peas, or mushrooms for extra veggies
• Use green curry paste for a spicier, herbier taste
• Stir in a spoonful of peanut butter for a nutty twist
• Add crushed red pepper flakes or sriracha for more heat

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, warm on the stovetop over medium heat with a splash of water or coconut milk to loosen the sauce. Microwave in short intervals, stirring between each, until heated through.
Note: rice noodles may absorb the sauce over time, so refresh with a bit more liquid if needed.

FAQs

Can I use light coconut milk instead of full-fat?

Yes, but the sauce will be thinner and less creamy.

What kind of curry paste works best?

Red or yellow Thai curry paste works great, but feel free to experiment with green or Indian curry styles.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes, it reheats well, but noodles may soften. Store noodles and curry separately for best results.

How spicy is this dish?

It depends on the curry paste used. Start with a small amount and adjust to taste.

Can I freeze this dish?

You can freeze the curry sauce and chicken, but rice noodles may become mushy. It’s best to make fresh noodles when ready to eat.

Is this gluten-free?

Yes, if you use tamari instead of soy sauce and check your curry paste for gluten.

Can I add more vegetables?

Absolutely! This recipe is great with bell peppers, zucchini, spinach, carrots, or snap peas.

What’s a good substitute for rice noodles?

You can use egg noodles, soba noodles, or even jasmine rice if desired.

How can I make it creamier?

Use full-fat coconut milk and simmer longer to reduce the sauce, or add a little coconut cream at the end.

What should I serve with this dish?

It’s a full meal on its own, but spring rolls, cucumber salad, or a simple slaw make great sides.

Conclusion

Coconut Curry Chicken with Rice Noodles is the ultimate comfort food with a global twist—creamy, spicy, and packed with flavor. With simple ingredients and bold results, it’s a recipe you’ll keep coming back to. Whether for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual weekend feast, this dish is a delicious way to spice things up in your kitchen.

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