Cambodian Chicken Curry

Last updated on: August 21, 2025

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Cambodian cuisine is one of the world's most underrated treasures.

It's a gastronomic tapestry, woven with hints of Thai, Vietnamese, and even Indian influences.

Yet, it has a distinctive personality that shines bright in every dish. One such culinary gem is the Cambodian Chicken Curry, which captures the essence of Cambodia in a bowl.

Cambodian cookery, or Khmer cuisine, is characterized by its fragrant herbs, fresh produce, and delicate balance of flavours.

While many Southeast Asian dishes can be intense and heavy like our Chicken Karahi Recipe, Cambodian food tends to be lighter, prioritizing a symphony of fresh ingredients.

The national predilection for rice is evident. Not only is it served as a staple side dish, but it also becomes a central component in desserts and even drinks!

Soups, salads, and grilled meats are integral to the Cambodian diet, always highlighting the produce's natural flavours rather than masking them.

What is Cambodian Chicken Curry?

Cambodian chicken curry, or samlor kari, is a fragrant and mildly spiced dish that reflects the vibrant flavours of Cambodian cuisine. Made with tender chicken pieces simmered in a creamy coconut milk base, it’s infused with a traditional curry paste featuring lemongrass, turmeric, garlic, and galangal. Sweet potatoes, carrots, and onions are often added, creating a rich and hearty texture with a hint of sweetness. Unlike some other curries, it’s lightly spiced, making it comforting and approachable. Typically served with steamed rice or crusty bread, Cambodian chicken curry is a delicious, soul-warming dish perfect for sharing with family or friends.

Cambodian Chicken Curry Key Ingredients

Lemongrass. A quintessential herb in Southeast Asian dishes, lemongrass offers a refreshing citrusy aroma that's both uplifting and invigorating to the palate.

Red Chilli. This fiery ingredient infuses the dish with a subtle heat, adding depth and igniting a warmth that complements other flavours.

Chicken Stock Cube. Acting as a flavour enhancer, this cube introduces a savoury depth to the curry, enriching its base with a robust, meaty essence.

Lime Juice. Lime provides a tangy brightness, lifting the other ingredients' flavours and adding a zesty layer to the overall dish.

Garlic. An aromatic powerhouse, garlic introduces a spicy-sweet undertone that forms the heart of many curries, adding depth and richness.

Ginger. With its piquant and slightly woody flavour profile, ginger complements the garlic and adds a layer of spicy warmth to the dish.

Coconut Oil. This oil not only facilitates cooking but also introduces a subtle coconutty aroma, echoing the flavours of the coconut milk.

Chopped Chicken Breast. Being lean and tender, chicken breast serves as the main protein source, absorbing the curry's flavours while offering a satisfying bite.

Light Coconut Milk. Creamy and fragrant, this milk lends a silky texture to the curry, enhancing its richness while also imparting a gentle sweetness.

Sugar. A touch of sweetness is essential in balancing out the spicy and tangy elements, and sugar does precisely that, rounding off the flavour profile.

Chopped Green Beans. These add a delightful crunch and freshness to the dish, providing both contrast in texture and a burst of colour.

Cambodian Chicken Curry

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5 from 2 reviews

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One of the best things about Cambodian cookery is that the dishes are extremely fragrant as the lemongrass, ginger, garlic and lime in this curry make it very light and it won’t sit on your stomach like some heavier, tomato-based curries that you may have made in the past. Traditional Cambodian curries often use galangal and shrimp paste which are quite hard to come by in the UK so we’ve omitted them from this recipe to make it easier for you to make. We think it tastes just as good without them anyway.

More good news is that the macros and calories for this dish are also very good. A serving is around 300 calories so it's a great healthy option for anyone who wants a lower calorie meal yet it still packs 41g of protein. Hopefully you'll enjoy making and eating this one as much as we did!

