Easy Chicken Curry Recipe
This Easy Chicken Curry is a flavorful and comforting dish made with tender chicken breasts simmered in a rich and aromatic coconut milk-based sauce, enhanced with a blend of mild curry spices. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, it comes together quickly using simple ingredients and is topped with fresh coriander and baby spinach for a vibrant finish.
- Author: Windy
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian-inspired
Protein
- 3 chicken breasts (approx 500g/17.5 oz), chopped into bite-size chunks
Vegetables & Herbs
- 1 large onion (or 2 small), peeled and finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsp minced ginger
- 60 g (2 cups) baby spinach
- fresh coriander (for garnish)
Spices & Seasonings
- 2 tbsp mild curry powder
- 1 tbsp ground coriander
- ½ tbsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- chilli flakes (for garnish)
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 to make a slurry (optional)
- boiled rice, to serve
- Heat the oil: Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large frying pan or skillet over medium-high heat to prepare for cooking the chicken.
- Cook the chicken: Add the chopped chicken breasts to the pan and cook for about 5 minutes, turning occasionally until the chicken pieces are sealed and lightly browned.
- Sauté the onions: Add the finely chopped onion to the pan with the chicken and cook for another 5 minutes, stirring often until the onions are softened.
- Add garlic, ginger, and spices: Stir in the minced garlic, ginger, curry powder, ground coriander, cumin, paprika, cinnamon, salt, and black pepper. Cook for an additional minute while stirring to release the spices’ flavors.
- Add tomato and liquids: Pour in the tomato puree, canned chopped tomatoes, chicken stock, and coconut milk, stirring everything together to combine.
- Simmer the curry: Bring the mixture to a gentle bubble, then reduce heat and simmer gently for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the chicken is fully cooked.
- Thicken the sauce (optional): If a thicker curry is desired, stir in the cornflour slurry (1 tbsp cornflour mixed with 2 tbsp cold water). You can skip this step if the consistency is to your liking.
- Add spinach and finish: Stir in the baby spinach, allowing it to wilt quickly, then turn off the heat to stop cooking.
- Serve: Serve the curry hot over boiled rice, garnished with fresh coriander and sprinkled with chilli flakes for an extra kick.
Notes
- You can adjust the curry powder quantity to increase the heat level to your preference.
- Using full-fat coconut milk adds a rich creaminess, but light coconut milk can be used for a lower calorie option.
- Adding the cornflour slurry is optional; the curry will be saucier without it.
- Serve with boiled rice, naan bread, or your favorite flatbread for a complete meal.
- Leftover curry keeps well in the refrigerator for 2-3 days and freezes well.
Keywords: chicken curry, easy curry recipe, stovetop curry, coconut curry, mild curry, quick chicken dinner