Almond Butter Chicken Curry

Name: Almond Butter Chicken Curry
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Ingredients: 1.25 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (skinless chicken thighs); 2 tbsp soy sauce; 1 tbsp honey; 1 tbsp lime juice; 1/4 tsp kosher salt; Freshly ground black pepper; 2 tbsp + 1 cup coconut milk; 1 shallot (minced); 3 garlic cloves (minced); 1 tbsp fresh ginger (grated); 2 tbsp almond butter; 1 tbsp Thai yellow curry paste; 1 tbsp soy sauce; 1/2 tsp brown sugar; Juice from 1 lime; Cooked rice, cucumber and cilantro for serving ((optional))

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This Almond Butter Chicken Curry is my go-to recipe for a balanced, flavor-packed weeknight dinner. A creamy coconut curry sauce with nutty almond butter, Thai curry paste, lots of aromatics and fresh lime juice. The chicken thighs soak up the flavor of a quick honey-lime marinade before crisping up in a skillet (or in the air fryer!). Serve over rice or noodles for a high-protein, balanced meal in just over 30 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Almond Butter Chicken Curry

I recently rediscovered almond butter, just like as an option to eat. Good stuff. I’ve been working my way through two giant jars from Costco. My two absolute favorite ways to enjoy it are on a toasted ciabatta roll OR in a curry sauce. This almond butter chicken curry builds on a pretty simple Thai coconut curry base but the almond butter adds this toasted nuttiness that just makes it so addictive and flavorful.

Unlike a lot of other chicken curry recipes, the chicken thighs actually cook separately from the sauce. Kind of like a deconstructed chicken curry. But this way you get crispy, caramelized chicken thighs and that creamy sauce all in one dish. The curry sauce is even better reheated the next day and tastes good on just about anything so it’s a great meal prep/make ahead option.

Here are a few more reasons why I think you’ll like this one:

Rich and balanced: Coconut milk and almond butter create a creamy dairy-free sauce, while lime juice adds brightness.
Big flavor from simple ingredients: Yellow curry paste, soy sauce, garlic and ginger build a deeply savory base without a long ingredient list.
Two ways to cook the chicken: Airyfryer or skillet!
The curry sauce goes with everything: The classic way to serve it is over rice, but you could also do cauliflower rice, noodles, steamed veggies, tofu, greens, anything.
Great for meal prep: The chicken and curry sauce reheat well, making this an excellent make-ahead lunch or dinner.

Video

What does almond butter add to curry?

Almond butter adds richness, subtle nuttiness and body to the coconut curry sauce. It melts into the coconut milk, helping the sauce become extra smooth and creamy without making it taste strongly like almonds.

For the best flavor and texture, use creamy, unsweetened almond butter. Natural almond butter works well; just stir it thoroughly before measuring if the oil has separated. Almond butter can thicken quite a bit as it cooks, so add more water as needed until the curry sauce reaches your preferred consistency.

Ingredients you’ll need

For the chicken thighs

Chicken thighs: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs stay juicy and develop a deeply caramelized exterior. Try to choose thighs that are similar in size so they cook evenly.
Soy sauce: Seasons the chicken and adds savory flavor.
Honey: Balances the soy sauce and helps the exterior of the chicken caramelize.
Lime juice: Brightens the marinade and complements the coconut curry sauce.
Kosher salt and black pepper: Add a final layer of seasoning.

For the almond butter curry sauce

Fresh lime juice: Stirred in at the end to keep the curry tasting bright and fresh.
Full-fat coconut milk: Creates the rich, creamy base of the sauce. Light coconut milk will make the curry thinner and less flavorful.
Shallot, garlic and ginger: These fresh aromatics build the base of the curry sauce.
Almond butter: Adds subtle nutty flavor and gives the sauce a velvety consistency.
Thai yellow curry paste: Provides warm spice, color and concentrated curry flavor. The heat and salt level can vary depending on the brand.
Soy sauce and sugar: Balance the sauce with saltiness, sweetness and umami.

How to make almond butter chicken curry

1. Marinate the chicken

Place the chicken thighs in a medium bowl. Add the soy sauce, honey, lime juice, kosher salt and several grinds of black pepper. Toss until the chicken is evenly coated, then let it marinate for 15 minutes at room temperature. You can also cover and refrigerate it overnight.

2. Cook the chicken

To use the skillet method, heat a thin layer of neutral oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken thighs in a single layer and cook for 4 to 6 minutes per side. Adjust the heat as needed—the honey will help the chicken caramelize, but it can burn if the skillet becomes too hot.

The chicken is ready when it is deeply browned and the thickest part reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Transfer it to a cutting board and let it rest while you make the curry sauce.

3. Sauté the aromatics

Heat 2 tablespoons of coconut milk in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced shallot, garlic and ginger. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently, until softened and fragrant.

4. Make the almond butter curry sauce

Stir in the almond butter, yellow curry paste, soy sauce and sugar. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring continuously, until the mixture is smooth and aromatic.

Pour in the remaining coconut milk and water, then whisk until smooth. Bring the sauce to a gentle boil, reduce the heat to low and simmer uncovered for 5 to 10 minutes. Add more water as needed until the sauce reaches your preferred consistency.

5. Finish and serve

Remove the curry sauce from the heat and stir in the fresh lime juice. Taste and adjust with additional soy sauce, lime juice or sugar as needed.

Divide the cooked rice among bowls and spoon the curry sauce over the top. Slice the rested chicken thighs and arrange them over the rice. Finish with another squeeze of lime and serve warm.

FAQs

Can I use red curry paste?

Yep! Thai yellow curry paste is a little milder so if you like spicy curries, red curry is actually the way to go.

Can I use peanut butter or another nut butter?

Yes! Make sure you use unsweetened, creamy peanut butter.

What should I serve with almond butter chicken curry?

I recommend jasmine or basmati rice or rice noodles, cauliflower rice and steamed veggies are all great options.

What should I do with leftover sauce?

More curry recipes to try

Made this recipe? I would love to hear what you think in the review section down below! Also, make sure to tag @wandering_chickpea on Instagram with your creations and save this recipe on Pinterest for later!