There is a glass Jar of paste (can be bought in all supermarkets) it has a green and gold label on it and red and gold for the red paste. Can't think of the name of it but it is quite good and much quicker than the drawn out process of making your own.
I usually add some paste (2/3 good teaspoons- add more at the end if needed) and a little white wine to cook the chicken pieces first then add the coconut milk and whatever veg you want to add, peppers, mushrooms onions etc. A good tip is to add some crunchy peanut butter, and some thai 7 spice seasoning (not much of this!!) and believe it or not salad potatoes! I always serve with basmati rice! yum