Choo Chee Chicken Curry Recipe (2024)

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Ready in 15 minutes, this Choo Chee Curry with Chicken recipe is a beloved Thai-Australian fusion dish. It features an easy curry sauce made with fragrant Thai red curry, creamy coconut, kaffir lime and a hint of sugar for the perfect mid-week dinner.

Choo Chee Chicken Curry Recipe (1)

Why We Love This

Choo Chee Chicken is PACKED with flavour and is super easy to whip up in around 15 minutes.

There’s just something about that glossy, spicy, coconut and red curry sauce infused with kaffir lime that will have you coming back for seconds.

Related: Thai Green Curry Paste / Panang Chicken Curry

Choo Chee Chicken Curry Recipe (2)

What is Choo Chee Curry?

Choo chee sauce is traditionally a style of Thai red curry paired with seafood in Thailand. In our hometown of Adelaide, it’s more popularly served with chicken.

You can taste the Thai origins of this dish with its creamy coconut infused red curry sauce and finely sliced fresh kaffir lime leaves, palm sugar and fish sauce.

P.S. If you love curries, why not try our amazing Vietnamese Chicken Curry, Thai Panang Curry or Indonesian Fish Curry?

What You’ll Need:

  • Red Curry Paste – Feel free to use your favourite panang curry paste or pre-made Thai red curry paste.
  • Coconut Cream – Coconut Cream is thicker and richer than coconut milk. It’s made by simmering four parts shredded coconut in one part water. If you can’t find it in your local supermarket, try checking your nearest Asian import store or look for coconut cream online. It’s fine to use coconut milk if you can’t find coconut cream, it will just be a slightly thinner sauce.
  • Kaffir Lime Leaves – If you’re afterthat classic Choo Chee Chicken flavour then you won’t want to miss out on kaffir lime leaves.Depending on where you live, you might source them fresh from your local market or import store, or they may be dried or bottled in the Asian section of your local supermarket. You can also find dried kaffir lime leaves online. While kaffir lime has quite a distinct scent, you can substitute with 1 heaped teaspoon of lime zest per leaf. You can also add a squeeze of lime juice for good measure.
  • Fish Sauce – This is essential. Fish sauce gives your Choo Chee Chicken that classic Thai saltiness. Again, you can usually find it in import stores, some supermarkets or buy fish sauce online. If you prefer to leave it out, you might like to add a little salt to taste or a teaspoon of soy sauce if you’re making a vegetarian version.
  • Palm Sugar Palm sugaris a gorgeous natural sweetener with a mild caramel flavour. Feel free to substitute with coconut sugar, regular brown sugar or raw sugar if you can’t find palm sugar readily.
Choo Chee Chicken Curry Recipe (3)

How to make Choo Chee Chicken Curry:

Let’s get started by heating up 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large fry pan. Quickly fry the chicken in batches it transforms into a deliciously crispy golden brown. Remove from the heat and set aside.

Choo Chee Chicken Curry Recipe (4)

Meanwhile, pop the red curry paste in a small saucepan with 2 tbsp of vegetable oil and stir. Continue to heat gently until fragrant. Pour in the coconut cream and most of the chopped kaffir lime leaves (keep the rest for a gorgeous garnish).

Choo Chee Chicken Curry Recipe (5)

After the sauce has heated through, reduce the heat to low and stir in the fish sauce and grated palm sugar. Remove from the heat and set aside.

Choo Chee Chicken Curry Recipe (6)

Now plate everything up by popping a scoop of cooked rice into your serving bowl and layer with cooked chicken. Pour over with plenty of curry sauce then garnish with extra chopped kaffir lime leaves and finely sliced capsicum.

Best eaten with a spoon and a fork!

Choo Chee Chicken Curry Recipe (7)

Wandercook’s Tips

  • Whether you’re making Choo Chee Chicken or fish, or prawns, or pork, etc, you can actually cook the meat separately however you like. We usually stir fry the thinly sliced chicken but it’s also fine to poach, grill, or steam depending on your preference.
  • To slice kaffir lime leaves super thinly, first separate the leaves and then stack two or three at a time on top of each other. Roll up into a cylinder shape and then finely slice with a sharp knife. It’s much easier to slice the kaffir leaves this way than it is to chop them flat.
  • We prefer to leave the sliced kaffir lime leaf in the dish when serving for more of that gorgeous citrus flavour, but if you don’t like the texture (it’s quite a firm leaf), feel free to strain the sauce before serving.
  • Don’t be concerned if the sauce looks like it has separated with some of the oil floating on top – it’s actually a good sign!

FAQs

Can you cook Choo Chee Chicken in advance?

For the best and freshest flavour, serve Choo Chee Chicken straight away after cooking. If needed, the sauce can be made a few hours in advance, then poured over freshly cooked chicken.

