Matcha smoked chicken breast with green curry sauce

Tea-smoked chicken breast, infused with earthy matcha, is sliced and served with a vibrant, aromatic green curry sauce and crisp bok choy. Each bite offers a balance of gentle smokiness, spice, and fresh herbs.

By Matt Tebbutt
From Saturday Kitchen

This matcha smoked chicken breast with green curry sauce earns a Nutri-Score A for its lean protein, abundance of fresh herbs, and low saturated fat. The use of matcha, fresh vegetables, and aromatic spices adds both nutrition and flavour.

Ingredients

For the matcha smoked chicken breast

• 50g basmati rice
• 20g caster sugar
• 10g light brown sugar
• 3 tbsp matcha tea powder
• 2 chicken breasts, skinless and boneless

For the green curry paste

• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 2 tsp coriander seeds
• ½ tsp white peppercorns
• 10 green Thai chillies
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 bunch fresh Thai basil
• 3 lemongrass stalks
• 1 tbsp finely chopped galangal or fresh root ginger
• 2 limes, zest only
• 3 lime leaves
• 1 bunch fresh coriander stalks
• 3 whole Thai shallots, peeled
• 4 whole garlic cloves, peeled
• 1 tsp shrimp paste

For the green curry sauce

• 400ml coconut milk
• 2 tbsp matcha tea powder
• 1 tbsp chicken powder
• 300ml vegetable stock
• 4 lime leaves
• 2 limes, juice only
• 2 tsp fish sauce, or to taste
• 1–2 tsp palm sugar

To garnish

• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 3 bok choy or pak choi, bottoms chopped, tops left whole
• 1 green chilli, sliced
• 1 tbsp julienned fresh root ginger
• Fresh coriander sprigs

Method

1. Smoke the chicken: In a wok, combine basmati rice, caster sugar, light brown sugar, and matcha tea powder. Heat until the mixture starts to smoke. Place a rack inside, lay the chicken breasts on top, cover with a lid, and smoke for 35 minutes until fully cooked. (Tea-smoking creates a lot of smoke—ventilate well or open the wok outside.)
2. Blend the green curry paste: Place all green curry paste ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.
3. Cook the green curry sauce: In a saucepan over high heat, pour in the coconut milk and reduce by half until it splits. Add 3½ tablespoons of the green curry paste and cook for 5 minutes until fragrant. Stir in matcha tea powder, chicken powder, and vegetable stock, followed by lime leaves, lime juice, fish sauce, and palm sugar. Simmer for 20 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning, then strain the sauce through a sieve for a silky finish.
4. Sauté the garnish: Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Fry bok choy, green chilli, and julienned ginger for 2–3 minutes until just tender. Spoon onto a serving plate.
5. Assemble and serve: Slice the smoked chicken and arrange over the bok choy. Spoon over the green curry sauce and finish with fresh coriander sprigs.

Suggested Wine Pairing

• Majestic: The Ned Sauvignon Blanc – Crisp citrus and tropical fruit notes cut through the richness of the green curry sauce and echo the fresh lime and herbs in the matcha smoked chicken breast.
• Tesco: Tesco Finest Pinot Grigio – Light and refreshing, this Pinot Grigio balances the heat of the green curry and complements the delicate matcha smoked chicken breast.
• Sainsbury’s: Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference Riesling – Off-dry with lively acidity, this Riesling tames the spice and enhances the aromatic green curry sauce.

What can you serve with this

1. Steamed jasmine rice: Perfect for soaking up the green curry sauce and balancing the spice.
2. Pickled cucumber salad: Adds a cooling, tangy crunch alongside the warm, aromatic chicken.
3. Thai prawn crackers: Offer a crispy, savoury contrast to the creamy sauce and tender chicken.
4. Stir-fried Asian greens: Bring freshness and extra texture to the meal.

FAQs for Matcha smoked chicken breast with green curry sauce

• What does tea-smoking do to chicken? Tea-smoking infuses the chicken with a delicate, earthy aroma and subtle smokiness that pairs well with Asian flavours.
• Can I use a different tea instead of matcha? Yes, green tea leaves can be used, but matcha gives a more intense flavour and colour.
• Is green curry paste very spicy? It can be quite hot depending on the chillies, but you can adjust the amount to taste.
• Can I make the green curry paste in advance? Yes—store it in the fridge for up to a week or freeze for longer.
• How do I check if the chicken is cooked? The juices should run clear when pierced, or use a thermometer to check for 75°C at the thickest part.
• Is this dish suitable for meal prep? Yes, the chicken and sauce can be made ahead and reheated gently before serving.

Nutri-score Health Check

This recipe scores a Nutri-Score A, reflecting its lean protein, fresh herbs, and low saturated fat. The matcha, vegetables, and coconut milk boost antioxidants and nutrients.

Positive Factors

• Chicken breast is lean and high in protein.
• Fresh herbs and spices provide antioxidants and vitamins.
• Coconut milk gives healthy fats and creamy texture.
• Bok choy adds fibre and micronutrients.

Negative Factors

• Sugar is present in small amounts for smoking and sauce balance.
• Fish sauce and chicken powder contribute sodium.

The Nutri-Score is automatically calculated from the recipe ingredients and is only a guide to healthy eating.