The aroma of spices dances through the air as you step into the kitchen, promising an adventure for your taste buds. The rich hues of turmeric and vibrant red chili powder beckon you to indulge in a comforting bowl of indian curry chicken that warms both your heart and soul.

Picture this: it’s a chilly evening and you’ve had a long day at work. You crave something hearty, vibrant, and oh-so-delicious. What better than a steaming pot of indian curry chicken simmering on the stove? It’s not just food; it’s an experience that transports you to a bustling market in India with every tantalizing bite.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This simple indian curry chicken is packed with flavor and requires minimal preparation time
- The golden sauce is visually appealing and sure to impress guests
- Versatile enough for weeknight dinners or special occasions, it pairs beautifully with rice or naan
I remember the first time I made this dish; my family was so impressed they nearly staged a reenactment of a Bollywood dance number right in the kitchen!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless Chicken Thighs: Tender thighs hold up well in cooking and soak up flavors beautifully.
- Onion: Use yellow onions for their sweetness; they’ll caramelize nicely in the pan.
- Garlic and Ginger: Freshly minced garlic and ginger create an aromatic base that’s simply irresistible.
- Tomato Puree: This adds depth and richness to your sauce, balancing all those spices perfectly.
- Coconut Milk: For creaminess without dairy; it also adds a subtle sweetness to balance the spices.
- Spices (Cumin, Coriander, Turmeric, Garam Masala): These are essential for achieving that authentic Indian flavor profile.
- Cilantro: Fresh cilantro as a garnish brightens up your dish and adds a pop of color.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prep Your Ingredients: Gather all your ingredients on the counter so everything is within reach when you start cooking. Dice the onion, mince garlic and ginger finely for maximum flavor release.
Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot over medium heat, add oil and sauté onions until they turn golden brown and fragrant. This should take about 5-7 minutes—your kitchen will smell heavenly!
Add Chicken and Spices: Toss in boneless chicken thighs along with garlic, ginger, cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala. Cook until the chicken turns golden brown on all sides for about 8-10 minutes.
Incorporate Tomato Puree: Stir in tomato puree thoroughly with the chicken mixture until everything is well combined. Let it simmer together for 3-4 minutes to meld those wonderful flavors.
Pour in Coconut Milk: Add coconut milk into the pot; stir well until everything is creamy and dreamy! Bring it to a gentle simmer; reduce heat if necessary.
Simmer Away!: Cover the pot partially with a lid and let your curry simmer away for 20-30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through tenderly absorbing all those spices.
Garnish & Serve!: Once done cooking, sprinkle fresh cilantro over the top before serving. Pair this delightful dish with fluffy rice or warm naan for an unforgettable meal!
Now you have created an enticing dish that will leave everyone begging for seconds! Enjoy every bite of this flavorful journey through India right at your dining table!
You Must Know
- This Indian curry chicken recipe bursts with flavor and is a go-to for impressing guests
- The rich aroma of spices fills your kitchen, making it feel like a cozy restaurant
- Plus, it’s adaptable for any spice level, so everyone can enjoy it!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes. Sauté onions until golden, then add garlic and ginger, followed by spices and tomatoes before adding the chicken.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap chicken for paneer or chickpeas for a vegetarian twist. Add coconut milk for creaminess or fresh cilantro as a fragrant garnish.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover curry in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of water if needed to maintain consistency.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For extra depth of flavor, toast your spices before adding them to the dish
- Always taste throughout cooking to adjust seasoning
- Marinating chicken overnight enhances tenderness and flavor absorption significantly
Sharing this recipe brings back memories of my first dinner party. Friends devoured my curry, and I felt like a culinary wizard!
FAQ
Can I make Indian curry chicken ahead of time?
Absolutely! It tastes even better when made a day in advance as flavors meld beautifully.
What can I serve with Indian curry chicken?
Serve it with basmati rice or warm naan bread for a complete meal experience.
Is this recipe spicy?
You control the spice level; adjust chili pepper quantities according to your taste preferences!

Authentic Indian Curry Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Indulge in this rich and creamy Indian curry chicken, infused with aromatic spices and coconut milk, perfect for cozy dinners or special gatherings.
Ingredients
- Boneless chicken thighs
- Yellow onion
- Garlic
- Fresh ginger
- Tomato puree
- Coconut milk
- Spices: cumin, coriander, turmeric, garam masala
- Fresh cilantro
Instructions
- 1. Prep: Dice the onion and finely mince the garlic and ginger.
- 2. Sauté: In a large pot over medium heat, heat oil and sauté onions until golden (5-7 minutes). Add garlic and ginger; cook until fragrant.
- 3. Cook Chicken: Add boneless chicken thighs and spices (cumin, coriander, turmeric, garam masala). Brown chicken on all sides (8-10 minutes).
- 4. Add Tomato: Stir in tomato puree and simmer for 3-4 minutes to blend flavors.
- 5. Incorporate Coconut Milk: Pour in coconut milk; stir to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- 6. Simmer: Cover partially and let simmer for 20-30 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
- 7. Garnish & Serve: Top with fresh cilantro and serve with rice or naan.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 105mg