Easy Chicken Curry Recipe
This Easy Chicken Curry recipe is a flavorful and comforting dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Tender chunks of chicken breast are cooked with a fragrant blend of spices, onions, garlic, and ginger, simmered in a rich sauce made from tomatoes and coconut milk. Enhanced with baby spinach and served over boiled rice, this dish offers a perfect balance of warmth and freshness with minimal prep and 30 minutes total cooking time.
- Author: Ava
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Indian
Protein & Vegetables
- 3 chicken breasts (approx 500g/17.5 oz), chopped into bite-size chunks
- 1 large onion (or 2 small), peeled and finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsp minced ginger
- 60 g (2 cups) baby spinach
Spices & Seasonings
- 2 tbsp mild curry powder (use hotter if preferred)
- 1 tbsp ground coriander
- ½ tbsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
Liquids & Others
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 tbsp tomato puree (tomato paste for US)
- 400 g (14 oz) tin finely chopped tomatoes
- 240 ml (1 cup) chicken stock
- 400 ml (14 oz) tin full-fat coconut milk
- 1 tbsp cornflour mixed with 2 tbsp cold water (cornstarch slurry, optional)
To Serve
- Boiled rice
- Fresh coriander
- Chilli flakes
- Heat oil: Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large frying pan or skillet over medium-high heat until hot.
- Cook chicken: Add the chopped chicken breasts and cook for about 5 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken pieces are sealed and lightly browned on the outside.
- Sauté onion: Add the finely chopped onion to the pan with the chicken and cook for another 5 minutes, stirring often until the onion softens and becomes translucent.
- Add aromatics and spices: Stir in minced garlic, minced ginger, curry powder, ground coriander, ground cumin, paprika, ground cinnamon, salt, and black pepper. Cook everything together for about 1 minute to release the fragrant spices.
- Add liquids: Pour in the tomato puree, chopped tomatoes, chicken stock, and full-fat coconut milk. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a gentle bubble, then reduce the heat to low. Simmer gently for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the chicken is fully cooked and the flavors meld together.
- Thicken the curry (optional): If desired, stir in the cornflour slurry (1 tablespoon cornflour mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) to thicken the sauce. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the curry has thickened to your liking.
- Add spinach: Stir in the baby spinach leaves. They should wilt quickly within a minute. Once wilted, turn off the heat.
- Serve: Serve the curry hot over boiled rice. Garnish with fresh coriander and a sprinkle of chilli flakes according to your taste.
Notes
- Use full-fat coconut milk for a richer, creamier curry; light coconut milk can be used for a lighter option but flavor and texture may vary.
- The cornflour slurry is optional and only needed if you prefer a thicker sauce.
- Adjust the heat level by using hotter curry powder or adding more chilli flakes.
- Chicken breasts can be substituted with thighs for a juicier result.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat well on the stove or microwave.
Keywords: chicken curry, easy chicken curry, quick curry recipe, Indian chicken dish, weeknight dinner, curry with coconut milk, chicken curry with spinach