Recipes you will love forever.

Chicken Curry

ByAva
Published OnSep 3, 2024
Updated OnAug 12, 2025

Chicken curry is a dish that transcends borders; it is widely celebrated for its intense flavours. This dish originated from South Asia, and over time, it evolved into many different variations. And, the Northern Indian versions often use ghee along with subtle spices. In contrast, South Indian chicken curries have bold, spicy flavours which sometimes feature the use of tamarind and coconut milk.

Beyond India, chicken curry has found its place around the world, from the fragrant Sri Lankan preparations to the exotic Moroccan versions. Many consider chicken curry a timeless dish.

There are many different types of chicken curry in the world. Butter chicken, also known as Murgh Makhani, is a rich and creamy curry made with tomatoes and butter. This dish is slightly spicier than chicken curry. Chicken Tikka masala is a dish that involves marinating chicken pieces, then grilling and simmering them in a tomato sauce. Vindaloo originates from Goa; it is a dish with a bold, tangy flavour that uses vinegar and a combination of spices.

What do you Need to Make Chicken Curry?

Chicken Drumsticks, Onion, Garlic Cloves and Ginger Paste, Paprika powder, Cinnamon, Turmeric, Cardamon, Cumin powder, Garam masala, Chili flakes, Tomato sauce, Tomato paste.

Chicken drumsticks provide a tender base for this dish. You can also use chicken breasts, chicken thighs, or a combination of different pieces. The foundational elements of this dish are the aromatics, which include onion, garlic, and ginger paste, which together add to the depth and fragrance of this dish.

Paprika powder adds a mild sweetness and enhances the colour of the tomatoes in the dish. You can use chili powder in its place; it is spicier than paprika powder. The warmth of cinnamon and turmeric adds a complex flavour to this dish. The cumin powder, along with the garam masala, adds a beautiful fragrance. We’ve used half a jar of tomato sauce for this recipe.

Instructions

Roughly chop the onions and garlic. Set the temperature of the stove to medium-low heat. Add oil to the pot, add the onions and garlic. Sauté until the onions and garlic have caramelized to a golden hue, this entire process should take about seven to eight minutes.

Thereafter, add the spices and mix the ingredients well. Allow the spices to cook for one to two minutes. Add the tomato paste and cook the paste with the onions for another two to four minutes.

Wash the chicken drumsticks, add the chicken to the pot. The spices will infuse into the chicken and add a rich flavour to the dish. Add water, close the pot lid and simmer for ten minutes.

Add half of the tomato sauce to the pot. Mix the ingredients and let it simmer for twenty minutes on low heat. Add a little bit more water and close the lid of the pot to ensure that the steam remains insulated in the pot so that the chicken does not dry out.

Garnish with chopped parsley and serve on rice or naan. That’s it, the chicken curry is ready to enjoy with your family.

Expert tips

It is important to caramelize the onion and garlic until it is golden and crispy. Ginger and Garlic paste mellows out that chicken flavour. Tomato paste is an essential factor in the chicken curry, it provides a concentrated tomato flavour for this dish. Lightly cooking the spices for a few minutes with the onion and garlic will amplify the flavours of this dish. You can also use fresh tomatoes, instead of tomato sauce to make chicken curry. (Blend three large tomatoes for best results) We’ve used a jar of tomatoes that is lightly flavoured with herbs and spice.

What to Serve with Chicken Curry?

You can serve chicken curry with many different side dishes. Basmati rice is a classic choice in India, and it is also favoured around the world. Jasmine rice also pairs well with this dish. If you’re in the mood for bread, consider a soft and fluffy naan bread which is ideal for scooping up the curry.

Roti is widely eaten in India, most Indian supermarkets sell both roti and naan. You can also make roti at home, its really easy and uses three ingredients; flour, water and salt. Raita is another popular side dish that will pair well with Chicken curry. This is a yogurt based dish that will help balance the spicy flavours of the curry.

How to Store Chicken Curry?

Store in the pot or in an airtight container. Place in the refrigerator for three to four days. If choosing to freeze, place in the freezer in a container and store for two to three months.