Looking for a great way to way to spice things up at dinner time? Ready in under an hour, this deliciously easy chicken curry is a one-pot recipe that you will want to bookmark.
From the tender cuts of chicken to the rich, flavorful sauce, you are going to love everything about this dish, including how simple it is to make.
So raid your spice rack and get ready to master a traditional chicken curry that will impress even the most developed pallets around your table.
Table of Contents
Recipe Video
Why This Recipe Works
This chicken curry recipe works for several reasons. Its simplicity makes it accessible to cooks of any skill level, requiring minimal prep and cooking time.
Additionally, with a harmonious blend of spices and pantry staples, this delicious chicken curry is easily adaptable to personal tastes and ingredient availability.
Plus, this one-pot wonder delivers a complete meal: tender chicken, flavorful sauce, and aromatic spices simmered together to perfection. Its wholesome ingredients make it a nutritious and satisfying dish, ideal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Oil:
The best oil for making chicken curry is vegetable oil or canola oil due to their high smoke points and neutral flavors, which allow the spices to shine. Other good options include sunflower oil and grapeseed oil. For a more authentic taste, you can use ghee or coconut oil; ghee adds a rich, buttery flavor, while coconut oil imparts a subtle sweetness that complements the spices. Olive oil can be used, but its strong flavor may alter the traditional taste of the curry.
Mixed Spices:
This easy chicken curry recipe uses a simple spice mix of cinnamon, garlic, bay leaves, and cardamom seeds. However, you can also consider adding spices like cumin seeds for earthiness, coriander seeds for citrusy notes, and cloves for warmth. Adding ground fenugreek gives a subtle sweetness, and a pinch of nutmeg provides a delicate aroma. For depth, try adding paprika or smoked paprika. Fresh or dried curry leaves can also impart a unique, authentic flavor.
Onion and Green Chilies:
The onion and chilies in this chicken curry recipe create a rich base for the rest of the dish. White or yellow onions are best, while the best green chilies are Thai or Indian green chilies. These chilies offer a good balance of heat and flavor, enhancing the curry without overpowering it. If you prefer milder heat, use jalapeños or serrano peppers. Adjust the quantity to suit your spice tolerance.
Garlic and Ginger:
Minced garlic and ginger add a robust depth of flavor and aroma to this spicy chicken curry. While fresh minced garlic and ginger will add the best flavor, you can also use garlic and ginger powder if needed.
Tomato Sauce:
Tomato sauce is used in this authentic chicken curry recipe as it offers a smoother, consistent texture and a more concentrated flavor, giving the curry a rich, uniform taste. However, you can also use fresh diced tomatoes for a lighter, fresher curry.
Turmeric:
Turmeric is the powerful little health punch that is hiding in this healthy chicken curry. It is full of immune-boosting antioxidants and pain-relieving anti-inflammatory compounds.
Yogurt:
Yogurt is used in chicken curry for its creamy texture and tangy flavor, which balances the spices and adds richness to the sauce. It also helps tenderize the chicken. If you don't have yogurt, you can substitute it with coconut milk for a similar creamy consistency and a hint of sweetness. Alternatively, sour cream can be used for richness and tanginess. For a dairy-free option, try cashew cream or almond milk yogurt.
Chicken:
Bone-in chicken is traditionally used in Indian chicken curry because it is more tender and flavorful. However, if you prefer, boneless cuts of chicken can also be used. Just remember to adjust the cooking time accordingly as boneless chicken will cook faster.
Cilantro:
Top your delicious homemade chicken curry off with a sprinkling of fresh chopped cilantro. If you don't enjoy the flavor of cilantro, you can use fresh mint or basil instead.
How to Make Chicken Curry
Step One:
Grab a large saucepan and heat up some oil over medium heat.
Step Two:
Toss in the garlic, bay leaves, cardamom pods, and cinnamon stick. Let them sizzle for about 30 seconds to a minute until your kitchen smells amazing.
Step Three:
Add in the chopped onion and green chili. Sauté them together until the onions turn a lovely golden brown, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
Step Four:
Stir in the minced garlic and ginger. Continue sautéing for 30 seconds to a minute until everything smells delicious.
