Spicy Summer Coconut Chicken Curry

Ingredients:

• 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cubed.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2-1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 3-4 tablespoons red curry paste
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons salted butter
• 1 shallot, chopped
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh ginger
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme
• 2 1/2 cups chopped summer vegetables (zucchini, bell peppers, corn, summer squash)
• 2 1/2 cups canned coconut milk
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce, tamari, or soy sauce
• 1/2 cup fresh chopped basil
• 1 mango, chopped
• 1 jalapeño, chopped
• 1/4 cup pickled ginger, chopped

For the spicy curry butter:

• 6 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 teaspoon Korean or regular chili flakes
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Brown chicken: In a large skillet, combine olive oil, chicken, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Cook over medium-high heat for 3 minutes.
2. Add aromatics: Add curry paste, cinnamon, butter, shallot, ginger, and thyme. Cook for 2 minutes.
3. Simmer with vegetables: Add vegetables and cook for 5 minutes, or until softened.
4. Add coconut milk and fish sauce: Pour in coconut milk and fish sauce. Season with salt. Cook 5-10 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and sauce has thickened.
5. Stir in basil: Stir in fresh basil.
6. Prepare mango salsa: In a bowl, combine mango, jalapeño, 1/4 cup chopped basil, pickled ginger, and ginger juice.
7. Make spicy curry butter: In a small skillet, melt butter and add chili flakes. Cook until golden brown. Remove from heat and stir in thyme and season with salt and pepper.
8. Serve: Serve chicken and sauce over rice or naan bread. Top with mango salsa and spicy curry butter.

Optional additions:

• For extra heat: Add more red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper.
• For a smoky flavor: Add a teaspoon of smoked paprika.
• For a tangy kick: Add a tablespoon of lime juice or orange zest to the sauce.
• For additional vegetables: Add broccoli florets, snow peas, or edamame to the stir-fry.

Enjoy your delicious and flavorful Thai Green Curry Chicken!