Dinner

Pad Prik King (Red Curry Chicken and Green Beans) Recipe

Name: Pad Prik King (Red Curry Chicken and Green Beans) Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: 1 teaspoon cornstarch; 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt; 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1/2-by-2-inch strips; 1/4 cup canola or vegetable oil; 4 teaspoons minced garlic; 3 to 4 tablespoons red curry paste; 8 ounces long beans or green beans, cut into 1-inch segments (about 2 cups); 2 teaspoons oyster sauce (preferably Thai); 1 1/2 teaspoons sugar; 12 makrut lime leaves, thinly sliced crosswise; Cooked jasmine rice, for serving

ByMaya Arden February 10, 2026February 10, 2026

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Introduction

Pad Prik King is a vibrant Thai dish featuring tender chicken thighs and crisp green beans tossed in a rich, spicy red curry paste. This quick and flavorful stir-fry is perfect for a weeknight dinner served alongside fragrant jasmine rice.

The image shows a frying pan filled with a cooked chicken and green beans stir-fry. The first layer has tender, grilled chicken pieces with a golden-brown color and a slightly shiny, saucy texture, spread evenly across the pan. Mixed among the chicken pieces are fresh green beans that are bright green with a slight wrinkled texture, showing they are cooked but still crisp. Dark green thin strips of leafy herbs are scattered throughout, adding contrast to the mix. A wooden spoon is resting inside the pan on the left side. Below the pan, there is a white bowl filled with plain white rice placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 teaspoon cornstarch
1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1/2-by-2-inch strips
1/4 cup canola or vegetable oil

4 teaspoons minced garlic
3 to 4 tablespoons red curry paste

8 ounces long beans or green beans, cut into 1-inch segments (about 2 cups)
2 teaspoons oyster sauce (preferably Thai)
1 1/2 teaspoons sugar

12 makrut lime leaves, thinly sliced crosswise
Cooked jasmine rice, for serving

Instructions

Step 1: In a medium bowl, mix 2 tablespoons water with cornstarch and salt. Add the chicken strips and stir vigorously to coat evenly. Set aside to marinate.

Step 2: Heat the oil in a wok or large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and stir until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add red curry paste and mash it into the oil, cooking until darkened and fragrant, about 3 minutes.
Step 3: Add the marinated chicken mixture to the pan. Cook, stirring frequently, until the chicken is no longer pink, about 4 minutes.
Step 4: Stir in the green beans, oyster sauce, and 1/4 cup water. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 3 minutes more until the chicken is fully cooked and the beans are tender-crisp.

Step 5: Add sugar and sliced makrut lime leaves. Stir for another minute to combine flavors. Serve hot over jasmine rice.

Tips & Variations

Use Thai red curry paste for authentic flavor; adjust the amount to control spiciness.
If makrut lime leaves are unavailable, zest a small amount of lime peel as a substitute to add citrus aroma.

Swap chicken thighs for boneless chicken breast or tofu for a different protein option.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through. Avoid overcooking during reheating to keep the chicken tender and the green beans crisp.

How to Serve

The image shows a frying pan filled with cooked chicken pieces and green beans stir-fried together. The chicken is golden brown with a slightly crispy texture, while the green beans are bright green and tender. The food looks coated with a dark, glossy sauce that adds shine and rich color. A wooden spoon rests inside the pan, partially covered with the sauce and vegetables. In the lower left corner, there is a white bowl filled with plain white rice. The whole scene is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen green beans instead of fresh?

While fresh green beans are ideal for texture and flavor, you can use frozen ones if fresh aren’t available. Thaw and drain them well before adding to the stir-fry to avoid excess moisture.

Is Pad Prik King very spicy?

The spiciness depends on the amount of red curry paste used. Start with less curry paste if you prefer milder dishes and add more to taste as you cook.