Curry chicken dishes offer a world of flavors that bring comfort and excitement to your dinner table. From creamy butter chicken to spicy Thai red curry, these recipes showcase how versatile this cooking style can be.
You’ll find curries that vary in spice level, sauciness, and preparation methods. Some recipes include slow cooker options that make weeknight meals easier.
These recipes draw inspiration from many cultures including Indian, Thai, Malaysian, and Indonesian cuisines. Each curry has its own unique blend of spices and ingredients that create distinct flavor profiles.
Whether you prefer a mild coconut-based curry or something with more heat, there’s a curry chicken recipe that will satisfy your taste buds.
1. Classic Indian Chicken Curry with Garam Masala
This iconic chicken curry combines tender chicken pieces with a rich, aromatic sauce. You’ll need garam masala, a warming spice blend that forms the backbone of this dish.
Start by sautéing onions, garlic, and ginger until fragrant. Add your chicken and brown it slightly before incorporating tomatoes and yogurt for a creamy texture.
Simmer the chicken slowly with garam masala, turmeric, and other spices to let the meat become tender and absorb all the delicious flavors. Serve your curry with basmati rice or naan bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.
A garnish of fresh cilantro adds brightness to the dish.
2. Jamaican Curry Chicken with Coconut Milk
Jamaican Curry Chicken with Coconut Milk blends fragrant spices with creamy richness for an authentic Caribbean experience. This comfort dish features tender chicken pieces simmered in a flavorful sauce.
The key ingredients include Jamaican curry powder, chicken (often thighs for more flavor), coconut milk, garlic, hot peppers, and potatoes. You can find all these spices at your local grocery store.
The coconut milk adds a creamy texture while balancing the heat from the spices. Let the chicken simmer slowly to absorb all the flavors.
This dish works well with rice to soak up the delicious curry sauce.
3. Creamy Coconut Chicken Curry
Creamy coconut chicken curry combines tender chicken with a rich, velvety sauce that’s both comforting and flavorful. This family-friendly dish uses coconut milk as its base, creating a smooth texture that balances the curry spices.
You can customize this curry to your preferred spice level. Braise onions in the coconut milk to add depth to the flavor profile.
For added nutrition, try mixing in spinach toward the end of cooking. The mild, creamy nature of this curry makes it perfect for weeknight dinners.
4. South Indian Chicken Curry with Curry Leaves
South Indian chicken curry stands out with its distinctive use of curry leaves. These fragrant leaves add a unique citrusy and slightly bitter flavor that creates depth in the dish.
The curry typically includes a spice blend of black peppercorns, mustard seeds, and sometimes fennel. Many authentic recipes also incorporate crushed cashews for richness and texture.
South Indian versions tend to be spicier and often use coconut milk for creaminess. Traditional Andhra chicken curry (Kodi Kura) and Kerala style chicken curry (Nadan Kozhi) are popular variations.
Use either bone-in chicken for more flavor or boneless thighs for convenience. Serve with rice or parotta for a complete meal.
5. Thai Green Chicken Curry
Thai Green Chicken Curry is a flavorful dish that combines the aromatic punch of green curry paste with creamy coconut milk. It’s both comforting and exotic.
Make this curry in about 30 minutes using store-bought curry paste, or create your own paste from scratch with ingredients like green chilies, garlic, lemongrass, and kaffir lime leaves.
The authentic version typically includes Thai fish sauce and palm sugar for that perfect balance of savory and sweet. Add vegetables like bell peppers, bamboo shoots, or Thai eggplant.
Use full-fat coconut milk and serve your curry with jasmine rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
6. Chicken Tikka Masala
Chicken Tikka Masala features tender chunks of chicken in a creamy, flavorful sauce. This beloved curry dish combines the char-grilled taste of chicken tikka with a rich tomato-based gravy.
You’ll need boneless chicken thighs, garam masala, and several other aromatic spices. Marinate the chicken before cooking to enhance its flavor.
