Friendly Home-Style Chicken Curry Recipe
Making a comforting chicken curry recipe at home is simple with this friendly recipe. Created years ago when my kids were young, it’s become a family favorite. Unlike typical spicy takeout curries, this one is mild, fragrant, and perfect for those who aren’t big curry fans.
You can easily customize it by adding chickpeas, lentils, or frozen peas. Served with basmati rice, it’s a satisfying, fuss-free meal.
If you love bold flavors, don’t miss our sweet and tangy orange chicken recipe—it’s a perfect homemade favorite. Let’s dive into the details of how to make this easy and flavorful chicken curry!
Ingredients for Friendly Home-Style Chicken Curry (Serves 4-6)
Here’s what you’ll need to create this delightful chicken curry:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 kg chicken (cut into strips): I recommend using boneless chicken breasts or thighs. Thighs are great if you want the curry to be more tender and juicy.
- 2 tbsp oil: I use vegetable oil or olive oil, whichever you have on hand.
- 1 onion, chopped: This adds sweetness and depth to the base of the curry.
- 1 can of chopped tomatoes: Provides the perfect tangy base for the curry sauce.
- 1 tbsp Garam masala: A flavorful Indian spice mix that will give the curry its signature fragrance.
- Juice of half a lemon: Adds freshness and balances out the richness of the curry.
For the Paste:
- 1 onion, quartered
- 5 garlic cloves: Garlic is essential for its rich aroma and flavor.
- 1-2 fresh chillies (1 de-seeded for milder flavor): For a slight kick without overwhelming heat.
- 5 cm ginger, chopped: Ginger adds warmth and brightness to the curry.
- 1 whole pepper from a jar: This adds a subtle tanginess that enhances the overall flavor.
- 1 tbsp ground coriander
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika: Adds a nice smoky flavor to balance the spices.
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tbsp tomato purée
- 1 tsp salt
- 200 ml chicken stock: Helps create a smooth, well-seasoned sauce.
Note: The ingredient quantities provided should be enough to serve 4-6 people.
Variations for Your Chicken Curry
This recipe is highly adaptable, so you can make it your own with a few tweaks:
- Dairy-free: To make this curry dairy-free, simply omit the garam masala’s cream-based options or use a dairy-free cream or coconut milk.
- Vegetarian option: You can easily swap out the chicken for chickpeas or lentils for a delicious vegetarian curry.
- Flavor-enhancing add-ins: Add some spinach, frozen peas, or bell peppers at the end of cooking for extra flavor and texture.
If you’re planning your next dish, don’t forget to check our chicken recipes for more easy and tasty options.
Cooking Time
Here’s a quick look at the cooking times:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes to 1 hour
Equipment You Need
Before you start cooking, make sure you have the following equipment on hand:
- Blender: For making the curry paste.
- Large pan or skillet: For cooking the curry and chicken.
- Chopping board and knife: For chopping the vegetables and chicken.
- Wooden spoon: For stirring the curry and ensuring even cooking.
How to Make Friendly Home-Style Chicken Curry?
Let me walk you through how to make this delightful chicken curry, step by step.
1. Soften the Onions in Oil
Start by heating the oil in a large pan or skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onion and cook it for about 5 minutes until it becomes soft and slightly translucent. This process will release the natural sweetness of the onion and form the base of your curry.
2. Make the Curry Paste
While the onions are softening, grab a blender or food processor and add the quartered onion, garlic, chillies, ginger, jarred pepper, ground coriander, cumin, turmeric, smoked paprika, cinnamon, balsamic vinegar, tomato purée, salt, and chicken stock. Blend everything together until smooth. This flavorful paste will be the heart of your curry, so make sure it’s well-mixed.
3. Cook the Chicken and Paste
Add the curry paste to the pan with the softened onions. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes to allow the spices to release their aromas. Then, add the chicken strips to the pan. Stir everything together and cook for about 10 minutes. This is when you want the chicken to develop some color and get those crispy bits that make the curry extra flavorful.
4. Add Tomatoes and Simmer
Once the chicken has taken on some color, pour in the chopped tomatoes and chicken stock. Stir well to combine, and bring the curry to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 15 minutes, or until the sauce thickens up and the chicken is cooked through. You can adjust the seasoning at this point, adding more salt if necessary.
5. Stir in Garam Masala and Lemon Juice
Finally, stir in the garam masala and squeeze in the juice of half a lemon. This will bring a lovely fragrance to the curry and brighten up the flavors. Give everything a final stir and let it simmer for another 2 minutes to combine the flavors. Now, your home-style chicken curry is ready to serve!
Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better
- Use chicken thighs for a more tender, juicy curry. They won’t dry out as quickly as chicken breasts.
- Don’t stir too much while the chicken is cooking in the pan—let it sit for a few minutes to get those crispy, flavorful bits.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, cook the curry for a little longer to allow the liquid to reduce.
- Experiment with add-ins: If you want to add some veggies, throw in some frozen peas or spinach in the last 5 minutes of cooking for extra flavor.
How to Serve Friendly Home-Style Chicken Curry?
For the perfect presentation, serve this curry with freshly steamed basmati rice. The fluffy rice complements the curry’s rich sauce and brings the dish together beautifully. You can also garnish the curry with fresh cilantro or a dollop of yogurt for added creaminess.
If you want to make the meal extra special, serve it alongside naan bread, Ham Salad or poppadoms for some crunch.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick breakdown of the nutritional values per serving (approximate):
- Calories: 300-350 kcal
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fat: 12g
How to Store the Friendly Home-Style Chicken Curry?
- Storing: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It should stay fresh for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze the curry for up to 3 months. Make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.
- Reheating: When reheating, it’s best to use a microwave or stove. If reheating on the stove, add a little water or stock to loosen up the sauce if it thickens too much.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
Here’s why this chicken curry will quickly become a family favorite:
- Quick and Easy: It’s ready in under 45 minutes—perfect for a weeknight dinner.
- Family-Friendly: Mild and fragrant, making it a hit even with picky eaters.
- Customizable: Add veggies, adjust the heat, and tweak the flavors as you like.
- Versatile: You can serve it with rice, naan, or even make it low-carb by serving with cauliflower rice.
FAQs
Can I make this curry without the paste ingredients?
Yes, you can! You can substitute the paste with store-bought curry paste or curry powder, but making the paste yourself will give the dish a deeper flavor.
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
While fresh chicken is recommended for the best results, you can use frozen chicken as well. Just make sure to thaw it properly before cooking.
Can I add vegetables to the curry?
Absolutely! This curry works well with veggies like peas, spinach, or bell peppers. Add them in the last 5 minutes of cooking for the best texture.
How can I make the curry spicier?
If you like your curry spicy, you can add more fresh chillies or even some chili powder. Adjust the level of spice to your personal taste.
