Chicken curry is one of the world’s most beloved comfort foods, offering a perfect blend of warmth, spice, and satisfaction. Whether you crave a creamy, coconut-rich curry, a fiery and robust Indian classic, or a homestyle stew with potatoes, chicken curry adapts to every palate and occasion. This collection of 14 chicken curry dinners brings together the best of global flavors and techniques, from quick weeknight wonders to slow-simmered family feasts. Each recipe is designed to hit the spot—whether you’re after something mild and creamy, bold and spicy, or somewhere in between. Serve with rice, naan, or crusty bread, and let the aromas transform your kitchen into a haven of comfort and flavor.
1. Classic Indian Chicken Curry
Classic Indian chicken curry is a staple that never fails to deliver comfort and flavor. Start by heating oil in a heavy-bottomed pan and adding whole spices like bay leaf, cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom for a fragrant base. Sauté finely chopped onions and green chili until golden, then add ginger garlic paste and cook until the raw aroma disappears. Stir in tomatoes, turmeric, and salt, cooking until the tomatoes are soft and mushy. Add red chili powder, yogurt (or a cashew paste substitute), garam masala, and coriander powder, cooking until the mixture is thick and aromatic. Add chicken pieces and coriander leaves, frying until the chicken turns pale. Cover and cook briefly so the chicken absorbs the spices, then pour in hot water to create a rich gravy. Simmer until the chicken is tender and the sauce thickens, adjusting salt and garam masala to taste. Finish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot with naan or rice for a meal that’s both hearty and deeply satisfying. Get the recipe: Chicken Curry Recipe
2. Creamy Homestyle Chicken Curry
For a creamy, comforting curry, marinate chicken in salt, cumin, coriander, turmeric, black pepper, and cayenne. Blend garlic, ginger, onion, and water until smooth, then brown the marinated chicken in oil or ghee. Remove the chicken and sauté the onion-ginger mixture until the water evaporates. Add more ground spices and tomato paste, cooking until fragrant. Slowly incorporate yogurt, stirring well to prevent curdling, then return the chicken to the pan with water and salt. Simmer until the chicken is tender, then finish with garam masala and cream for richness. The result is a luscious, aromatic curry that’s perfect with basmati rice or naan, offering layers of flavor in every bite. Get the recipe: Our Favorite Chicken Curry Recipe
3. Dhaba Style Chicken Curry
Dhaba style chicken curry is inspired by the rustic, spicy curries served at roadside eateries in India. Marinate chicken with ginger garlic paste, lime juice, and salt. Grind onions, ginger, garlic, and green chilies to a paste. In mustard oil, temper cumin seeds and whole spices, then add the onion paste and cook until golden brown. Add tomatoes, turmeric, red chili powder, and coriander powder, cooking until the tomatoes melt and the mixture forms a paste. Add chicken and garam masala, roasting briefly before adding water. Simmer until the chicken is cooked through and the gravy is thick. Finish with a tempering of ghee, butter, green chilies, and ginger, and garnish with coriander. Serve with rice or flatbread for a bold, aromatic meal that’s perfect for family gatherings. Get the recipe: Dhaba Style Chicken Curry
4. Authentic Bengali Chicken Curry
This Bengali-style chicken curry, or murgir jhol, is known for its light, stew-like gravy and the addition of potatoes, which soak up the curry’s flavors. Marinate chicken with onions, garlic, green chilies, ginger, yogurt, turmeric, red chili, garam masala, salt, lime juice, and mustard oil. Parboil potatoes and fry thinly sliced onions with sugar until caramelized. Add turmeric, salt, and water, frying until the mixture is dry, then add the marinated chicken and cook until the raw smell is gone. Add potatoes and hot water, simmering until both chicken and potatoes are tender. Garnish with coriander leaves for a comforting, homestyle curry that’s perfect with steamed rice. Get the recipe: Chicken Curry—detailed recipe with video
5. Sri Lankan Chicken Curry
Sri Lankan chicken curry is all about bold, tropical flavors. Cut chicken into small pieces and sauté onions in coconut oil until soft, then add garlic, ginger, curry powder, chili powder, paprika, cinnamon, and curry leaves. Cook until fragrant, then add chicken, green chilies, salt, tomatoes, and a bit of sugar. Sauté for 10 minutes, then add coconut milk, water, and lime juice or vinegar. Simmer until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is thick and aromatic. Adjust salt and serve with rice for a spicy, coconut-rich curry that’s both hearty and vibrant. Get the recipe: Best Chicken Curry Recipe (Sri Lankan)
