Name: Indian Chicken Curry
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
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; ½ teaspoon grated fresh ginger root; ½ teaspoon white sugar; salt to taste; 2 skinless (boneless chicken breast halves - cut into bite-size pieces); 1 tablespoon tomato paste; 1 cup plain yogurt; ¾ cup coconut milk; ½ lemon (juiced); ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper

Indian Chicken Curry has always been one of my favorite comfort meals — the kind that fills the whole house with warm, aromatic spices while it simmers away. I love how the garlic, ginger, and curry spices come together to make the chicken incredibly tender and flavorful. It’s the kind of dish that feels both comforting and a little bit special, especially when I scoop it over fluffy yellow or basmati rice or tear into warm naan to soak up every last bit of sauce.

What Is Indian Chicken Curry?

Indian chicken curry is a warm, fragrant dish made by simmering tender pieces of chicken in a rich sauce flavored with spices like curry powder, turmeric, ginger, garlic, and cumin. The coconut milk or yogurt adds a creamy balance to the heat and aromatics, creating a sauce that’s silky, comforting, and deeply flavorful. Served over fluffy basmati or yellow rice and with soft naan bread, it’s a cozy, crowd-pleasing meal that fills the kitchen with the most incredible aroma.

How Do I Make Indian Chicken Curry?

You’ll find the easy step-by-step recipe below — but Here’s a quick look at how this Indian chicken curry comes together. You’ll start by sautéing diced onion in olive oil until lightly browned, then stir in the garlic, curry powder, cinnamon, paprika, bay leaf, ginger, sugar, and salt. Add the chicken along with tomato paste, yogurt, and coconut milk. Bring everything to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20 to 25 minutes. Finish by removing the bay leaf, stirring in lemon juice and cayenne pepper, and simmering for a few minutes more until the sauce is rich, creamy, and full of flavor.

What Should I Serve With Indian Chicken Curry?

You will ladle the curry over freshly cooked basmati, yellow or jasmine rice and serve with naan, an Indian bread. This will make a wonderful restaurant quality meal.

Can I Make this a Vegetarian Curry Instead?

Yes of course! You can easily turn chicken curry into a flavorful vegetarian dish by making a creamy coconut curry instead. Simply swap the chicken for hearty vegetables like cauliflower, sweet potatoes, chickpeas, carrots, zucchini, bell peppers, spinach, peas, or even tofu for extra protein. Start by sautéing onion, garlic, and ginger in a little oil, then stir in curry powder or paste and let the spices bloom. Add coconut milk and a splash of vegetable broth, then toss in your chopped veggies (add the firm ones like potatoes or cauliflower first, and quicker-cooking ones like spinach near the end). Simmer until everything is tender and the sauce is rich and fragrant, then finish with lime juice, fresh cilantro, and serve over rice or with warm naan. It’s cozy, nourishing, and full of flavor — no chicken needed!

Just replace the chicken for vegetables of your choice in the recipe below for a hearty satisfying Vegetarian curry! Or why not make 2 curries to accommodate everyone at your table?