Step Five:
Pour in the tomato sauce, add the turmeric, and a pinch of salt. Mix everything well and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes.
Step Six:
Mix the yogurt, red chili powder, curry powder, and coriander powder into your saucepan.
Step Seven:
Now, add the chicken pieces to the pan and sprinkle some fresh cilantro over the top. Pour in the water and give everything a good stir so the chicken is well-coated with the sauce.
Step Eight:
Turn the heat down to medium-low, cover the pan with a lid, and let it all simmer gently for about 20-30 minutes until the chicken is perfectly cooked and tender. Make sure it reaches an internal temperature of 164F.
Step Nine:
When you’re ready to serve, garnish your chicken curry with some more fresh cilantro, and enjoy!
Tips
- For a creamy texture, add coconut milk towards the end of cooking. It balances the spices and adds a luxurious element to the dish.
- Use fresh chilies or chili powder to control the spiciness. For a milder curry, remove the seeds from the chilies or reduce the amount of chili powder.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro or mint for an added burst of freshness and flavor right before serving.
What to Serve With Chicken Curry
This easy chicken curry is so versatile that you can serve it alongside a variety of options. Of course, it is best enjoyed with steamed jasmine or basmati rice, which perfectly absorbs the rich, flavorful sauce. Complement the meal with warm naan or roti for dipping and scooping. A side of cooling cucumber raita or yogurt balances the spiciness, while a fresh salad adds a crisp, refreshing element. For extra texture and flavor, serve with mint chutney or pickles.
Looking for more ideas? Check out What to Serve With Chicken Curry for more than 20 delicious side dishes.
FAQs
How do I prevent the yogurt from curdling in the chicken curry?
To prevent curdling, use room-temperature yogurt and add it slowly while stirring continuously. You can also mix a little cornstarch or flour into the yogurt before adding it to the curry to stabilize it.
How do I thicken or thin the curry sauce?
To thicken the curry, let it simmer uncovered to reduce the liquid. You can also add a slurry of cornstarch and water for a thicker consistency. To thin the curry, add more water or coconut milk until you reach the desired consistency.
For how long can leftover chicken curry be kept fresh?
Leftover chicken curry stays fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days in an airtight container. For longer storage, freeze it for up to 3 months.
Can I use the Instant Pot?
Yes. For best results and step-by-step instructions, check out Instant Pot Chicken Curry or Instant Pot Japanese Curry.
More Chicken Recipes
The great thing about chicken is how versatile it is. Whether you enjoy it in a spicy curry or roasted with herbs, there are a variety of ways to enjoy chicken, and we've collected some of our favorite chicken recipes for you to try.
Chicken Curry
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 4 cloves garlic
- 1 stick cinnamon
- 3-4 bay leaves
- 3-4 seeds cardamom
- 1 cup white onion diced
- 1 green chili diced
- 1 tablespoon garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger minced
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup yogurt
- ½ teaspoon red chili powder
- 1 teaspoon curry powder
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- ½ pound chicken
- ½ cup fresh cilantro chopped
- ½ cup water
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
- Toss the garlic, cinnamon, bay leaves, and cardamom in and saute until aromatic - 30 seconds to 1 minute.
- Add the onion and green chili. Saute both until golden brown - 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and ginger and saute until aromatic - 30 seconds - 1 minute.
- Add the tomato sauce, turmeric, and salt. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer - 5-7 minutes.
- Mix the yogurt, red chili powder, curry powder, and coriander powder into your saucepan.
- Add the chicken to the saucepan and sprinkle with fresh cilantro. Add water and stir to coat the chicken with the sauce.
- Reduce heat to medium-low, cover with a lid, and simmer for 20-30 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 164F.
- Serve with fresh cilantro, and enjoy!
Video
Nutrition
Notes
- For a creamy texture, add coconut milk towards the end of cooking. It balances the spices and adds a luxurious element to the dish.
- Use fresh chilies or chili powder to control the spiciness. For a milder curry, remove the seeds from the chilies or reduce the amount of chili powder.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro or mint for an added burst of freshness and flavor right before serving.