Authentic Indian Chicken Curry: A Spicy Delight

Ingredients

  • 500 grams of chicken, cut into pieces
  • 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
  • 2 medium onions, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon of fresh ginger, grated
  • 2 teaspoons of turmeric
  • 2 teaspoons of cumin
  • 2 teaspoons of coriander
  • 1 teaspoon of chili powder
  • 2 tablespoons of curry powder
  • 1 can of diced tomatoes (400 grams)
  • 1 can of coconut milk (400 grams)
  • 1 cup of chicken broth
  • Salt to taste
  • Coriander leaves for garnish

Steps and instructions

  1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat.
  2. Add the chopped onions to the pan and sauté until they become translucent.
  3. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the pan and sauté for another 2 minutes.
  4. Add the turmeric, cumin, coriander, chili powder, and curry powder to the pan. Stir well to combine with the onions, garlic, and ginger.
  5. Add the chicken pieces to the pan, ensuring they are coated with the spice mixture. Cook until the chicken is browned on all sides.
  6. Add the diced tomatoes, coconut milk, and chicken broth to the pan. Stir well to combine.
  7. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and allow it to simmer for approximately 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the flavors have melded together.
  8. Add salt to taste.
  9. Serve the chicken curry garnished with coriander leaves.

Tools for making

  • Cutting board - to chop the onions and prepare the ingredients
  • Knife - for cutting the chicken and other ingredients
  • Large pan - for cooking the chicken curry
  • Spatula - for stirring and flipping the chicken
  • Measuring spoons - to accurately measure the spices
  • Grater - for grating the fresh ginger
  • Can opener - to open the cans of diced tomatoes and coconut milk
  • Cover - to cover the pan while simmering the curry

Recipe variations

  • Replace chicken with tofu or paneer for a vegetarian option.
  • Add vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, or potatoes for added texture and flavor.
  • Experiment with different spices like garam masala, cardamom, or cinnamon for a unique twist.
  • Use coconut oil instead of vegetable oil for a subtle coconut flavor.
  • Add a splash of lemon juice or tamarind paste for a tangy kick.
  • For a spicier curry, increase the amount of chili powder or add some red pepper flakes.
  • Include some cashew paste or ground almonds to create a creamy and rich sauce.
  • For a lighter version, substitute coconut milk with low-fat yogurt or almond milk.
  • Garnish with sliced green chilies or fried onions for added visual appeal.
  • Serve the curry with rice, naan bread, or roti for a complete meal.

Recipe overview

Enjoy a taste of authentic Indian cuisine with this homemade Chicken Curry recipe. This dish is packed with flavor from aromatic spices like turmeric, cumin, coriander, and of course, curry powder. It's a hearty and filling meal, with tender pieces of chicken simmered in a rich, creamy sauce made from tomatoes, coconut milk, and chicken broth. You'll not only enjoy making this dish, but you will also love the rich, spicy flavors that are characteristic of a traditional chicken curry. Serve it over a bed of warm rice and garnish with fresh coriander for a complete meal. Whether you're new to Indian food or a seasoned enthusiast, this Chicken Curry recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.

Common questions

  1. What type of chicken is best for this curry?
    Any boneless chicken pieces such as chicken breast or chicken thighs can be used for this curry recipe.
  2. Can I use curry paste instead of curry powder?
    Yes, you can substitute curry powder with curry paste. Adjust the amount according to your taste preference.
  3. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
    Yes, you can easily make this recipe vegetarian by replacing the chicken with vegetables like potatoes, bell peppers, carrots, or tofu.
  4. How spicy is this chicken curry?
    The spiciness of the curry can be adjusted by altering the amount of chili powder or adding fresh chili peppers according to your preference.
  5. Can I make this curry ahead of time?
    Yes, this curry can be made ahead of time and tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to develop. Simply reheat it before serving.
  6. What can I serve with this chicken curry?
    This chicken curry pairs well with steamed rice, naan bread, or roti. You can also serve it with a side of cucumber raita or plain yogurt to balance the flavors.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Cutting board - Used for chopping and preparing ingredients
  • Chef's knife - Essential for cutting the chicken and other ingredients
  • Large pan - Used for sautéing the onions, garlic, and ginger, as well as simmering the curry
  • Stirring spoon - To mix the ingredients and ensure even cooking
  • Measuring spoons - For accurately measuring spices and other ingredients
  • Can opener - Needed to open the cans of diced tomatoes and coconut milk
  • Serving bowl - Used to present the chicken curry when serving
  • Garnish platter - For arranging coriander leaves to garnish the curry

Origin stories

Curry, as we know it today, is a melange of flavors that echo centuries of trade, conquest, and colonization. Originating from the Indian subcontinent, the term 'curry' was anglicized by the British during their colonial rule in India. The word 'curry' itself derived from 'kari', a term from the Tamil language meaning 'sauce' or 'relish for rice'. Indian curry, typically a blend of turmeric, cumin, and coriander, served as a staple for the British East India Company's sailors, who took the taste back home and spread it across their empire. Interestingly, each region where curry took root, adapted the recipe to its own palate, resulting in diverse variations - from the creamy Kormas of North India to the spicy vindaloos of Goa, the mild curries of Japan, and the fruit-infused ones of the Caribbean. So, when you savor your chicken curry, remember, you're partaking in a global culinary legacy that has been simmering for centuries.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.