Chicken Curry: 1 easy, flavorful meal

Name: Chicken Curry: 1 easy, flavorful meal
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 500g boneless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 1 large onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon ginger, grated; 2 tablespoons curry powder; 400g canned diced tomatoes; 200ml coconut milk; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

by Fenna Saul

August 13, 2025

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Chicken curry has always been my go-to for a comforting meal that feels both special and incredibly easy. I remember the first time I attempted it, a bit intimidated by the spices, but I was amazed at how quickly I could create something so rich and satisfying. The aroma of ginger, garlic, and warm curry powder filling my kitchen is pure bliss. This particular recipe is my absolute favorite because it’s a truly easy chicken curry, perfect for those busy weeknights when you need a delicious dinner on the table fast. It’s a fantastic quick chicken curry that never fails to impress. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Curry

Incredible Flavor: Tender chicken in a creamy, aromatic sauce that’s bursting with spices.
Super Quick Prep: Ready in under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Healthy & Wholesome: Packed with protein and made with wholesome ingredients.
Budget-Friendly: Uses common pantry staples for an affordable yet delicious meal.
Family Favorite: A crowd-pleaser that even picky eaters will enjoy.
Effortlessly Easy: This is truly an easy chicken curry that anyone can master.
Versatile: Adaptable to your spice preference and dietary needs.
Homemade Goodness: Enjoy the satisfaction of a delicious easy chicken curry made right in your own kitchen.

Ingredients for Easy Chicken Curry

Gathering these simple chicken curry ingredients is the first step to a delicious meal. For this recipe, you’ll need:

500g boneless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces – chicken breast keeps it light and cooks quickly.
2 tablespoons vegetable oil – any neutral cooking oil works well.
1 large onion, finely chopped – forms the aromatic base of our curry.
2 cloves garlic, minced – adds a pungent depth of flavor.
1 tablespoon ginger, grated – brings a warm, spicy note.
2 tablespoons curry powder – this is the heart of the dish, choose your favorite blend!
400g canned diced tomatoes – these break down to create a rich sauce base.
200ml coconut milk – essential for that creamy texture and mild sweetness.
1 teaspoon salt – to enhance all the flavors.
1/2 teaspoon black pepper – for a touch of heat.
Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish) – adds a burst of freshness at the end.

How to Make Chicken Curry

Making this simple chicken curry is a breeze, and the results are wonderfully flavorful. Let’s dive into the steps:

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats, prepare your ingredients.
Step 2: Heat the vegetable oil in a large, oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, until it starts to soften and become translucent, filling your kitchen with a sweet aroma.
Step 3: Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger. Cook for another minute until they become wonderfully fragrant – be careful not to burn them!
Step 4: Add the bite-sized chicken breast pieces to the skillet. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is lightly browned on all sides. This step helps to lock in the juices.
Step 5: Sprinkle in the curry powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything well to coat the chicken and aromatics. Cook for 1 minute, allowing the spices to bloom and release their full fragrance.
Step 6: Pour in the canned diced tomatoes and the coconut milk. Stir to combine everything, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This makes for a truly simple chicken curry.
Step 7: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Then, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it cook uncovered for 15-20 minutes. You’re looking for the sauce to thicken slightly and the chicken to be cooked through and tender.
Step 8: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. This is a key part of making a truly simple chicken curry that’s perfect for you.
Step 9: Garnish generously with fresh, chopped cilantro just before serving. The bright, fresh herb cuts through the richness of the curry beautifully.

Chicken Curry: 1 easy, flavorful meal - Chicken Curry - additional detail

Pro Tips for the Best Chicken Curry

Elevating your chicken curry from good to absolutely amazing is all about a few key techniques I’ve picked up over the years. These tips will help you achieve that perfect balance of flavor and texture every time.

Don’t rush sautéing the onions; letting them caramelize slightly adds a wonderful sweetness and depth to the sauce.
Toast your curry powder briefly in the pan after the aromatics but before adding liquids. this really wakes up the spices!
Always taste and adjust seasoning before serving. A little more salt or a squeeze of lime can make all the difference.
If your sauce isn’t thickening enough, you can create a slurry with a tablespoon of cornstarch and a little water, then stir it in.

