This Mary Berry Thai Chicken Curry is a wonderfully fragrant and comforting dish, combining tender chicken with a rich, creamy coconut sauce and gentle spices. The texture is silky and warming, with just the right balance of heat and sweetness. It’s an easy, approachable curry that’s perfect for weeknight cooking yet impressive enough for guests. From start to finish, it takes around 40 minutes, making it ideal for a quick homemade dinner.
Ingredients
For the curry
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, crushed
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tbsp Thai red curry paste
- 400ml coconut milk
- 2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 red pepper, sliced
- 1 courgette, sliced
- 150g sugar snap peas
- 1 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tsp brown sugar
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For serving
- Fresh coriander, chopped
- Steamed jasmine rice
- Lime wedges
How to Make Mary Berry Thai Chicken Curry
- Prepare the base: Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook gently for 5 minutes until soft and translucent.
- Add aromatics: Stir in the garlic and grated ginger, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
- Cook the curry paste: Add the Thai red curry paste and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring well to release its full flavour.
- Add coconut milk: Pour in the coconut milk and stir until the sauce is smooth and gently simmering.
- Cook the chicken: Add the chicken pieces and simmer for 10–12 minutes until cooked through and tender.
- Add vegetables: Stir in the sliced pepper, courgette, and sugar snap peas. Cook for another 5–7 minutes until the vegetables are just tender but still vibrant.
- Season the curry: Add the fish sauce, brown sugar, and lime juice. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Finish and serve: Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh coriander. Serve hot with steamed jasmine rice and lime wedges.

Tips
How can I make the curry milder?
Use less curry paste or switch to a mild version. Adding extra coconut milk also helps reduce the heat.
Can I use chicken thighs instead?
Yes, chicken thighs are slightly juicier and work beautifully in this curry. Adjust cooking time slightly if needed.
How do I thicken the sauce?
Simmer the curry uncovered for a few extra minutes to reduce the liquid and create a thicker consistency.
Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely. Baby corn, mushrooms, or spinach are excellent additions and enhance both texture and flavour.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with jasmine or basmati rice
- Add warm naan bread on the side
- Pair with a fresh cucumber salad
- Top with extra lime juice for brightness
Storage
Room temperature
Allow the curry to cool slightly, but do not leave it out for more than 2 hours.
Refrigerator
Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the hob or in the microwave until piping hot.
Freezing
Freeze in suitable containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat thoroughly before serving.
Nutrition
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Protein: 32g
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Sodium: 680mg
Values are approximate and may vary depending on ingredients used.
FAQs
Can I make this curry ahead of time?
Yes, this curry actually tastes better the next day as the flavours develop. Store it in the fridge and reheat gently.
Can I use green curry paste instead?
Absolutely, green curry paste will give a fresher and slightly spicier flavour profile.
What can I use instead of fish sauce?
You can substitute with soy sauce or a vegetarian alternative if preferred.
Is this curry suitable for freezing?
Yes, it freezes well. Just cool completely before freezing and reheat thoroughly when ready to serve.
Mary Berry Thai Chicken Curry Recipe
Course: Main CourseCuisine: ThaiDifficulty: Easy4
servings30
minutes40
minutes300
kcal1
hour10
minutesA creamy and fragrant Thai chicken curry made with coconut milk, tender chicken, and vibrant vegetables. Perfect for a quick and comforting meal.
Ingredients
2 tbsp vegetable oil
1 onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, crushed
1 tbsp ginger, grated
2 tbsp Thai red curry paste
400ml coconut milk
2 chicken breasts, diced
1 red pepper, sliced
1 courgette, sliced
150g sugar snap peas
1 tbsp fish sauce
1 tsp brown sugar
Juice of 1 lime
Fresh coriander
Directions
- Cook onion in oil until soft.
- Add garlic, ginger and curry paste, cook briefly.
- Pour in coconut milk and bring to a simmer.
- Add chicken and cook until tender.
- Add vegetables and cook until just tender.
- Season with fish sauce, sugar and lime juice.
- Garnish with coriander and serve.
Notes
- Adjust curry paste for preferred spice level.
- Use chicken thighs for extra flavour.
- Best served fresh but can be reheated.
