Simple Chicken Curry
A light yet deeply flavorful chicken curry perfect for a healthy, high-protein meal. Tender chicken breast is simmered in a simple onion-tomato gravy, seasoned with aromatic Indian spices. Ready in under 40 minutes and uses minimal oil.
For 4 servings
Marinate the chicken.
In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with half of the turmeric powder, half of the red chili powder, and half of the salt. Mix well and set aside for at least 10 minutes while you prepare the gravy.
TIPMarinating helps the chicken absorb flavors and stay tender.Temper the whole spices.
- Heat the oil in a heavy-bottomed pan or kadai over medium heat.
- Once the oil is hot, add the cumin seeds and let them splutter.
- Add the bay leaf, cinnamon stick, cloves, and green cardamom pods. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
TIPKeep the heat on medium to prevent the whole spices from burning.Build the aromatic base.
- Add the chopped onions to the pan and sauté until they turn soft and golden brown, which should take about 6-8 minutes.
- Add the ginger-garlic paste and slit green chilies. Cook for another minute until the raw smell disappears.
Cook the masala.
- Lower the heat and add the remaining turmeric powder, red chili powder, and coriander powder. Stir for 30 seconds.
- Pour in the tomato puree and add the remaining salt. Mix well.
- Cook the masala, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes are cooked down and you see oil separating from the sides of the mixture. This will take about 5-7 minutes.
TIPCooking the masala until oil separates is key to developing a deep, rich flavor in the curry.Sear the chicken.
Add the marinated chicken pieces to the pan. Increase the heat to medium-high and sear the chicken for 5-7 minutes, stirring to ensure all sides are lightly browned.
Simmer the curry.
- Pour in 1.5 cups of warm water and stir everything together, scraping any bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Bring the curry to a boil, then reduce the heat to low.
- Cover the pan and let it simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
TIPDon't overcook the chicken breast, as it can become dry. Check for doneness after 10 minutes.Finish and garnish the curry.
Turn off the heat. Stir in the garam masala powder and garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves. Let the curry rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For a richer flavor, you can use homemade ginger-garlic paste.
- 2Ensure the chicken is cut into uniform pieces for even cooking.
- 3If the gravy becomes too thick, you can add a splash of hot water to adjust the consistency.
- 4Let the curry rest for at least 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to deepen.
- 5Using fresh, ripe tomatoes for the puree will give the best taste.
Adapt it for your goals.
Healthy
Reduce the oil to 2 tablespoons and add 1 cup of mixed vegetables like carrots and bell peppers along with the chicken for added fiber and nutrients.
veganVegan
Replace the chicken with 400g of firm tofu and 1 can of chickpeas. Add the chickpeas with the tomato puree and pan-fry the tofu separately before adding it at the end.
quickQuick
Use a store-bought tomato puree instead of making it from fresh tomatoes to cut down on preparation time.
high proteinHigh protein
To further boost protein, serve the curry with a side of quinoa or a dollop of Greek yogurt (if dairy is not a concern).
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Lean Protein
Chicken breast provides high-quality lean protein, essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function.
Rich in Antioxidants
Spices like turmeric, cumin, and coriander are packed with antioxidants that help fight inflammation and protect cells from damage.
Boosts Metabolism
The capsaicin in chili powder and compounds in other spices can give a temporary boost to your metabolism.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, this version of chicken curry is very healthy. It uses lean chicken breast, which is high in protein and low in fat, and minimal oil. The use of fresh aromatics and spices provides flavor without adding unnecessary calories.