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Quick Creamy 30-Minute Chicken Curry

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A quick and easy creamy chicken curry recipe that comes together in under 30 minutes, delivering comforting, flavorful, and tender chicken in a luscious sauce perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated (optional but recommended)
  • 2 tablespoons curry powder (mild blend preferred)
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 can (13.5 oz / 400 ml) coconut milk (full-fat for creaminess or light for fewer calories)
  • 1/2 cup plain yogurt (Greek yogurt works great)
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or ghee
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped for garnish (optional)
  • Fresh chili or chili flakes, optional for heat

Instructions

  1. Prep your ingredients: chop onion, mince garlic, grate ginger, and cut chicken into bite-sized pieces.
  2. Toast cumin seeds in a pan over medium heat for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn them.
  3. Add oil or ghee to the pan, then sauté the chopped onion for 4-5 minutes until soft and translucent.
  4. Add garlic and ginger, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
  5. Stir in curry powder and turmeric powder, coating the onions and toasting spices for about 30 seconds.
  6. Add tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes to deepen flavor.
  7. Add chicken pieces, stirring to coat evenly, and cook on medium-high for 5-7 minutes until chicken starts to brown but is not fully cooked.
  8. Pour in coconut milk and yogurt, stir to combine, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  9. Season with salt and pepper, add fresh chili or chili flakes if desired, and garnish with chopped cilantro before serving.

Notes

Toast spices briefly to unlock their oils and flavor. Be patient when sautéing onions to avoid burning. Lower heat when adding coconut milk and yogurt to prevent curdling. Stir gently and avoid boiling vigorously. Adjust thickness of sauce by adding water or chicken stock if too thick. Use fresh spices and good-quality coconut milk for best results.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken curry, creamy chicken curry, quick chicken curry, easy dinner, 30-minute curry, weeknight dinner, coconut milk curry