Authentic Burmese Chicken Curry (Panthe Kaukswe) Recipe: A Taste of Myanmar at Home

Embark on a delightful culinary adventure with our Burmese chicken curry recipe, often celebrated as Panthe Kaukswe Burmese chicken curry. This vibrant dish is a captivating symphony of tender chicken, fragrant green onions, golden turmeric, pungent garlic, spicy ginger, sweet paprika, and aromatic lemongrass. Our inspiration to recreate this masterpiece sprang from an unforgettable honeymoon trip to Myanmar (formerly Burma), where the rich tapestry of flavors left an indelible mark on our palates and hearts. If you’re yearning for more global dinner ideas, we highly recommend trying our Nepali Chicken Curry next!

Our journey through Myanmar was not just about breathtaking landscapes and ancient temples; it was a profound immersion into its vibrant food culture. The street food scene, in particular, captivated us. Watching skilled vendors prepare local delicacies, inhaling the tantalizing aromas that wafted through bustling markets, was an experience we cherish. This is where we first tasted the incredible Burmese chicken curry that inspired this very recipe. For a glimpse into the dynamic street food environment of Myanmar, take a peek at this video:

Beyond the incredible street food, we also discovered the burgeoning wine scene in Myanmar. An enchanting evening tasting local wines at Red Mountain Estate was another highlight of our honeymoon. These experiences, both culinary and cultural, truly enriched our understanding and appreciation for Burmese cuisine.

What Makes Burmese Chicken Curry So Special?

Burmese cuisine, influenced by its neighbors India, China, and Thailand, yet distinctly unique, offers a fascinating blend of flavors. The curries are typically milder and oilier than their Indian counterparts, and less sweet and spicy than Thai curries, focusing instead on a harmonious balance of aromatics. Panthe Kaukswe, our featured chicken curry, exemplifies this beautifully with its rich, savory base and fragrant spices.

Essential Ingredients for an Authentic Burmese Chicken Curry

The magic of this authentic Burmese chicken curry lies in the quality and preparation of its core ingredients. Each element plays a crucial role in building the depth and complexity of flavor.

• Organic Chicken: We highly recommend using organic chicken. Not only is it a healthier choice, free from unwanted additives, but it also boasts a superior flavor and texture that truly shines in this curry.
• Green Onions: Adding a fresh, slightly pungent kick, green onions contribute to the aromatic base and garnish.
• Turmeric: This golden spice is non-negotiable! Turmeric provides the curry with its distinctive vibrant color and earthy, slightly bitter notes, along with powerful anti-inflammatory properties.
• Garlic: A foundational aromatic in almost all Asian cuisines, garlic offers a robust, savory depth.
• Ginger: Fresh ginger delivers a zesty, warm, and slightly peppery flavor that brightens the entire dish.
• Sweet Paprika: While some traditional recipes might use cayenne, sweet paprika provides a beautiful reddish hue and a mild, fruity sweetness without overwhelming heat, complementing the other spices perfectly.
• Lemongrass Powder: Lemongrass is key to that quintessential South Asian aroma—citrusy, herbaceous, and incredibly refreshing. Using it in powder form ensures its essence is well distributed throughout the curry.
• Cilantro: Fresh cilantro (coriander) is the perfect garnish, adding a burst of fresh, herbaceous flavor just before serving.

Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Your Burmese Chicken Curry at Home

Making Burmese chicken curry with turmeric, garlic, and ginger from scratch is a rewarding experience. This recipe involves two main components: the flavorful coconut rice and the rich chicken curry itself. Follow these detailed steps for a truly authentic taste.

Preparing the Fragrant Coconut Rice

The perfect accompaniment to our Burmese chicken curry is this wonderfully aromatic coconut rice. Its subtle sweetness and creamy texture beautifully complement the robust flavors of the curry.

• Step 1 – Begin by heating a tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot or saucepan over high heat. This ensures a quick sear for the onions.
• Step 2 – Add the chopped onion and cook for approximately 2 minutes, stirring occasionally until it starts to soften and become translucent.
• Step 3 – Stir in the washed brown rice, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt. Cook for another minute, allowing the rice to toast slightly and absorb the flavors.
• Step 4 – Add the sugar and continue to cook for 1 more minute, stirring constantly to prevent sticking and to lightly caramelize the rice.
• Step 5 – Pour in the coconut milk and water. Bring the mixture to a boil, then immediately reduce the heat to very low. Cover the pot tightly to trap the steam.
• Step 6 – Let it simmer undisturbed for 50 minutes. Resist the urge to lift the lid! After 50 minutes, turn off the heat and let it sit for another 10 minutes before fluffing with a fork.