Prepare Chicken Tikka Masala in an Instant Pot or on the stovetop. This versatile recipe works well for healthy meal plans like the 21 Day Fix.
For authentic restaurant-style results, follow the cooking techniques of top curry houses. The combination of spices creates an irresistible aroma and taste.
7. Sri Lankan Authentic Chicken Curry
Sri Lankan chicken curry stands out with its complex flavors and aromatic spices. This curry is typically made with a homemade curry powder blend that gives it a distinctive taste.
The traditional recipe combines chicken with a mix of spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and curry leaves. Many Sri Lankan households pass down their special curry powder recipes through generations.
Serve this spicy, flavorful curry with rice, rotti, or hoppers for an authentic Sri Lankan meal. The curry develops deeper flavors when left to rest, making it even better the next day.
8. Malaysian Curry Chicken with Potatoes
Malaysian Curry Chicken with Potatoes (Kari Ayam) combines tender chicken and hearty potatoes in a rich, aromatic sauce. This dish features a unique blend of Malaysian, Singaporean, and Indonesian cooking styles.
The curry is creamy thanks to coconut milk and gets its distinctive flavor from fish sauce and lemongrass. It’s seasoned with a mix of spices that create a deep, complex taste without being too spicy.
Serve this comfort food with rice, bread, or traditional roti jala (Malaysian net crepes). It’s a one-pot meal that’s both flavorful and satisfying.
9. Quick Yogurt-Based Chicken Curry
Yogurt-based chicken curry is perfect when you need a tasty meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The yogurt helps tenderize the chicken while adding a creamy texture to the sauce.
You’ll need plain whole milk yogurt, chicken pieces, and basic curry spices like turmeric, cumin, and coriander. Some recipes also include tomato paste or coconut milk for extra flavor.
Cook your spices first, add the chicken until sealed, then stir in yogurt and simmer for 20-25 minutes. Unlike cream-based curries, this version is lighter but still flavorful.
Customize the spice level to suit your taste preferences. Serve with rice or naan for a complete meal.
10. Goan Chicken Curry with Tamarind
Goan Chicken Curry stands out with its unique blend of coconut and tangy tamarind. This South Indian specialty uses coconut oil and milk as base ingredients, creating a rich and creamy texture.
The dish gets its signature flavor from tamarind, which adds a pleasant sourness that balances the richness of the coconut. For authentic results, marinate your chicken for an extended period.
Local spices play a key role in this curry. The combination creates a complex flavor profile that’s both warming and refreshing.
Serve this curry with rice or bread to soak up the flavorful gravy.
11. Butter Chicken (Murgh Makhani)
Butter Chicken is a classic Indian dish featuring tender chicken in a creamy tomato gravy. First marinate and grill the chicken (traditionally in a tandoor), then simmer it in the signature sauce.
The rich sauce combines butter, tomato sauce, and aromatic spices like cumin, garam masala, and Kashmiri chili powder. Garlic and ginger add depth of flavor to this popular curry.
You can easily make this restaurant favorite at home with simple ingredients from your local grocery store. The dish balances mild heat with creamy sweetness.
Serve your Butter Chicken with naan bread or rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
12. Bengali Chicken Curry with Mustard Seeds
Bengali chicken curry, also known as Murgir Jhol, is a comforting dish enjoyed in homes across Bengal. This light, flavorful curry features tender chicken pieces and potato chunks swimming in a thin, spiced gravy.
Mustard seeds or paste give the curry its signature tangy profile. Some versions use panch phoran, a Bengali five-spice blend that adds depth to the dish.
You’ll find tomatoes in many recipes, adding a slight acidity that balances the richness. The curry often includes turmeric, coriander, and cumin for a warm spice profile.
For authentic flavor, cook with mustard oil. Serve your Bengali chicken curry with steamed rice.
13. Nepalese Spiced Chicken Curry
Nepalese chicken curry offers a unique flavor profile that sets it apart from other Asian curries. Unlike many Indian versions, it doesn’t use coconut milk or cream, resulting in a lighter but still flavorful dish.
