Quick Indian Chicken Curry Recipe

Craving some comforting and flavorful Indian cuisine that’s quick and easy to whip up? Look no further than this delightful recipe for Easy Indian Chicken Curry. Inspired by a neighbor’s tantalizing Indian cooking, this dish features juicy chicken bathing in a luscious sauce infused with aromatic spices, creamy coconut milk, and a hint of zesty lemon that will awaken your taste buds.

In under an hour, you can have a steaming pot of this Easy Indian Chicken Curry simmering on your stove, ready to be enjoyed with fluffy rice or warm naan bread. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity—ordinary ingredients come together harmoniously to create a dish that rivals your favorite takeout spot. Don’t hesitate to customize it to your liking by adding extra veggies, adjusting the spice level, or experimenting with different garnishes.

Whether you prefer it mild or fiery, saucy or with extra veggies, this Easy Indian Chicken Curry recipe is versatile and adaptable to suit your cravings. Make a big batch to enjoy throughout the week or freeze for later—it only gets better with time, allowing the flavors to meld together for a truly unforgettable dining experience. So, roll up your sleeves, grab your spices, and get ready to savor a homemade Indian curry that will surely bring a smile to your face with every delightful bite.

Quick Benefits

• Flavorful: Each bite offers a burst of sweet onions, cozy spices, creamy coconut milk, and zesty lemon, creating a delightful and aromatic experience.
• Versatile: Can be enjoyed with various accompaniments like soft naan, jasmine rice, cauliflower rice, cucumber raita, or mango chutney, catering to different dietary preferences and tastes.
• Customizable: Easily adaptable to personal preferences by adjusting the level of spiciness, adding extra veggies like carrots or peppers, or incorporating additional spices such as garam masala or ginger.
• Make-ahead: Tastes even better the next day after flavors have melded together, making it a convenient and delicious option for meal prep and leftovers.

Why You’ll Love This Quick Indian Chicken Curry Recipe Recipe

• *Why You’ll Love This Easy Indian Chicken Curry Recipe:**
• Authentic Flavors: Experience the authentic taste of Indian cuisine with a blend of cozy spices that will transport you to the streets of Mumbai.
• Easy and Quick: Ready in under an hour, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you crave a comforting meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Versatile Ingredients: Simple pantry staples come together to create a dish that tastes like it’s straight from your favorite takeout place.
• Rich and Silky Sauce: The velvety sauce made with coconut milk, yogurt, and spices coats the juicy chicken, creating a luxurious texture that is perfect for spooning over rice or naan.
• Customizable: Adjust the spice levels to suit your taste buds by adding more cayenne for a kick or leaving it out for a milder flavor.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Make a big batch and enjoy it for days to come as the flavors deepen and develop over time. It’s freezer-friendly too, so you can save some for later.
• Perfect for Accompaniments: Serve with naan, rice, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. Pair it with cucumber raita for a cooling effect or mango chutney for a burst of sweetness.
• Family-Friendly: Whether your family loves extra sauce for scooping or prefers a spicier kick, this recipe is versatile and can be tailored to suit everyone’s preferences.

Ingredients for Quick Indian Chicken Curry Recipe

• 3 tablespoons olive oil.
• 1 teaspoon paprika.
• ½ teaspoon granulated sugar.
• Salt as needed.
• ½ lemon, squeezed for juice.
• 1 small onion, diced.
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper.
• 3 tablespoons curry powder.
• 1 bay leaf.
• 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped.
• 2 chicken breasts, cut into small chunks, no skin or bones.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon.
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste.
• ¾ cup coconut milk.
• ½ teaspoon grated ginger.
• 1 cup plain yogurt.

Pro Tips for Quick Indian Chicken Curry Recipe

Pro Tip 1: To enhance the flavors of this Easy Indian Chicken Curry, consider adding garam masala for an extra burst of spice. When incorporating yogurt into the sauce, stir gently to maintain a creamy consistency. For those who prefer a saucier dish, feel free to pour in more coconut milk or add vegetables like potatoes or peas for a heartier meal.

Pro Tip 2: Serve this delicious curry dish with soft naan, hot jasmine rice, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. Experiment with accompaniments such as cucumber raita or mango chutney to complement the flavors. For even richer flavors, let the dish chill in the fridge for a day to allow the spices to meld, and don’t hesitate to adjust the spice levels to suit your preferences.

How to Make Quick Indian Chicken Curry Recipe

Step 1: Cook Base Ingredients

Heat oil in a pan, sauté onions until golden. Add garlic, ginger, curry powder, cinnamon, paprika, bay leaf, and a pinch of salt. Cook for a few minutes.

Step 2: Combine and Simmer

Combine chicken, tomato paste, yogurt, and coconut milk in a pan. Bring to a boil, then simmer gently for 20-25 minutes.

Step 3: Add Final Touch

Remove the bay leaf, then add lemon juice and sprinkle cayenne. Simmer gently for an additional 5 minutes.