Can Choo Chee Chicken be frozen?

Yes, you can freeze Choo Chee Chicken Curry. For best results, use within 1 month of freezing. The longer you leave it in the freezer, the more likely it is that the coconut milk will separate and start to look grainy.

What to serve with Choo Chee Chicken?

For a simple mid-week dinner, serve Choo Chee Chicken with fluffy white rice (jasmine or basmati pair perfectly).

Variations & Substitutes

  • Choo Chee Curry sauce pairs perfectly with white fish, prawns and even pork instead of chicken. For a vegetarian option, why not try it with tofu or eggplant with bell pepper or enoki mushrooms?
  • For a vegan version, swap the fish sauce for soy sauce and make sure to use a vegan red curry paste. You may want to add a little extra salt to balance the flavour.

Try these amazing Asian curries next:

Choo Chee Chicken Curry Recipe (9)
Choo Chee Chicken Curry Recipe (10)
Choo Chee Chicken Curry Recipe (11)
Choo Chee Chicken Curry Recipe (12)

★ Did you make this recipe? Please leave a comment and star rating below!

Choo Chee Chicken Curry Recipe

Ready in 15 minutes, this Choo Chee Curry with Chicken recipe is a beloved Thai-Australian fusion dish. It features an easy curry sauce made with fragrant Thai red curry, creamy coconut, kaffir lime and a hint of sugar for the perfect mid-week dinner.

4.88 from 16 votes

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Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes minutes

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: Thai

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 795kcal

Cost: $15-20

Ingredients

MetricUS Customary

Instructions

  • Heat half of the vegetable oil in a large fry pan. Quickly fry the chicken in batches it transforms into a deliciously crispy golden brown. Remove from the heat and set aside.

    4 tbsp vegetable oil, 2 chicken breasts

  • Meanwhile, pop the red curry paste in a small saucepan with the remaining vegetable oil and stir. Gently fry until fragrant, around 1-2 mins. Pour in the coconut cream and most of the chopped kaffir lime leaves (keep the rest for a gorgeous garnish).

    400 ml coconut cream, 1 ½ tbsp thai red curry paste, 4 tbsp vegetable oil, 8-10 Thai makrut / kaffir lime leaves

  • After the sauce has heated through, reduce the heat to low and stir in the fish sauce and grated palm sugar. Remove from the heat and set aside.

    1 tbsp fish sauce, 1 tsp palm sugar

  • Now plate everything up by popping a scoop of cooked rice into your serving bowl and layer with cooked chicken. Pour over with plenty of curry sauce then garnish with remaining kaffir lime leaves and finely sliced capsicum.

    ¼ capsicum / bell pepper

Video

Choo Chee Chicken Curry Recipe (14)

Recipe Notes

  • Whether you’re making Choo Chee Chicken or fish, or prawns, or pork, etc, you can actually cook the meat separately however you like. We usually stir fry the thinly sliced chicken but it’s also fine to poach, grill, or steam depending on your preference.
  • To slice kaffir lime leaves super thinly, first separate the leaves and then stack two or three at a time on top of each other. Roll up into a cylinder shape and then finely slice with a sharp knife. It’s much easier to slice the kaffir leaves this way than it is to chop them flat.
  • We prefer to leave the sliced kaffir lime leaf in the dish when serving for more of that gorgeous citrusy flavour, but if you don’t like the texture (it’s quite a firm leaf), feel free to strain the sauce before serving.
  • Don’t be concerned if the sauce looks like it has separated with some of the oil floating on top – it’s actually a good sign! 🙂

Variations

  • Choo Chee Curry sauce pairs perfectly with white fish, prawns and even pork. For a vegetarian option, why not try it with tofu or eggplant with bell pepper or enoki mushrooms?
  • For a vegan version, omit the fish sauce and make sure to use a vegan red curry pasteChoo Chee Chicken Curry Recipe (15). You may want to add a little extra salt to balance the flavour.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts

Choo Chee Chicken Curry Recipe

Amount per Serving

Calories

795

% Daily Value*

Fat

52

g

80

%

Saturated Fat

43

g

269

%

Cholesterol

72

mg

24

%

Sodium

492

mg

21

%

Potassium

827

mg

24

%

Carbohydrates

53

g

18

%

Fiber

3

g

13

%

Sugar

2

g

2

%

Protein

32

g

64

%

Vitamin A

1155

IU

23

%

Vitamin C

14.1

mg

17

%

Calcium

40

mg

4

%

Iron

3.2

mg

18

%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

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Choo Chee Chicken Curry Recipe (16)

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Choo Chee Chicken Curry Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is choo chee sauce made of? ›

But you can use any sort of fish in this curry. The main components of a Choo Chee curry are red curry paste and coconut milk or cream.