Mastering the Burmese Chicken Curry

Now for the star of the show: the rich and aromatic Burmese chicken curry. This process builds layers of flavor, resulting in a deeply satisfying dish.

• Step 1 – Start by cutting your chicken into four even pieces. This ensures even cooking.
• Step 2 – Generously season the chicken with turmeric and salt. Allow it to marinate for at least 10 minutes. This pre-seasoning infuses flavor deep into the meat.
• Step 3 – Heat olive oil in a large frying pan or a Dutch oven (our preferred tool) over medium heat.
• Step 4 – Add the finely sliced onion and a pinch of salt. Cook for about 2 minutes, softening the onion without browning it too much.
• Step 5 – Stir in the turmeric powder and cook for an additional minute. The heat will help release the turmeric’s full flavor and aroma.
• Step 6 – Add the pounded onion paste (prepared as described in our tips below) and cook for 2 minutes, stirring until fragrant. This step is crucial for the curry’s authentic texture.
• Step 7 – Incorporate the pounded garlic and ginger. Cook for another minute, letting their pungent aromas meld with the onions and spices.
• Step 8 – Increase the heat to high. This helps to sear the chicken quickly and lock in juices.
• Step 9 – Add the sweet paprika, the marinated chicken pieces, another tablespoon of olive oil, lemongrass powder, and black pepper. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring to coat the chicken thoroughly.
• Step 10 – Pour in the water and immediately reduce the heat to low. This allows the curry to simmer gently.
• Step 11 – Cover and cook for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the chicken to cook through, absorbing all the delicious spices.
• Step 12 – Before serving, sprinkle generously with fresh cilantro (coriander) for a burst of freshness.

Expert Tips for an Unforgettable Panthe Kaukswe Chicken Curry

To truly elevate your Panthe Kaukswe chicken curry, pay attention to these crucial tips that capture the essence of Burmese cooking:

• Embrace the Spices: Do not be shy with the turmeric, garlic, ginger, sweet paprika, and especially the lemongrass. These potent ingredients are the heart and soul of this curry, imparting layers of complex flavor. Their generous use is what makes this dish truly authentic and incredibly delicious!
• Choose Quality Chicken: As mentioned, we advocate for organic chicken. It’s not just about health; it’s about the superior taste and texture that will make your curry shine. Better quality chicken absorbs flavors more effectively.
• The Traditional Burmese Onion Grind: This is a non-negotiable step for an authentic texture and flavor profile. The recipe specifically calls for grinding onions (and later garlic and ginger), which releases their essential oils and liquids, forming a paste that thickens the curry beautifully. While a food processor can do the job, traditionally, a mortar and pestle or even a spice grinder is used for a finer, more potent paste. However, be warned: grinding onions can be particularly irritating to the eyes. We highly recommend taking precautions to protect your eyes during this process. You could try these tips to protect your eyes when cutting onions or even invest in dedicated onion goggles – they are truly amazing!
• Low and Slow for Deep Flavor: Once the initial sautéing is done, let your curry simmer gently on low heat. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the chicken to become incredibly tender, absorbing all the aromatic spices.

Reflecting on our honeymoon in Myanmar, it stands out as one of our most treasured trips. It was a journey filled with romance, new discoveries that pushed us beyond our comfort zones, and a wonderful item to check off our bucket list. This curry brings back all those cherished memories.

Add Your Own Twist to This Burmese Chicken Curry

While this recipe aims for authenticity, there’s always room for personal touch and creative adaptation. Here are a few ways you can customize your Burmese chicken curry:

