Indian Chicken Curry Recipe
You don't need to leave the house to enjoy satisfying Indian chicken curry. With this recipe, you can have a restaurant-worthy meal on the table in under an hour.
What Is Indian Chicken Curry?
Chicken curry from the Indian subcontinent typically features chicken stewed in a tomato-based sauce seasoned with aromatic spices. This recipe, like many others, calls for curry powder (a spice blend made with coriander, turmeric, cumin, and chili powder).
How to Make Indian Chicken Curry
Below is the full, step-by-step recipe to guide you in making a flavorful Indian chicken curry. Here's a brief overview of what you can expect:
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons curry powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 bay leaf
- teaspoon grated fresh ginger root
- teaspoon white sugar
- Salt to taste
- 2 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- cup coconut milk
- lemon, juiced
- teaspoon cayenne pepper
Directions
Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, saut the chopped onion until lightly browned.
Step 2: Add the minced garlic, curry powder, cinnamon, paprika, bay leaf, grated ginger, sugar, and salt. Stir and cook for 2 minutes to release the spices' aromas.
Step 3: Stir in the chicken pieces, tomato paste, yogurt, and coconut milk. Bring the mixture to a boil.
Step 4: Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat and simmer the curry for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly.
Step 5: Remove the bay leaf. Stir in the lemon juice and cayenne pepper for added zing and heat. Continue simmering for another 5 minutes to combine the flavors.
Step 6: Serve the curry hot with your choice of basmati or jasmine rice and enjoy!
What to Serve With Indian Chicken Curry
For a complete restaurant-quality meal, ladle the curry over freshly cooked basmati or jasmine rice and serve with homemade naan for the perfect side.
How to Store Indian Chicken Curry
Allow the curry to cool before transferring it to an airtight . Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop when ready to serve again.
Cooks Note
If you want to add more veggies, stir in some baby spinach leaves when adding the lemon juice. For extra texture, top the curry with crispy fried shallots or onions. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro for an extra burst of freshness.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
- Calories: 347
- Total Fat: 23g (30% DV)
- Saturated Fat: 11g (54% DV)
- Cholesterol: 54mg (18% DV)
- Sodium: 96mg (4% DV)
- Total Carbohydrate: 14g (5% DV)
- Dietary Fiber: 4g (14% DV)
- Total Sugars: 7g
- Protein: 24g (48% DV)
- Vitamin C: 13mg (15% DV)
- Calcium: 164mg (13% DV)
- Iron: 3mg (19% DV)
- Potassium: 554mg (12% DV)

History and Origins
Indian Chicken Curry is one of the most beloved dishes from the Indian subcontinent, with a long and rich history deeply embedded in the region's diverse culinary traditions. The origins of curry can be traced back to ancient India, where a variety of spices such as turmeric, cumin, and coriander were blended together to create rich, flavorful sauces. Over time, this technique spread to other parts of the world through trade routes, and what we now recognize as "curry" evolved into numerous regional variations. Chicken curry, in particular, has become a staple across India, with each region adding its unique touch. From the rich, creamy curries of North India to the fiery, tangy versions of the South, the dish has transformed into a global sensation.
Regional Variations
While chicken curry is enjoyed throughout India, different regions offer distinct variations. In the north, particularly in Punjab, you'll find a creamier, spiced curry that often includes yogurt or cream to balance the heat of the spices. The South Indian version, often seen in Kerala, is spicier and uses coconut milk or grated coconut, giving it a sweeter flavor. In contrast, the Bengali version incorporates mustard oil and often includes potatoes, adding a heartier texture. Each regions curry reflects its local spices, available ingredients, and cultural preferences, making Indian chicken curry a diverse and dynamic dish.
How Indian Chicken Curry Differs from Similar Dishes
At its core, Indian Chicken Curry stands out from similar curry dishes from other parts of the world due to the unique combination of spices and the use of yogurt or coconut milk to create a rich, creamy texture. Compared to the Thai red or green curry, which is often more aromatic with lemongrass, lime leaves, and fish sauce, Indian curries tend to focus on a deeper spice profile. Indian curries also tend to be less sour and more heavily spiced with ingredients like garam masala, cinnamon, and cloves, which give it a more complex flavor profile. Additionally, unlike some other curries, the Indian version is often simmered for longer periods, allowing the spices to infuse the dish more thoroughly.
Where Is Indian Chicken Curry Typically Served?
