How To Make Chicken Massaman Curry

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This Chicken Massaman Curry recipe is flavor-packed, and full of curry richness, yet mild on spice (heat). This traditional Thai dish combines an exotic blend of spices and creamy coconut milk to make an irresistible and delightful curry chicken dish.

Massaman Chicken Curry is a traditional Thai dish that combines an exotic blend of spices and creamy coconut milk to make an irresistible and delightful curry chicken dish. It’s aromatic, flavor-packed, and full of curry richness, yet mild on spice (heat).

Massaman Chicken Curry is traditionally served with rice or noodles on the side. You can also enjoy this delicious meal as a soup by adding more broth to thin it out!

Origins Of Massaman Curry

You may have heard of Massaman Curry before, and as the name itself infers, there is an ongoing debate about its origin. Massaman curry is considered a Thai curry with origins in Southern Thailand. This flavorful, yet mild massaman chicken curry dish has tender chicken gently simmered with potatoes, onions, cashews, and authentic massaman flavor.

While most people consider Massman Curry as an authentic Thai dish, there is the common and highly probable belief that “massaman” curry has its origins in the Middle East. The most obvious clue is that “massaman” is known to be a derivative of masulman, an archaic form of the Persian word for Muslim, and later in the 19th century as mussulman.

The most compelling evidence is the ingredients used for this delicious chicken curry. Massaman curry can contain several spices in the curry mixture that are not traditional ingredients to Thai cuisine, such as turmeric, star anise, cumin, coriander or cardamom, cinnamon, bay leaves, to name a few.

Regardless of where the dish originated, this massaman chicken curry recipe has an authentic taste and is delicious! Using your choice of curry powder and a few key Asian sauces, you can skip the takeout and make Massaman Curry with Chicken at home. 

Ingredients

• 1 can full-fat coconut milk
• ¼ cup crunchy peanut butter
• ¼ cup hoisin sauce
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons curry powder
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce
• 2 tablespoons tamari sauce
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 1 cup yellow onion, chopped
• 2 teaspoons minced ginger
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1 ¼ pounds skinless, boneless chicken breast, cubed
• 3 cups potatoes, peeled and diced
• ½ cup cashews

How To Make A Massaman Curry With Chicken

Streamline the process by combining the ingredients that will form the sauce: coconut milk, peanut butter, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, curry powder, a little fish sauce for umami, and tamari sauce.

Set the massaman curry sauce mixture aside and get started on dicing potatoes and onions.

Tip: Place diced potatoes in a bowl and cover with water. This removes some of the starch and keeps them from discoloring.)

Drizzle sesame oil into a large non-stick skillet and turn the burner on medium-high heat, saute the onions then add in the garlic and ginger.

Next, add the cubed chicken and cook until it is no longer pink.

Stir in the massaman curry coconut mixture and potatoes; bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 15 – 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Stir in cashews and remove from heat.

Popular Substitutions & Additions 

• Add some cilantro leaves for a bright note of flavor and a pretty garnish.
• Make the dish vegetarian by using garbanzo beans or tofu instead of chicken. 
• You can add various vegetables of your choice to the recipe, such as carrots, cauliflower, and spinach.
• Lightly toast raw cashews to deepen the flavor.

This recipe works well with both Yukon Gold potatoes and sweet potatoes.

How to Store Massaman Curry

If you have any leftover Massaman Curry, cover it and keep it in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in your microwave before serving.

You can freeze leftovers in freezer-safe containers or bags. To thaw, let it sit overnight on the counter and reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in your microwave before serving.

If you love this Massaman Curry recipe, be sure to try it out, and let me know how it turns out in the comments below! Don’t forget to share this recipe with friends and family who love good food. Happy cooking!