You’ll need chicken (thighs or breasts), onions, garlic, and ginger as your base. Traditional recipes include warming spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves, which give the curry its distinctive taste.
This curry often incorporates vegetables like cauliflower and peas for added texture and nutrition. Serve your Nepalese curry with rice for a satisfying meal.
14. Kerala Chicken Curry with Coconut Oil
Kerala Chicken Curry is a flavorful dish from the southern Indian state of Kerala. It uses coconut oil as its base, which gives it a distinct tropical aroma and taste.
Combine chicken pieces with sliced onions, both large and small varieties. Indian spices like fennel seeds create its signature flavor profile.
Fresh coconut or coconut milk adds richness to the curry. This dish is often called “Nadan Kozhi Kari” in Kerala, with “nadan” meaning traditional and “kozhi” meaning chicken.
Serve this spicy curry with rice or flatbreads like parotta.
15. Afghan Chicken Curry with Dry Fruits
Afghan Chicken Curry offers a unique twist on traditional curry with its creamy texture and smoky flavor. This delicious dish combines tender chicken with a rich sauce that’s perfect for dipping with naan or roomali roti.
Marinate chicken in a flavorful masala paste, then fry it before creating a luscious gravy. The addition of dry fruits gives this curry a sweet contrast to its savory elements.
You can prepare this impressive dish using common pantry ingredients, making it both accessible and exotic.
16. Hyderabadi Chicken Curry
Hyderabadi Chicken Curry combines rich spices and a luxurious sauce for a truly memorable meal. The dish features a complex base of onion, garlic, and ginger that creates its distinctive flavor.
A unique blend of peanuts, coconut, and sesame seeds gives this curry a creamy, indulgent texture. These ingredients add depth of flavor and set it apart from other chicken curries.
The curry typically includes garam masala and heat from chili peppers. You can adjust the spice level to your preference while still enjoying authentic Hyderabadi flavors.
17. Bangladeshi Chicken Curry with Yogurt
Bangladeshi Chicken Curry with Yogurt, also known as Doi Murgi, combines tender chicken with the tanginess of yogurt. The yogurt adds creaminess and helps tenderize the meat.
To make this curry, marinate chicken in yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, and spices like garam masala, coriander, cumin, and turmeric. This step infuses the meat with flavor and creates a more tender result.
Traditional recipes use bone-in chicken pieces for extra flavor. Whole spices like cinnamon sticks, cardamom pods, and cloves create a fragrant base.
You can cook this dish with mustard oil for an authentic touch. Vegetable oil works well too.
18. Mughlai Chicken Curry with Cashews
Mughlai Chicken Curry is a rich North Indian dish with royal origins. It features tender chicken pieces bathed in a thick, creamy sauce.
The sauce combines ground cashews, yogurt, and warming spices to create a velvety texture. To make this at home, marinate chicken with yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, turmeric, and chili powder.
Simmer the marinated chicken in a gravy of browned onions and cashew paste. For authentic flavor, add a pinch of saffron.
Serve Mughlai Chicken Curry with naan bread or rice.
19. Easy Pantry-Style Chicken Curry
You can create a delicious chicken curry using items already in your pantry. This approach is perfect for busy weeknights when you need dinner quickly.
Start with chicken, onions, and basic spices like curry powder, turmeric, and cumin. If you have coconut milk, it creates a creamy base that brings everything together beautifully.
Pantry-style curry offers flexibility. Use powdered ginger if you don’t have fresh, and garlic powder if you’re out of fresh garlic.
Adjust the heat level using red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper. This curry comes together in just 15 minutes.
20. Slow Cooker Indian-Style Chicken Curry
This slow cooker chicken curry delivers authentic Indian flavors with minimal effort. The chicken turns out tender and juicy after simmering in aromatic spices.