• Our Signature Additions: Our recipe incorporates extra turmeric and fresh cilantro. Traditionally, a basic Burmese curry paste relies primarily on onions, ginger, and garlic, often with paprika or cayenne pepper for heat. We love the enhanced flavor and the immune-boosting benefits that additional turmeric provides, along with the fresh, vibrant notes of cilantro. Feel free to adjust these to your preference – stick to the traditional paste or enjoy our slightly modified version!
• Burmese Fish Curry: Easily transform this into a delectable Burmese fish curry by simply swapping out the chicken for a firm white fish. During our travels in Myanmar, we learned that adding fresh tomatoes and more lemongrass can further enhance a fish curry. While traditional recipes often feature white fish, we believe this base would be equally delicious with salmon for a richer flavor.
• Burmese Beef Stew: For a heartier meal, substitute the chicken with beef to create a robust Burmese beef stew. Opt for stewing cuts like chuck or short ribs for the best results, adjusting cooking time as needed for tenderness.
• Burmese Chicken Coconut Soup: Add more chicken or vegetable broth to the curry base, along with a bit more coconut milk, to create a comforting and fragrant Burmese chicken coconut soup, perfect for a lighter meal or a starter.
• Burmese Mango Chicken Recipe: For a delightful sweet and savory contrast, consider adding chunks of fresh, ripe mango during the last 10-15 minutes of cooking. The mango will soften slightly and infuse the curry with its tropical sweetness.

Gathering the Ingredients & Tools for This Authentic Burmese Chicken Curry Recipe

As avid enthusiasts of Asian cuisine, we frequently prepare dishes such as these Japanese scallops with leeks and miso and miso soup with leeks and carrots. This means our pantry is usually stocked with the necessary spices for this Burmese curry. If you’re building your spice collection, you can conveniently order high-quality organic turmeric, sweet paprika, and powdered lemongrass online. For optimal cooking, we cooked this entire dish in our trusty 28 cm (11 inch) Le Creuset Dutch oven, which provides even heat distribution and retains moisture beautifully.

Make This Burmese Chicken Curry à Deux: A Romantic Culinary Adventure

For couples who enjoy spending quality time together in the kitchen, this Burmese chicken curry recipe offers a fantastic opportunity for a romantic dinner preparation. We believe that one of the most fulfilling activities a couple can share is the act of preparing and enjoying food together. The process of chopping, stirring, and tasting as a team can be incredibly bonding. Choose this delicious Panthe Kaukswe as your next culinary project, and you absolutely won’t be disappointed!

A Warning About the Onions: The Secret to Authentic Burmese Curry Paste

This recipe, in line with traditional Burmese cooking techniques, calls for grinding onions, garlic, and ginger into a paste, rather than simply dicing them. This method is vital for releasing the maximum flavor and liquid from the aromatics, creating the characteristic smooth, thick texture that defines this curry. It’s a step we highly recommend you do not skip, as it contributes significantly to the final, authentic result.

However, a word of caution: grinding onions, especially in a spice grinder or food processor, can release an even more potent concentration of eye-irritating compounds than regular chopping. Please take extra measures to protect your eyes during this stage. Consider wearing protective eyewear like goggles. You might also find these tips to protect your eyes when cutting onions helpful, or even purchase specialized onion goggles (they are surprisingly effective!). Your eyes will thank you!

How to Serve Your Delicious Burmese Chicken Curry

The exquisite Burmese chicken curry you’ve just prepared deserves to be served with the perfect accompaniment. Our favorite choice, and a classic Burmese preparation, is fragrant coconut rice. During our extensive travels through Asia, we savored an incredible array of rice dishes – from savory fried rice to sweet sticky rice, creamy coconut rice, and flavorful seafood rice. The culinary possibilities with rice are truly endless!

Beyond coconut rice, consider serving your curry with a simple side salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness, or perhaps some steamed greens like bok choy or green beans for added texture and nutrition. For a truly immersive experience, a side of crisp, fresh cucumber slices can provide a refreshing contrast to the warm spices.

Looking for Other Delightful Curry Recipes?

If you’ve enjoyed this journey into Burmese flavors and are eager to explore more aromatic curry dishes, we have a diverse collection waiting for you:

• Broccoli Carrot Potato Coconut Curry
• Indian Palak Paneer (Spinach & Cheese Curry)
• Indian Aloo Gobi (Potato & Cauliflower Curry)
• Indian Wholewheat Palak Paneer Pizza
• Thai Red Curry Chicken
• Thai Cashew Chicken
• Cantonese Chicken

Burmese Chicken Curry (Panthe Kaukswe) Recipe Card

We sincerely hope you enjoy preparing and tasting this exquisite Burmese chicken curry recipe, bringing a piece of Myanmar into your home kitchen. It’s a dish that truly reflects the vibrant culinary traditions we discovered on our travels.

If you love this recipe, please take a moment to give it 5 stars in the recipe card below! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Your feedback helps us share our passion for global cuisine with even more food lovers.

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First published April 26, 2018. Last updated March 25, 2021 with more information, additional tips, and better readability.