Name: Authentic Indian Chicken Curry Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 2 pounds whole chicken cut into pieces, skin and excess fat removed; 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced; 4 medium Roma tomatoes or 3 large vine tomatoes; 2 tablespoons ginger-garlic paste (or 1 inch grated ginger & 5 to 6 grated garlic cloves); ½ cup light olive oil or any other light cooking oil; 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro; Water, as needed; 1-2 green chilis (like Thai chili, jalapeno, or Serrano), optional; 2 cinnamon sticks; 4 green cardamom pods; 4-5 cloves; 3-4 whole peppercorns; 2 bay leaves; 2 teaspoons coriander powder; 1 teaspoon cumin powder; 1 teaspoon turmeric powder; 1 ½ teaspoons Kashmiri red chili powder (use 1 teaspoon for less spicy); ½ teaspoon Garam Masala (homemade recommended); 1 ¼ teaspoons pink salt, or to taste

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 46 reviews

If you have ever craved a rich, flavorful, and deeply comforting dish that brings the soul of Indian cuisine right to your kitchen, this Authentic Indian Chicken Curry Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a one-pot wonder that combines tender pieces of chicken with a perfectly balanced blend of spices, fresh tomatoes, onions, and a touch of ginger-garlic magic. Whether you’re cooking for a family feast or a cozy dinner, this dish is all about bold flavors and heartwarming tradition, and it’s surprisingly easy to prepare in under an hour!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a top view of four white bowls on a white marbled surface. The biggest bowl, in the top left, holds raw chicken pieces in pale pink and light gray shades with smooth texture. To the right of it, a medium bowl contains a bright red, slightly chunky sauce. Below these, a small fluted bowl has five sections of spices: light pink salt, pale yellow minced garlic, deep red chili powder, mustard yellow turmeric, and dark brown cumin powder, all arranged neatly. The smallest bowl in the bottom left contains a fine, dark brown spice powder. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

To make this recipe shine, you only need simple but essential ingredients that come together to create a symphony of flavors, textures, and colors. Each component plays a crucial role, from the aromatic whole spices to the fresh herbs that finish the dish beautifully.

Chicken (2 pounds, bone-in or boneless): The star of the show, providing succulent meat that absorbs all the spices wonderfully.
Yellow onion (1 medium, thinly sliced): Adds natural sweetness and depth when sautéed to a golden perfection.
Roma tomatoes (4 medium or 3 large vine tomatoes): Pureed to create the luscious base of the curry sauce.
Ginger-garlic paste (2 tablespoons): Gives your curry its signature aromatic punch and warmth.
Light olive oil (½ cup): Or any mild cooking oil, necessary for sautéing spices and onions to unlock their flavors.
Chopped cilantro (2 tablespoons): Fresh herb to brighten and garnish the finished dish.
Green chilis (1-2, optional): For those who like a little heat, these bring a bit of spicy kick.
Whole spices (cinnamon sticks, cardamom pods, cloves, peppercorns, bay leaves): Essential for layering deep, complex flavors in the curry’s foundation.
Powdered spices (coriander, cumin, turmeric, Kashmiri red chili powder, garam masala, salt): These ground spices form the magical red-hued, aromatic curry sauce.
Water (as needed): To adjust the consistency of your curry to your liking.

How to Make Authentic Indian Chicken Curry Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Start by pureeing the fresh tomatoes in a blender or food processor until smooth, thinly slice the onion, and grate your ginger and garlic if you’re not using the pre-made paste. This prep work sets the stage for layers of flavor in your curry.

Step 2: Toast the Whole Spices and Sauté Onions

Heat the oil in a heavy-bottomed pan over high heat until shimmering, then add the sliced onions along with the whole spices and ½ teaspoon of salt. The salt helps the onions cook evenly and removes excess moisture quickly. Sauté on medium heat until the onions turn a beautiful golden brown, about 5 to 8 minutes—that golden color is crucial for a deep flavor base.

Step 3: Add Ginger-Garlic Paste and Chicken

Next, stir in the ginger-garlic paste and cook it just until the raw smell disappears, about one minute. Immediately add your chicken pieces to the pan, coating them well with the fragrant onion mixture.