What is the difference between chu chee and red curry? ›

Choo chee curries are very similar to red curries. Red curry paste is used to make the sauce and, just like red curries, coconut milk is a key ingredient. So what makes them different? The choo chee sauce is normally served over seafood, it is thicker than a normal red curry and also a bit sweeter.

How do restaurants make curry so creamy? ›

The actual sweetness and creaminess of such curries meanwhile, usually comes from fried onions and either cashews and/or dairy products. Instead of (or in addition to) onion, ground coconut may be used. White poppy seeds and/or watermelon seeds are also used in some creamy sauces.

What is Chinese chicken curry made of? ›

Chinese takeaway chicken curry usually contains chicken, onions, garlic, ginger, curry powder, coconut milk, soy sauce, and occasionally other vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or bamboo shoots. However, the specific ingredients may vary depending on the recipe and the restaurant.

What is Chu Chi curry paste? ›

What is Choo Chee curry paste? Choo Chee or Chu Chee curry, or Kaeng Choo chee is a Thai curry that is mild, sweet, and salty in a creamy coconut sauce, typically served with stir fry fish or seafood. This curry is red curry paste but less spicy and uses fewer ingredients.

Does Japanese curry sauce have meat in it? ›

The usual ingredients added in Japanese curry include potatoes, carrots, onions and meat. The sauce itself is usually made from curry powder or roux, which consists of a blend of basic Indian spices.

What is the difference between red curry and choo chee? ›

Also spelled as chu chee or kaeng choo chee, this curry shares many similarities with Thai red curry. The main difference is that choo chee tends to be more heavily scented with makrut lime leaves. It's also a bit creamier and a bit sweeter. It also differs a bit in the serving recommendations.

Which Thai curry is healthiest? ›

People love green curry because of the gentle balance of heat, sweet, and acid from the chiles, lime, and fresh herbs. Green curry is great with chicken and shrimp because it offers a punch of seasoning to the protein. The long list of herbs also makes green curry one of the healthiest Thai cuisine dishes.

What is the most popular Thai curry? ›

Green curry is considered the most popular curry. With coconut milk as one of the main ingredients, there is a hint of sweet flavoring as well. Because the green curry paste is made with green chilis, it is far hotter than other curries.

What is the secret to perfect curry? ›

Slow-cooking your curry can make all the difference. Since onions form the base of most curries, getting them right is crucial. Anjum Anand suggests cooking them slowly, until soft, then increasing the heat to colour them. 'The deeper their colour, the more flavour,' says.

Does curry need coconut milk or cream? ›

It is thicker, has a higher fat content and is scoop-able throughout. Coconut milk and cream are mostly interchangeable in recipes such as curries and soups. If you prefer a richer flavour and texture, try coconut cream or vice versa. However, be careful when substituting coconut milk and cream in baked goods.

Does coconut milk make curry thick? ›

For a rich and creamy curry, coconut milk or cream can be a fantastic thickening agent. They not only add creaminess but also a delightful tropical flavour. Simply pour in some coconut milk or cream and let it simmer until your sauce reaches the desired consistency.

Why does Chinese curry taste different? ›

Spices: Chinese curries generally have a more delicate balance of spices, while Indian curries have a more robust and complex mix of spices. Indian curries also use a wider variety of spices such as cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves. Sauces: Chinese curries typic.

What is the difference between Chinese and Indian curry chicken? ›

Some of the main differences are: Ingredients: Chinese curries typically use ingredients such as ginger, garlic, and soy sauce, while Indian curries use ingredients such as turmeric, cumin, coriander, and ginger-garlic paste.

Why is Chinese curry yellow? ›

Whether you make your own curry spice mixes or pastes, turmeric is often an ingredient called for. Many curry recipes use not only the prepared curry spice mix or paste, but additional fresh or ground turmeric powder. This results in the curry having that golden color that makes the dish so attractive.

What is Chee Hou sauce used for? ›

Lee Kum Kee Chinese Five-Spice Sauce (Chu Hou) is made with a special blend of soybean, sesame paste, spices and fermented soybean curd. This convenient cooking ingredient is specially designed for braising meats and vegetables. Most popularly used to make Chu Hou Beef Brisket dish.

What is Chinese food sweet and sour sauce made of? ›

Sweet and sour Chinese dishes apply to only perhaps 3 or 4 menu dishes. But it is quite easy to make : just combine some vinegar, ketchup, sugar, pineapple juice and water. Add some cornstarch to thicken. Throw is some sliced bell pepper, pineapple bits, and onions.

What is the red Chinese sauce called? ›

Sweet and Sour Sauce is as easy as bringing a few ingredients including pineapple juice, brown sugar, and soy sauce to a boil before adding a cornstarch slurry to the mixture to thicken it. The classic red color from sweet and sour sauce comes from red food coloring (which is completely optional).

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