Easy Chicken Curry Recipe: Creamy Coconut Chicken Curry
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Some weeknights call for comfort in a bowl. This easy chicken curry recipe delivers exactly that: tender chicken thighs simmered in a creamy coconut sauce fragrant with curry powder, ginger, and garlic. It tastes like it simmered for hours — it takes 35 minutes.
This is the curry to memorize for busy evenings. One pot, simple spices, and a sauce so good you'll want to lick the spoon. Let's cook.

Creamy coconut chicken curry with tender chicken pieces — on the table in 35 minutes.
Recipe Info
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 25 minutes
- Total time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories: ~420 kcal per serving
Ingredients
- 700 g / 1½ lb boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-size pieces
- 400 ml / 1¾ cups coconut milk (one can)
- 1 large onion, finely chopped (about 150 g / 1 cup)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tbsp curry powder
- 1 tsp ground turmeric
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 red chili, sliced (optional, for heat)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp salt, plus more to taste
- ½ tsp sugar
- Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
- Steamed rice or naan, to serve

Simple ingredients, big flavor — everything you need for this easy chicken curry.
Instructions
- Sear the chicken: Heat the oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with a pinch of salt and sear for 4–5 minutes until lightly golden. Remove and set aside.
- Soften the aromatics: In the same pot, cook the onion for 4–5 minutes until soft and translucent. Add the garlic, ginger, and chili; cook 1 minute more until fragrant.
- Bloom the spices: Stir in the curry powder, turmeric, cumin, and tomato paste. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until the spices smell toasty and coat the onions.
- Add the coconut milk: Pour in the coconut milk, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Stir until smooth.
- Simmer the curry: Return the chicken to the pot. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 15 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Season and finish: Stir in the salt and sugar. Taste and adjust — add more salt for depth or a pinch more sugar to round out the heat.
- Rest briefly: Take the pot off the heat and let the curry rest for 5 minutes so the sauce thickens slightly.
- Serve: Spoon over steamed rice or with warm naan, and shower with fresh cilantro.

Serve it with warm naan or rice to soak up every drop of the fragrant sauce.
Tips & Variations
- Use chicken thighs. Thighs stay juicy through simmering; chicken breast works too but can dry out — cut the simmer to 10 minutes if you use it.
- Bloom the spices properly. Frying the dry spices in oil for a full minute wakes up their flavor — skipping this step gives you a flat-tasting curry.
- Adjust the heat. Keep the chili out for a mild family-friendly version, or add ½ tsp of chili flakes with the spices for a proper kick.
- Make it richer: Stir in 2 tbsp of peanut butter at the end for a satay-style twist.
- Add vegetables: A handful of spinach, green peas, or diced bell pepper added in the last 5 minutes stretches the curry to feed more.
- Storage: Refrigerate for up to 3 days — the flavor actually improves overnight. Freeze for up to 2 months; thaw overnight and reheat gently.
Nutrition Note
This is an approximate guide only, not dietary advice. One serving (without rice or naan) contains roughly 420 kcal, 28 g protein, 28 g fat, and 9 g carbohydrates. Coconut milk is high in saturated fat, so keep portions sensible and load up on vegetables.
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FAQ
Can I use light coconut milk?
Yes, but the sauce will be thinner and less rich. If you do, simmer it uncovered for the last 5 minutes to reduce and thicken the sauce.
How do I thicken my chicken curry?
Simmer it uncovered for a few extra minutes to reduce, or stir in a slurry of 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp cold water and simmer until glossy.
Can I make this curry ahead of time?
Absolutely — curries taste even better the next day as the spices meld. Make it a day ahead, refrigerate, and reheat gently over low heat.
What should I serve with chicken curry?
Steamed jasmine or basmati rice is the classic choice. Naan, roti, or even crusty bread all work wonderfully for scooping up the sauce.
One pot, 35 minutes, and a curry that tastes like the weekend — this creamy coconut chicken curry is about to become a weeknight regular. Have you tried this recipe? Tell us in the comments below, and save this recipe for your next busy evening!
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