Indian Chicken Curry is a popular dish that can be found in nearly every part of India, whether served at home or in restaurants. It is most commonly enjoyed with steamed basmati rice or traditional Indian breads like naan, paratha, or roti. In India, it is often part of a larger meal, served alongside dals (lentil curries), sabzis (vegetable curries), and pickles, making for a well-rounded feast. Internationally, this dish has also made its way into the menus of Indian restaurants, where it is served as part of a curry selection. Its ability to pair with various sides has made it a favorite in Indian restaurants worldwide.
Interesting Facts
Indian Chicken Curry has had a significant influence on global cuisine, especially in the UK, where it is often considered the national dish. The "chicken tikka masala," a variation of Indian curry, was reportedly created by Indian immigrants in the UK to cater to British tastes. Interestingly, curry powder, which is often used in Indian chicken curry recipes, is a Western invention. It is a blend of various spices that were made into a convenient powder form by the British during colonial times, which later became popular in Indian cooking. Furthermore, the use of yogurt in the curry not only provides a creamy texture but also acts as a tenderizer for the chicken, making it incredibly succulent.
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FAQ about Indian Chicken Curry Recipe
Comments
Debra Wilson
09/28/2023 05:20:47 AM
A delightful Chicken Curry recipe! I included 1 tsp. of Garam Masala for added flavor. Personally, I found the dish more enjoyable without the lemon and cayenne, so I may skip those in the future. I reduced the cayenne to 1/4 tsp. to cater to my daughter's taste preference. For my next batch, I plan to omit the lemon and cayenne entirely.
Amanda Nguyen
07/04/2024 07:34:13 AM
I absolutely adore this recipe! Even though we aren't curry connoisseurs, we all enjoyed it. It's quite easy to make, though some of the ingredients may not be your everyday pantry staples. Personally, I prefer using toasted sesame oil for sautéing the onions, adding more when cooking the chicken. I like to mix the dry seasonings together and rub about half into the meat while the onions are cooking, ensuring the meat is well coated before browning. We served it with brown rice and toasted Naan, and it was a hit!
Jonathan Garcia
07/29/2023 12:45:39 PM
Please read the other reviews before trying this recipe as it requires some modifications. I recommend either reducing or omitting the lemon juice altogether. Everything was going well with the recipe until I added the lemon juice, overpowering all the other flavors. This adjustment is crucial for improvement. Additionally, consider using 3 chicken breast halves instead of two, doubling all dry ingredients based on personal preference, and increasing the coconut milk amount. The reduction of lemon juice is key to making this recipe deserving of a five-star rating. I'm generously giving it four stars, as without adjusting the lemon juice, the dish falls short of expectations.
Donna Perez
04/01/2025 01:43:02 AM
Review: The dish turned out to be absolutely scrumptious! I have cooked it around 4 times now, making slight adjustments each time. On my initial attempt, I felt the lemon was a bit too overpowering, echoing the sentiments of a previous reviewer. I personally believe that the curry tasted more delightful before the addition of lemon. Hence, I would recommend omitting the lemon altogether or incorporating just a small quantity. Additionally, as an Indian, my family tradition involves mixing curry powder, paprika, among others, with approximately 2 tablespoons of water before adding them to the pan. This method helps prevent the spices from burning. Aside from these tweaks, this recipe is undeniably fantastic, straightforward, and mouthwatering to prepare.
Dorothy Roberts
07/28/2023 05:04:53 PM
I found this recipe to be delicious and straightforward to prepare. To tailor it to my taste, I reduced the amount of cinnamon by half due to its strong flavor. I also adjusted the curry powder by using 2 tablespoons of regular curry powder and 1/2 tablespoon of hot curry powder, omitting the cayenne altogether as I was concerned about the spices being overpowering. I felt that the spice levels were just right without needing any additional seasoning. Additionally, I used the entire can of coconut milk and appreciated the option to remove the chicken and simmer the sauce longer for a thicker consistency, which worked well for me. While there may be other recipes out there, I would definitely revisit this one. I enjoyed the hint of lemon in the dish and felt that it was perfectly balanced; however, you can start with less lemon juice and adjust to your liking. Overall, a tasty recipe worth trying out.
Jose Lewis
12/15/2022 09:20:47 AM
Following a reviewer's advice, I toasted the spices before adding olive oil and onion. I opted for the entire can of coconut milk and included an extra 1/2 cup of yogurt. Sweetened with honey and incorporated diced baked sweet potato leftovers. Served over quinoa. Absolutely delightful!
