Simple Chicken Curry
A flavorful and easy-to-make Simple Chicken Curry featuring tender chicken simmered in aromatic spices and a rich, savory sauce perfect for a homestyle meal.
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds chicken pieces thighs or breasts, cut into uniform pieces
- 2 medium onions finely sliced
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tbsp ginger grated
- 2 large tomatoes chopped or 1 cup canned tomatoes
- 1 cup coconut milk or yogurt
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp cumin powder
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- 1/2 tsp garam masala
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- A handful of fresh cilantro chopped (for garnish)
- 2-3 tbsp vegetable or canola oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp lemon juice optional, for marination
Instructions
Preparation:
- Clean and cut the chicken into even pieces.
- In a bowl, lightly marinate the chicken with salt, turmeric, and lemon juice for 10–15 minutes.
- Finely slice the onions and mince the garlic and ginger.
Building the Base:
- In a large pan, heat the oil over medium heat.
- Add the sliced onions and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5–7 minutes.
- Stir in the garlic and ginger, cooking for an additional 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Sprinkle in the cumin, coriander, and chili powder if using; stir well to combine and let the spices toast for about 1 minute.
Cooking the Chicken:
- Add the marinated chicken pieces to the pan and cook until they are lightly browned on all sides.
- Mix in the chopped tomatoes and allow them to soften for 3–4 minutes.
- Pour in the coconut milk or stir in the yogurt, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Simmering:
- Cover the pan and let the curry simmer on low heat for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Once the chicken is fully cooked and tender, stir in the garam masala and adjust the salt and pepper to taste.
Finishing Touches:
- Remove the pan from heat and let the curry rest for a few minutes.
- Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro before serving.
Notes
- Estimated calorie per serving: ~400-450 kcal.
- Adjust the oil quantity if you prefer a lighter dish.
- For a thicker sauce, simmer uncovered for an extra 5 minutes.
- Swapping coconut milk with yogurt can offer a tangier flavor profile.
- Allowing the curry to rest for a few minutes after cooking enhances the blend of spices.
- Ensure all chicken pieces are uniformly cut for even cooking.