Step 4: Incorporate Ground Spices and Salt

Now sprinkle in all the powdered spices—coriander, cumin, turmeric, red chili powder, and the remaining salt. Stir carefully to coat every piece of chicken, letting the spices toast slightly, which takes about 2 to 3 minutes. This step deepens the aroma and intensifies the taste.

Step 5: Pour in the Tomato Puree and Simmer

Add the pureed tomatoes to the spicy chicken mixture, sauté for another few minutes to incorporate, then reduce heat to low. Cover and cook for 10 minutes to let the chicken begin to tenderize and the flavors start marrying.

Step 6: Adjust Consistency and Cook Until Tender

Check the curry’s thickness after 10 minutes; if it looks too thick, add a splash of water between 2 tablespoons to ¼ cup. Cover again and simmer gently on low for another 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is tender and the sauce is luscious.

Step 7: Final Touches

Uncover the pan and stir in the garam masala. Taste and adjust salt if needed. Let any excess liquid reduce to your preferred consistency, or leave it slightly soupy if you enjoy that. Finally, sprinkle chopped cilantro for that fresh, herby burst right before serving.

How to Serve Authentic Indian Chicken Curry Recipe

A white plate sits on a white marbled surface, holding three main visual layers: on the right side, a mound of fluffy white rice with individual grains visible; on the left, a thick layer of reddish-brown curry with chunky textures and visible herbs scattered on top, including a split green chili pepper and a cinnamon stick partly submerged in the sauce; resting at the top left edge, a folded piece of light brown flatbread with a soft, slightly puffy texture. The colors contrast between the white rice, vibrant curry, and the bread, creating a warm, inviting dish photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Simple yet impactful garnishes like freshly chopped cilantro add a pop of color and a burst of freshness that complements the savory, spicy curry perfectly. For an extra touch, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens the dish further.

Side Dishes

This curry shines best when paired with fluffy plain rice or warm, buttery naan. Roti or any Indian flatbread also makes a great companion, perfect for scooping up every last bit of the flavorful sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a beautiful presentation, serve the chicken curry in a rustic clay bowl or a vibrant ceramic dish along with a side of pickled vegetables and yogurt raita. This combination not only looks inviting but balances the warm spices with cool, tangy notes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This chicken curry tastes even better the next day as the spices have had more time to meld. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, ensuring you reheat it thoroughly before serving.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy this Authentic Indian Chicken Curry Recipe at a later date, freeze it in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Be sure to cool it to room temperature first, then thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating gently.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the curry slowly on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water if it has thickened too much. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and to revive the sauce’s silky texture.

FAQs

Can I use boneless chicken instead of bone-in?

Absolutely! Boneless chicken cooks faster and is easier to eat, though bone-in pieces add extra flavor and richness to the curry. Choose according to your preference.

What if I don’t have all the whole spices?

You can still make a delicious curry with powdered spices alone, but the whole spices add a wonderful depth and aroma during the cooking process. Try to include at least a few of them for the most authentic flavor.

Is this curry very spicy?

The heat level is moderate and adjustable—using fewer green chilis and less red chili powder will tone it down, while adding more can bring up the spice. It’s easy to customize based on your taste.

Can I make this recipe vegan or vegetarian?

While this recipe centers on chicken, a similar approach can be used with vegetables like cauliflower, potatoes, or chickpeas for a tasty vegetarian version. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.

What’s the key to getting the sauce so flavorful?

Cooking the onions until they are golden and toasting the spices properly are critical steps. These build the base flavor that makes this Authentic Indian Chicken Curry Recipe truly stand out.

Final Thoughts

There is just something incredibly satisfying about crafting a delicious homemade curry that fills your kitchen with inviting aromas and your plate with robust flavors. This Authentic Indian Chicken Curry Recipe is a must-try for anyone wanting to experience the heart of Indian cooking without fuss or complexity. So grab your ingredients, dive in, and get ready to fall in love with every bite!