Tyler Johnson
07/16/2024 07:31:17 PM
It was fantastic served over jasmine rice. We enjoyed the hint of lemon but would prefer using less next time, maybe just a quarter of a lemon juiced. We also used only 5 teaspoons of curry powder instead of the recommended 1 2/3 tablespoons. The cayenne added a nice kick, which we loved, as we enjoy spicy food. Next time, we plan to add some garam masala based on the suggestions. We also liked the idea of adding peas, green pepper, or mushrooms. We will definitely add more coconut milk next time. Instead of coconut milk, we used plain Greek yogurt, which we warmed beforehand. We cooked the chicken in advance in the instant pot and cubed it, so we didn't have to sauté it for the full 25 minutes. Just a quick sauté of 2-4 minutes in between adding spices was enough. Overall, this recipe was really enjoyable, and we look forward to trying it again soon.
Edward Adams
12/26/2022 07:38:59 PM
Straightforward and easy to follow. We opted for powdered coconut milk that we had available, and threw in some red bell peppers for extra flavor. Topping it off with peanuts, chutney, bananas, scallions, and raisins made for a perfect combination!
Jack Gonzalez
12/23/2024 05:44:52 PM
I absolutely love the base flavor of this recipe! I concur that 3 tablespoons is too much for this amount of chicken - I had this thought just by looking at the recipe before reading it here. I opted for only 3 teaspoons. I omitted the lemon juice as it might curdle the curry base. Normally, I would mix all the ingredients together and rub them onto the chicken, but I skipped that step this time as I plan to let it marinate overnight to really let the flavors meld, and will enjoy it tomorrow.
Joyce Miller
08/07/2024 02:53:11 AM
Quick and easy method to achieve a flavorful sauce with the ideal texture. To avoid potential overcooking, consider searing the chicken first, cutting it up, and adding it halfway through the simmering process. Instead of curry powder, a spice blend comprising cumin, cardamom, turmeric, and mustard seed can be utilized. Ground scorpion peppers were used for added heat, but be cautious as it might make the dish very spicy. Overall, the recipe is fantastic and adaptable. Feel free to make adjustments to suit your preferences, while ensuring the base ingredients of onion, garlic, spices, yogurt, tomato paste, coconut milk, and ginger remain intact.
Barbara Cruz
07/12/2023 06:09:40 AM
I had no idea that making curry from scratch could be so simple. It tastes incredible, especially with the extra chicken I added because the sauce was so flavorful and accommodating.
Catherine Scott
03/04/2024 10:24:27 PM
This dish tasted like it was freshly ordered from a local Indian restaurant. I reheated the leftovers yesterday and I was extremely impressed. It was absolutely delicious! I am obsessed and this will definitely be a new favorite to have weekly.
Ronald Brown
09/20/2024 11:07:34 PM
My son, who is extremely selective with his food, adores the Chicken Curry, and now it has become a weekly staple in our household.
Samantha Lewis
02/14/2024 04:05:30 AM
It lacks flavor. I'm contemplating what I can add to enhance it. Perhaps I overlooked something.
Steven White
03/13/2024 05:04:03 PM
Fantastic recipe with minor tweaks based on feedback from other cooks. Modifications I implemented: Reduced curry powder by 1/3, achieving a perfect level of spiciness. Skipped adding lemon altogether. Opted to simmer the chicken in coconut cream and spices for 25 minutes, then gradually incorporated Greek yogurt off the heat to avoid curdling. Pairing this dish with a simple 2-ingredient naan is highly recommended.
Michelle Martinez
07/31/2022 09:33:35 AM
We absolutely love this recipe! I added a tablespoon of coconut cream at the end, which thickened it just the way we prefer.
Brenda Clark
12/13/2024 04:44:47 PM
I made this dish earlier this week and I must say, it was absolutely amazing! There were no leftovers (I may or may not have sneaked a peek when everyone else was asleep!). The only substitution I made was using chicken thighs instead of the recommended ingredient, and it turned out great. This recipe will definitely be a regular in my meal rotation!
Timothy Miller
06/05/2023 10:36:26 PM
This recipe is perfect for using up leftover roast ingredients on a Monday! Simply add chickpeas and sweet potatoes for an easy and tasty meal. Highly recommended!
Heather Campbell
09/11/2023 10:34:37 AM
Extremely straightforward to follow and the outcome was mouthwatering! This recipe is definitely a keeper for me.