• Total Time: 35 mins
• Yield: 3 1x

Ingredients

Units MUS Scale 1x2x3x

• PASTE
• 4 lemongrass stalks
• 1 red chilli, deseeded
• 1 chicken stock cube
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• 30 ml water
• 1 tbsp apple cider/white wine/rice vinegar
• 20 g garlic
• 20 g ginger
• CURRY
• 1 tsp coconut oil
• 500 g chopped chicken breast
• 400 ml light coconut milk
• 1 tsp sugar
• handful of chopped green beans
• lime wedges (optional)

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Instructions

To make the Cambodian curry paste you'll need to blitz the paste ingredients in a blender until you have a smooth consistency. Once blended, set aside

Heat the coconut oil in a pan on a high heat and add the chicken and cook until brown.

Reduce the heat to medium and add the paste to the pan, stirring consistently and cook for 3 minutes more

Add the coconut milk and sugar to the pan.

Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes until thickened.

Throw a handful of chopped green beans into the curry and cook for 5 minutes more.

Serve.

• Author: Scott Baptie
• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 25 mins
• Category: Poultry
• Method: Hob
• Cuisine: Cambodian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1
• Calories: 319
• Fat: 11g
• Carbohydrates: 14g
• Protein: 41g

Recipe Video

Cambodian Chicken Curry Storage Tips

To Store

The final dish keeps well in the fridge in an air-tight container.

To Reheat

Place the dish in the microwave, covered and zap until fully heated throughout.

To Freeze

Everything freezes well.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use bone-in chicken pieces instead of chicken breast?

Absolutely! Bone-in chicken pieces can offer more flavour due to the marrow. Just ensure they're thoroughly cooked, which might require adjusting the cooking time.

I can't find lemongrass. Is there a substitute I can use?

While lemongrass provides a unique flavour, in a pinch, you can use lemon zest as a substitute. It won't capture the exact essence but will provide a citrusy note.

How spicy is this curry? Can I adjust the heat?

The heat primarily comes from the red chilli. For a milder version, use fewer chillies or remove the seeds. For more heat, you can add extra chillies or incorporate some chilli flakes.

Can I make this curry vegan?

Yes! Substitute the chicken with firm tofu or tempeh and ensure the stock cube is vegetable-based.

What other vegetables can I add to the curry?

Feel free to get creative! Vegetables like peppers, carrots, or baby corn can be great additions.

Can I prepare the paste in advance?

Definitely! The paste can be made in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

More Southeast Asian Flavours

If you've enjoyed our Cambodian Chicken Curry and are craving more vibrant flavors from Southeast Asia, we've got a treat for you. Here are some handpicked recipes that promise a culinary journey across this rich and diverse region:

Thai Salmon Foil Packets: Elevate your seafood game with this aromatic Thai-inspired salmon recipe. Cooked in foil packets, the fish remains tender and infused with a symphony of herbs and spices. Not only is this method fuss-free, but it also ensures a burst of flavor in every bite.

Thai Sweet Potato Fish Cakes: A delightful twist to the classic fish cake, these sweet potato variants offer a delicate balance of sweetness, spice, and umami. Perfect as a starter or even a main course, these cakes are sure to become a favorite.

Thai Basil Pork (Pad Kra Pao): This dish is a staple in Thai households and is known for its fiery kick and fragrant basil notes. Simple to prepare, Pad Kra Pao captures the essence of Thai street food, tantalizing the palate with its bold flavors.

Nasi Goreng - Indonesian Fried Rice: Venturing to Indonesia, Nasi Goreng is a dish that holds a special place in the hearts of locals and tourists alike. This fried rice variant is packed with spices, fresh vegetables, and often topped with a sunny-side-up egg, providing a wholesome and flavorful experience.

Our 'Cambodian Curry Recipe' provides a delightful and exotic twist on traditional curry dishes, embodying the rich flavors and aromas of Cambodian cuisine. This recipe is a wonderful addition to our 'Healthy Curry Recipes' collection, which showcases a variety of curries that are both flavorful and health-conscious. From the vibrant spices of Cambodia to the diverse tastes of other cultures, our Healthy Curry Recipes offer a range of options that cater to health-minded food enthusiasts. Whether you're exploring new culinary landscapes or seeking nutritious versions of classic favorites, our curry recipes are sure to provide inspiration and satisfaction.

Leave A Comment Below

Loved the recipe? Got your own little tweaks and twists? I am all ears! Feel free to drop a comment below and share your cooking experiences with me.