Storage Tips

After preparing the Easy Indian Chicken Curry, store any leftovers properly to maintain freshness and flavor. Allow the dish to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate the chicken curry within two hours of cooking. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days. If you plan to store it for longer, the curry can be frozen for up to four months. When ready to enjoy the frozen curry, allow it to thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

To reheat the chicken curry, gently warm it on the stovetop over low to medium heat. If the sauce has thickened during storage, you can add a little more coconut milk to reach the desired consistency. Feel free to customize the dish further by adding in extra vegetables like carrots or peppers before reheating. Adjust the level of spiciness by adding more cayenne pepper for heat or omitting it for a milder flavor. Experiment with different spices like extra ginger to enhance the dish according to your preferences. Whether serving with rice, naan, or cauliflower rice, this versatile curry is sure to bring joy to your dining table.

Ingredient Substitutions

For a vegetarian version of this Indian Chicken Curry, you can easily substitute the chicken breasts with tofu or chickpeas. Tofu will absorb the flavors of the sauce well, while chickpeas will add a hearty and protein-rich element to the dish. Adjust the cooking time accordingly based on the substitution you choose.

If you don’t have coconut milk on hand, you can use heavy cream or Greek yogurt as a substitute. Heavy cream will provide a rich and creamy texture to the sauce, while Greek yogurt will add a tangy note. Ensure to adjust the quantity based on your preference for creaminess and taste.

To make this dish gluten-free, you can swap the soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos. These alternatives will provide a similar depth of flavor without the gluten content. Additionally, if you prefer a thicker sauce, you can mix cornstarch with water and add it to the curry towards the end of cooking to help thicken it up.

Serving Suggestions

Serving Suggestion: Serve this flavorful Indian Chicken Curry over a bed of fluffy basmati rice and garnish with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lemon for a burst of freshness. Pair it with warm naan bread for dipping and soaking up the delicious, aromatic curry sauce.

For a fun twist, create a DIY Indian Chicken Curry bowl station for a casual dinner with friends or family. Set out bowls of toppings like chopped cucumbers, mango chutney, sliced almonds, and shredded coconut. Let everyone customize their bowls with their favorite additions to make the meal interactive and personalized.

FAQs for Quick Indian Chicken Curry Recipe

Can I use bone-in chicken instead of boneless for this recipe?

Yes, you can use bone-in chicken for this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.

Can I substitute the coconut milk with another type of milk?

Coconut milk adds a unique flavor and creaminess to the dish, but you can substitute it with heavy cream or a non-dairy milk like almond or cashew milk. Just note that the flavor and consistency of the curry may vary.

How can I make this curry spicier?

If you prefer a spicier curry, you can increase the amount of cayenne pepper in the recipe or add chopped fresh chili peppers while cooking. Adjust the spice level to suit your taste preferences.

Can I make this curry ahead of time?

Yes, this curry actually tastes better after sitting for a day in the fridge to allow the flavors to meld. Store it in a sealed container and it will last for up to four days in the fridge or up to four months in the freezer. Reheat gently and add a splash of coconut milk if needed to adjust the consistency.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this Easy Indian Chicken Curry recipe is a delightful way to bring the comforting flavors of Indian cuisine to your table in a simple and satisfying manner. The blend of aromatic spices, creamy coconut milk, and tender chicken creates a dish that is sure to warm your heart and please your taste buds. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out on your culinary journey, this recipe is a fantastic introduction to the world of Indian cooking.

So, don’t hesitate to give this Easy Indian Chicken Curry a try and make it your own with personal touches and variations. Embrace the versatility of this dish by adding your favorite vegetables, adjusting the spice level to suit your palate, or experimenting with different accompaniments. Let your creativity shine in the kitchen and savor the rewarding experience of preparing and enjoying a homemade meal that is both delicious and satisfying. Cheers to creating memorable moments around the dinner table with this flavorful Easy Indian Chicken Curry!

Quick Indian Chicken Curry Recipe

“Velvety Indian chicken curry with cozy spices, creamy coconut milk, and zesty lemon—a comforting dish that’s quick to make and sure to delight your taste buds.”

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time20 Minutes

Cook Time25 Minutes

Total Time45 Minutes

CuisineIndian

Skill LevelEasy

Servings4 Servings (4 servings)

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons olive oil.
• 1 teaspoon paprika.
• ½ teaspoon granulated sugar.
• Salt as needed.
• ½ lemon, squeezed for juice.
• 1 small onion, diced.
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper.
• 3 tablespoons curry powder.
• 1 bay leaf.
• 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped.
• 2 chicken breasts, cut into small chunks, no skin or bones.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon.
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste.
• ¾ cup coconut milk.
• ½ teaspoon grated ginger.
• 1 cup plain yogurt.

Instructions

1. Cook Base Ingredients: Heat oil in a pan, sauté onions until golden. Add garlic, ginger, curry powder, cinnamon, paprika, bay leaf, and a pinch of salt. Cook for a few minutes.
2. Combine and Simmer: Combine chicken, tomato paste, yogurt, and coconut milk in a pan. Bring to a boil, then simmer gently for 20-25 minutes.
3. Add Final Touch: Remove the bay leaf, then add lemon juice and sprinkle cayenne. Simmer gently for an additional 5 minutes.