What’s the secret to perfect chicken curry?

The real secret to an authentic chicken curry lies in building layers of flavor. This means properly sautéing your aromatics, toasting your spices, and letting the sauce simmer gently to meld everything together beautifully. For more recipe inspiration, check out our full collection of recipes.

Can I make chicken curry ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, I find that homemade chicken curry tastes even better the next day. The flavors have more time to deepen and harmonize. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

How do I avoid common mistakes with chicken curry?

A common pitfall is overcrowding the pan when browning chicken, which steams it instead of searing. Also, don’t add the coconut milk too early at a high boil, as it can sometimes separate. Simmer gently! For more cooking tips, you can visit our about page.

Best Ways to Serve Chicken Curry

This delicious chicken curry is incredibly versatile and pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. My absolute favorite way to enjoy it is with fluffy basmati rice. The rice is perfect for soaking up every last bit of that rich, aromatic sauce, making it a truly satisfying meal. For an authentic touch, I also love serving it with warm, soft naan bread – it’s perfect for scooping up the flavorful gravy. You could even try serving it alongside some cooling raita or a simple cucumber salad to balance the spices. If you’re looking for other flavorful dishes, you might enjoy our Korean BBQ Meatballs.

Nutrition Facts for Chicken Curry

Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional information per serving for this delicious chicken curry:

Calories: 350cal
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Protein: 32g
Carbohydrates: 14g
Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 0g
Sodium: 0mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods. For more information on healthy eating, consider looking into resources like the MyPlate initiative.

Chicken Curry: 1 easy, flavorful meal - Chicken Curry - additional detail

How to Store and Reheat Chicken Curry

The beauty of this homemade chicken curry is that it’s fantastic for meal prep! Once it has cooled down completely after cooking – which is important to prevent bacterial growth – transfer the curry to airtight containers. For fridge storage, these containers will keep your delicious chicken curry fresh for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to keep it even longer, you can freeze it. Properly packaged containers will protect your curry for up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, the best way to reheat is gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or coconut milk if it seems a bit thick. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave. For another great meal prep idea, try our Zepbound Weight Loss Recipes.

Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Curry

What makes this chicken curry recipe so good?

This recipe is a winner because it balances rich, aromatic flavors with a quick and simple cooking process. The combination of tender chicken, creamy coconut milk, and fragrant spices creates a truly satisfying dish that’s perfect for any night of the week.

Is this a traditional Indian chicken curry?

While this recipe is inspired by the vibrant flavors of Indian cuisine, it’s designed for ease and speed. For a more traditional experience, you might explore recipes that use a wider array of whole spices, like cardamom and cloves, and perhaps a longer simmering time to deepen the flavor profile of your Indian chicken curry.

Can I make this chicken curry spicier?

Absolutely! If you love a bit of heat, you can easily adjust the spice level. Add a pinch of cayenne pepper along with the curry powder, or stir in some chopped green chilies with the garlic and ginger. Taste and adjust as you go to find your perfect level of spice.

What side dishes pair well with this chicken curry?

Fluffy basmati rice is a classic pairing that’s perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce. Warm naan bread or roti is also excellent for scooping up every last bit of flavor. For a lighter meal, consider serving it with a side of cucumber raita or a fresh green salad.

Variations of Chicken Curry You Can Try

Once you’ve mastered this basic recipe, don’t be afraid to get creative! There are so many delicious ways to tweak this chicken curry to suit your tastes and dietary needs.

Creamy Vegetarian Curry: Swap the chicken for firm tofu or a mix of vegetables like cauliflower, potatoes, and peas. This makes for a wonderful meat-free option.
Spicy Vindaloo Style: For those who like it hot, incorporate a bit of vinegar and a generous amount of red chili powder or fresh chilies. It adds a fantastic tangy heat.
Chicken Curry with Coconut Milk and Spinach: Stir in a few handfuls of fresh spinach during the last 5 minutes of cooking. It wilts down beautifully and adds a lovely green color and extra nutrients to your chicken curry with coconut milk.
Slow Cooker Chicken Curry: For an even more hands-off approach, combine all the ingredients (except cilantro garnish) in your slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. It’s perfect for coming home to a ready meal.