Easy Homestyle Indian Chicken Curry With Step-by-Step Instructions

Nothing beats the smell of chicken curry simmering on the stove, seriously. Every kitchen does it a little differently ,some people go heavy on coconut milk, some stick to tomatoes, and then there are those secret spices everyone swears by. But chicken curry isn’t just dinner, it’s memories. It’s the kind of dish that makes you think of family dinners, lazy Sunday lunches, or just curling up with a bowl when you need a little comfort.

So today, we’re keeping it simple yet soul-satisfying. This Indian chicken curry recipe is made with basic kitchen staples, onions, tomatoes, and a humble mix of masalas, cooked slow till the oil floats on top (that’s when you know it’s ready!).

Rich, spicy, and unapologetically Indian, this is the kind of curry that deserves a big plate of rice or a fluffy naan by its side.

Ingredients for Indian Chicken Curry with Measurements

Everything you need is right here, simple, earthy, and easily available in any kitchen.

Here’s your chicken curry recipe list-

• 3 tbsp olive oil (or any neutral oil) – This is your flavor base. We like olive oil for that smooth richness, but sunflower or coconut oil works too.
  

• 1 small onion, chopped – Adds sweetness and depth. It’s the hero behind that perfect curry thickness.
  

• 2 cloves garlic, minced & ½ tsp grated fresh ginger – The real Indian flavor-makers.
  

• 3 tbsp curry powder – A mix of coriander, turmeric, cumin, and chili powder. Basically, the soul of a spicy Indian chicken curry.
  

• 1 tsp paprika & 1 tsp cinnamon – For warmth, color, and a tiny touch of sweetness that balances the heat.
  

• 1 bay leaf – A subtle background note that makes your kitchen smell like heaven.
  

• ½ tsp sugar & salt to taste – Don’t skip these. Sugar rounds off acidity; salt wakes up all the flavors.

• 2 boneless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces – Tender, juicy, and perfect for soaking up all those spices.
  

• 1 tbsp tomato paste
  

• 1 cup plain yogurt & ¾ cup coconut milk – This combo gives the curry its creamy, melt-in-mouth texture.
  

• ½ lemon, juiced & ½ tsp cayenne pepper – Adds a zingy, fiery finish that keeps things exciting.
  

Nothing complicated. Just good, real ingredients coming together to make something that tastes like home. 

How to Make Indian Chicken Curry – Step-by-Step Cooking Guide

Step 1: Get the Base Going

Place your chopped onions in a pan with heated olive oil. Let them fry till golden. Following the addition of the minced garlic, add the ginger, bay leaf, cinnamon, curry powder, paprika, ginger, salt, and sugar. You should begin smelling the beautiful perfume of these spices..

Step 2: Chicken Time

Add your bite-sized chicken pieces and stir them around to fully coat in all those spices.

Step 3: Make it Creamy and Delicious

Stir the mixture. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then let it cook for 20–25 minutes. You'll know it's ready when the chicken is tender, and the sauce has thickened up great.

Step 4: Finish strong

Remove the bay leaf, stir in lemon juice, a pinch of cayenne pepper. Let it simmer a few more minutes.

Pro Tips to Make Your Chicken Curry Taste Restaurant-Style

Alright, now that your kitchen smells like an Indian restaurant, here are a few pro tips to make your curry taste like it came straight from your favorite dhaba:

1. Toast the spices!
   Don’t rush this part. Giving your curry powder,paprika, and  cinnamon a quick toast in oil wakes up all those deep, aromatic flavors. 

2. Yogurt
   Use plain, full-fat yogurt. It makes the curry rich and velvety. Low-fat yogurt can curdle under heat faster than your patience on a Monday morning.
   

3. Balance is key.
   Too spicy? Add a spoon of yogurt or coconut milk. Too tangy? Stir in a pinch of sugar. 

4. Rest before serving.
   Let the curry sit for 10–15 minutes before eating. The flavors mingle, deepen, and turn from “good” to “omg who cooked this?”
   

5. Optional add-ons.
   Toss in a handful of fresh coriander, a drizzle of cream, or even a few toasted cashews if you’re feeling fancy. (Warning: your guests will ask for seconds.)

What to Serve With Chicken Curry (Best Pairings)

Let’s talk about the best ways to enjoy it, because presentation and pairing make all the difference.

1. Rice
   You can’t go wrong with fluffy basmati or jeera rice. The long grains soak up that luscious curry like a dream. 

2. Naan or Roti
   Soft, buttery naan is the soulmate of Indian curry. Tear, scoop, repeat, no spoons required. If you’re going lighter, a warm whole wheat roti or phulka works just as well.
   

3. Sidekick Salads.
   Freshness cuts through the richness, so serve your curry with a crisp onion-tomato salad or cucumber raita (yogurt mixed with cucumber, cumin, and a pinch of salt). It cools your palate and gives every bite a refreshing contrast.
   

4. Something crunchy.
   Try papad or roasted chickpeas on the side. They add texture and make your plate Instagram-worthy.
   

5. Drinks that vibe.
   Pair your curry with a sweet lassi, a cold beer, or even iced lemon water.
   

6. Sweet ending.
   For dessert, a bowl of kheer (Indian rice pudding) or a scoop of mango ice cream perfectly balances the spice symphony.
   

Chef’s Notes + Variations You Can Try

An Indian chicken curry isn’t just food, it’s that warm, cozy hug you get from the inside. Every home does it a bit differently, right? Some go heavy on coconut milk, some swear by tomatoes and garam masala, and honestly, that’s what makes it fun. For us, it’s all about that sweet spot—the mix of spicy, tangy, and creamy that makes you want to lick the bowl clean.

If you like things with a bit more punch, here’s a little Habanero secret: a quick drizzle of our Hot Sauce on top just before serving gives it that smoky, fiery kick that hits all the right spots. Feeling garlicky? Our Chilli Garlic Sauce is a game-changer, it turns your curry into pure yum in seconds.

Serve it with rice or naan, dig in, and don’t hold back. Weeknight dinner, family feast, or just a “treat-yourself” moment you’ll get that spicy, homey feeling that only a good chicken curry can give. Trust us, it’s worth every bite.

Looking for more Spicy food ideas? Try our Arrabiata Pasta Recipe, Spicy & Creamy Jalapeño Cheese Dip Recipe, How to Make Salsa?

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