Combine chunks of chicken thighs with coconut milk, curry powder, garam masala, and other Indian spices in your slow cooker. The low, steady heat helps the meat absorb all those wonderful flavors.
Let it cook for 4-6 hours on the low setting. The result is a rich, flavorful curry with perfectly cooked chicken that practically falls apart.
Serve this curry over rice with a side of naan bread. Enjoy the leftovers the next day as the flavors continue to develop.
21. Chicken Curry with Mango Chutney
Chicken Curry with Mango Chutney combines savory curry flavors with sweet mango for a delicious meal. This dish features boneless chicken cooked with onions, fresh ginger, and garlic in a creamy coconut milk base.
A blend of curry powder and spices creates rich, warming flavors. Fresh or ripe mango pieces add natural sweetness that balances the spice perfectly.
Make your own mango chutney with diced mango, red onion, oil, and fresh ginger. The chutney adds a bright, fruity element to the curry.
Serve this curry over rice or with couscous.
Essential Ingredients for Curry Chicken
Creating a delicious curry chicken dish requires specific ingredients that build authentic flavor. The right combination of spices and quality chicken cuts will elevate your curry.
Spices and Seasonings
Curry powder forms the foundation of most curry chicken recipes. This blend typically contains turmeric, coriander, cumin, and fenugreek.
Add individual spices like cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom for deeper flavor. Garlic and ginger are essential aromatics that create a flavorful base.
Fresh garlic and ginger are best, but pre-minced options work if needed. Onions provide sweetness and body to your curry sauce.
Yellow onions work well, though red onions add a sharper flavor profile. Include chili peppers or cayenne for heat, salt and sugar for balance, bay leaves for subtle depth, and paprika for color and mild flavor.
Many authentic recipes incorporate yogurt or coconut milk for creaminess. These ingredients also help tenderize the chicken and mellow spice intensity.
Choosing the Right Chicken Cuts
Bone-in chicken pieces retain more moisture and flavor during simmering. Thighs and drumsticks are particularly good choices for curry due to their higher fat content.
If you prefer boneless options, thigh meat offers more flavor than breast meat. It also stays tender during longer cooking times.
For quicker cooking, boneless chicken breast works well but requires careful attention to avoid drying out. Cut breast meat into even-sized chunks to ensure consistent cooking.
Consider using fresh chicken instead of frozen when possible. Organic or free-range chicken often provides better flavor.
Skin-on pieces add richness, but you can remove the skin before serving. Uniform sizing ensures even cooking.
Tips for Perfecting Curry Chicken
Making delicious curry chicken requires balancing flavors and using proper cooking techniques. Simple adjustments can transform your curry.
Balancing Flavors and Heat
Bloom your spices in hot oil before adding other ingredients. This releases their essential oils and deepens flavor.
Toast whole spices like cumin seeds first, then add ground spices like turmeric, coriander, and curry powder. Layer your flavors by starting with aromatics like onions cooked until golden brown, then add garlic and ginger paste.
Fresh tomatoes provide acidity that balances richness. Add a pinch of sugar to round out spicy or acidic flavors.
Control the heat level by adjusting cayenne or red chili powder. Start with less and add more as needed.
Let your curry simmer slowly to allow flavors to meld together. Taste as you go and adjust seasonings.
Techniques for Tender Chicken
Marinate your chicken before cooking. Even 20 minutes with spices like salt, cumin, and turmeric makes a difference in flavor and tenderness.
Cut chicken pieces to uniform sizes so they cook evenly. Bone-in chicken adds more flavor, while boneless cooks faster.
Don’t overcrowd your pan when browning chicken. Work in batches to ensure proper searing.
For extra tender chicken, use the two-stage cooking method:
- Briefly sear the chicken to lock in juices.
- Gently simmer the chicken in the curry sauce until fully cooked.
Coconut milk creates a creamy, rich texture that keeps chicken moist during cooking. Add coconut milk later in the cooking process to prevent separation.
Let your curry rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the chicken to absorb more flavor.
