Craving a rich, comforting meal that tastes like it simmered for hours but is actually ready in 30 minutes? You’ve found it. This easy chicken curry recipe is your new weeknight hero. Forget expensive takeout; this dish delivers an incredibly creamy, fragrant sauce and tender, juicy chicken using simple, everyday ingredients. It’s a flavor-packed escape that’s genuinely easy to master.
We designed this recipe for busy people who love good food. Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or a seasoned pro looking for a quick win, this curry comes together in one pot with minimal fuss. The magic lies in the perfect balance of spices and creamy coconut milk, creating a sauce so good you’ll want to lick the pan clean.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Chicken Curry Recipe
This isn’t just another dinner recipe; it’s a game-changer for your weekly meal rotation. Here’s why it stands out:
Incredibly Fast: From prep to plate in about 30 minutes. It’s the perfect solution for those “what’s for dinner?” nights.
Simple Ingredients: No hunting for specialty items. You can find everything you need at your local grocery store.
Deeply Flavorful: We use a smart technique called “blooming” the spices to unlock their maximum flavor, creating a curry with incredible depth.
Luxuriously Creamy: Full-fat coconut milk creates a rich, velvety sauce that perfectly coats every piece of chicken.
Highly Customizable: Easily adjust the spice level or toss in your favorite vegetables to make it your own.
The Essential Ingredients for Perfect Curry
The beauty of this chicken curry is its simplicity. We’re using a handful of powerhouse ingredients to create layers of flavor. Quality matters, so choose the best you can.
Simple, fresh ingredients are the key to the best chicken curry.
For the Curry Base
Avocado Oil or Coconut Oil: A neutral, high-heat oil is perfect for sautéing.
Yellow Onion: Provides a sweet, aromatic foundation for the sauce.
Fresh Garlic & Ginger: These are non-negotiable for authentic flavor! Use freshly minced for the best results.
For the Chicken & Spices
Boneless, Skinless Chicken: We recommend using juicy chicken thighs as they stay more tender, but chicken breast also works well.
Curry Powder: A good quality medium curry powder is the star of the show.
Turmeric & Cumin: These add warmth, earthy notes, and beautiful golden color.
Salt & Black Pepper: To season and enhance all the other flavors.
For the Creamy Sauce
Tomato Paste: Adds a concentrated, savory depth that balances the richness of the coconut milk.
Full-Fat Coconut Milk: The key to a luxuriously creamy sauce. Don’t use the ‘light’ version here!
Chicken Broth: Thins the sauce to the perfect consistency.
Fresh Cilantro & Lime Juice: Added at the end to brighten everything up.
How to Make Chicken Curry: A Step-by-Step Guide
Making this creamy chicken curry recipe is a simple, four-step process. Follow along, and you’ll have a stunning meal in no time.
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat the oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 4-5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and ginger and cook for another minute until fragrant. This creates your flavor base.
Step 2: Bloom the Spices
Add the tomato paste, curry powder, turmeric, and cumin to the skillet. Stir constantly for about 1 minute. This crucial step toasts the spices, deepening their flavor and aroma for a richer, more complex curry.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the pot. Season generously with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is lightly browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. It doesn’t need to be cooked through at this stage.
Step 4: Create the Sauce & Simmer
Pour in the full-fat coconut milk and chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan (that’s pure flavor!). Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly. Stir in the fresh lime juice and chopped cilantro just before serving.
A perfect one-pot meal: creamy chicken curry ready to be served.
Pro Tips for the Best Chicken Curry
Use Full-Fat Coconut Milk: This is the secret to an ultra-creamy, rich sauce. Light coconut milk will result in a thinner, less satisfying curry.
Don’t Skip Blooming the Spices: Toasting the spices for a minute before adding liquids is a simple trick that makes a world of difference in the final flavor.
Fresh is Best: While dried ginger and garlic powder can work in a pinch, fresh aromatics provide a much more vibrant and potent flavor base.
Taste and Adjust: Before serving, always taste your curry. Does it need a pinch more salt? A squeeze more lime to brighten it up? A dash of cayenne for heat? Adjust to your preference.
Fun Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is a fantastic starting point. Feel free to get creative!
To Make it…
Try This…
Spicier
Add 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper with the other spices, or add a chopped jalapeño with the onion.
Veggie-Packed
Add 1-2 cups of vegetables like spinach, peas, chopped carrots, or bell peppers during the last 5-7 minutes of simmering.
Even Creamier
Stir in 2 tablespoons of heavy cream or a dollop of plain yogurt at the very end (with the heat off).
With Chicken Breast
If using versatile chicken breast, be careful not to overcook it. Reduce simmer time slightly to keep it juicy.
What to Serve with Chicken Curry
A great curry deserves great companions. Here are our favorite pairings:
Rice: Fluffy basmati or jasmine rice is classic for soaking up every last drop of the delicious sauce.
Naan Bread: Warm, soft naan bread (especially garlic naan!) is perfect for dipping.
Simple Salad: A cool cucumber and tomato salad provides a refreshing contrast to the warm curry.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Storing Leftovers
Allow the curry to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors often get even better the next day!
Freezing and Thawing
This chicken curry recipe freezes exceptionally well. Cool completely and store in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
The Ultimate 30-Minute Chicken Curry Recipe
FL Recipes
Chicken Curry Recipe: The Easiest, Creamiest 30-Minute Meal
This easy chicken curry recipe is ready in just 30 minutes! Made with tender chicken, creamy coconut milk, and fragrant spices, it's a simple, one-pot weeknight dinner that's better than takeout.
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 4-5 minutes until soft. Add garlic and ginger, cooking for 1 more minute until fragrant.
Stir in the tomato paste, curry powder, turmeric, and cumin. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until the spices are very fragrant.
Add the chicken pieces, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Cook until lightly browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
Pour in the coconut milk and chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pan to release any browned bits. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 10-12 minutes until chicken is cooked through and sauce has thickened.
Remove from heat and stir in the fresh lime juice and chopped cilantro. Serve immediately with rice or naan bread.
Nutrition
Calories: 485kcalProtein: 32gFat: 35gFiber: 3g
Notes
For the best flavor, use full-fat canned coconut milk, not the light version or coconut milk from a carton. The flavors will deepen and be even better the next day!
Absolutely! Chicken breast works well. Since it’s leaner, be careful not to overcook it. We recommend reducing the final simmer time by a few minutes to ensure the chicken stays juicy and tender.
If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can let it simmer uncovered for an extra 5 minutes to allow some of the liquid to evaporate. Alternatively, you can mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry and stir it into the simmering curry until it thickens.
This recipe is mildly spiced for broad appeal. To increase the heat, add 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper along with the other spices, or sauté a chopped chili pepper with the onions.
For the richest and creamiest curry, it’s essential to use full-fat, canned coconut milk. Avoid using ‘light’ coconut milk or the refrigerated beverage type, as they will result in a thin, less flavorful sauce.
When stored in an airtight container, leftover chicken curry will last for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. The flavors often meld and become even more delicious the next day!
More Delicious Chicken Recipes to Try!
If you loved this simple and flavorful dish, you’re sure to enjoy some of our other favorites! For another incredible Indian-inspired meal, try our fan-favorite classic butter chicken (coming soon). We know you’ll love it!
We hope you enjoy making this creamy chicken curry recipe as much as we do. If you try it, please leave a comment below to let us know how it turned out! And don’t forget to share your beautiful creations with us on Pinterest!
Hi, I’m Emily Carter, and welcome to FL Recipes! I share simple, healthy recipes that make cooking easy, fun, and delicious for everyone. more about me »