6. Quick Coconut Chicken Curry
This quick coconut chicken curry is perfect for busy nights. Sauté chicken pieces in oil, then add curry powder, tomato paste, and coconut milk. Simmer until the chicken is cooked and the sauce thickens, then finish with yogurt and mango chutney for a sweet, tangy twist. Serve with rice and fresh cilantro for a meal that’s creamy, mildly spiced, and family-friendly—ready in under 30 minutes. Get the recipe: Quick Coconut Chicken Curry Recipe
7. Indian Chicken Curry (Murgh Kari)
Murgh Kari is a classic Indian curry where chicken breasts simmer in a sauce of yogurt, tomatoes, fresh ginger, garam masala, and warm spices. Sauté onions, garlic, and ginger, then add tomatoes, spices, and yogurt to create a thick, flavorful base. Add chicken and cook until tender, letting the sauce reduce and intensify. Serve with rice or naan for a comforting, aromatic dinner that’s both traditional and easy to make. Get the recipe: Indian Chicken Curry (Murgh Kari) Recipe
8. Simple Chicken Curry for Beginners
This beginner-friendly chicken curry uses basic pantry staples for maximum flavor with minimal fuss. Sauté onions, garlic, and ginger, add tomatoes and spices, then stir in chicken and cook until tender. Finish with fresh coriander and serve with rice or bread. The result is a flavorful, tender curry that’s perfect for those new to Indian cooking or anyone seeking a quick, reliable dinner. Get the recipe: Chicken Curry Recipe
9. Restaurant-Style Chicken Curry
For a restaurant-style experience at home, start by marinating chicken in yogurt, spices, and lemon juice. Sauté onions, garlic, and ginger, then add tomatoes, ground spices, and the marinated chicken. Cook until the chicken is tender and the sauce is thick and glossy. Finish with cream or butter for a rich, velvety texture. Serve with naan or rice for a meal that rivals your favorite takeout. Get the recipe: Chicken Curry – RecipeTin Eats
10. One Pot Curry Chicken and Rice
This rustic One Pot Curry Chicken and Rice is packed with hot Asian spices and fragrant coriander. Sauté onions, ginger, and garlic, then add chicken, tomatoes, and a blend of ground and whole spices. Simmer until the chicken is tender and the sauce is thick. Serve with rice or flatbread for a quick, satisfying meal that delivers big flavor with minimal cleanup. Get the recipe: Chicken Curry Recipes
11. Yogurt Chicken Curry
For a lighter, tangy curry, marinate chicken in yogurt, then cook with onions, garlic, tomatoes, and a blend of spices. The yogurt keeps the chicken tender and adds a subtle creaminess to the sauce. Serve with rice or naan for a meal that’s both comforting and refreshing. Get the recipe: Indian Chicken Curry II
12. Chicken Curry with Potatoes
Adding potatoes to chicken curry creates a hearty, stew-like dish that’s perfect for family dinners. Sauté onions, garlic, and ginger, then add chicken, potatoes, tomatoes, and spices. Simmer until everything is tender and the flavors meld. Serve with rice or bread for a filling, satisfying meal. Get the recipe: Chicken Curry—detailed recipe with video
13. Spicy Dhaba-Style Chicken Curry
Inspired by Indian roadside eateries, this spicy dhaba-style chicken curry features a bold blend of ground spices, onions, tomatoes, and green chilies. Marinate chicken, sauté a spice paste, add tomatoes and chicken, and simmer until rich and thick. Finish with a tempering of ghee, butter, and fresh herbs for a curry that’s bursting with flavor and perfect with rice or roti. Get the recipe: Dhaba Style Chicken Curry
14. Easy Weeknight Chicken Curry
For a fast, flavorful dinner, sauté chicken with onions, garlic, and ginger, then add curry powder, tomatoes, and coconut milk. Simmer until the chicken is cooked and the sauce thickens. Serve with rice and a squeeze of lime for a quick, satisfying curry that’s perfect any night of the week. Get the recipe: Easy Chicken Curry
Chicken curry is a dish that brings comfort, excitement, and global flavor to your table. With these 14 recipes, you can explore creamy, spicy, homestyle, and restaurant-style curries—each one guaranteed to hit the spot. Serve with your favorite sides and enjoy the warmth and joy of a great curry dinner, any night of the week.
