Authentic Indian Chicken Curry Recipe

Unlock the secrets to a vibrant, flavorful Indian chicken curry! This fresca, saucy recipe is a family heirloom, passed down through generations. Unlike other generic curries, this recipe delivers a burst of authentic Indian spices and tender chicken, perfect for a weeknight meal. Serve with fluffy white rice or fragrant basmati for a truly unforgettable experience. Omit the butter for a healthier twist, without sacrificing any deliciousness! Get ready to impress your family and friends with this easy-to-follow recipe.

Prep Time 20 mins

Cook Time 30 mins

Calories 226.2 kcal

Protein 38g

Rating Be the first

267

Recipe Actions

Share this recipe:

Recipe Author

The Forktionary Kitchen Team

Adapted from Food.com, then tested & standardized by Forktionary.

Ingredients for Authentic Indian Chicken Curry

2 lbs chicken
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon cumin seeds
1/2 teaspoon cloves
1 large onion, chopped
2 (14.5 ounce) cans diced tomatoes
1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
1-2 green chilies, slit lengthwise
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
1 tablespoon garlic, minced
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (plus more for garnish)
1 teaspoon coriander powder
1 teaspoon turmeric
1/2 teaspoon red cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon cumin powder
1 1/2 teaspoons garam masala
Butter
1 cup water
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds
1/2 teaspoon cardamom
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
3/4 teaspoon fenugreek leaves

Cook Smarter with Sous, Your Kitchen Companion

Missing an ingredient for this Authentic Indian Chicken Curry? Need a perfect wine pairing or a healthy side dish idea? Don't guess—ask Sous! Your AI-powered sous-chef is ready to help you swap ingredients, adjust serving sizes, and discover flavor tips in seconds.

How to Make Authentic Indian Chicken Curry

In a large bowl, marinate the chicken with 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste, 1 tsp turmeric powder, 1 tsp red chili powder, 1 tsp garam masala, 1/2 tsp cumin powder, salt to taste, and 1 tbsp lemon juice. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes.
Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large pan or pot over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook until browned on all sides.
Add 1 large chopped onion and cook until softened (about 5 minutes).
Stir in 1 tsp of cumin seeds, 1/2 tsp mustard seeds, and 1-2 green chilies (slit lengthwise). Cook for a minute until fragrant.
Add 1 (14.5 oz) can of diced tomatoes, 1 cup of water, and 1/2 cup of heavy cream (or coconut milk for a vegan option).
Bring to a simmer, reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened.
Stir in 1/4 cup chopped cilantro before serving. Garnish with extra cilantro and a squeeze of lemon juice (optional).
Serve hot with white rice or basmati rice.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

27 g

Sugar

19g

Fat

13g

Carbs

Recipe Categories (Choose a category and find related recipes!)

Main Courses Main Dish / Dinner Poultry Chicken Recipes Indian Gluten Free One Pot Meals

Recipe Tags (Choose a tag and find related recipes!)

Curries 30 Minutes Or Less Time To Make Course Cuisine Preparation Occasion Main Dish Asian Indian Easy Dinner Party Spicy Taste Mood Number Of Servings

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to make Authentic Indian Chicken Curry?

Authentic Indian Chicken Curry takes about 50 minutes from start to finish — roughly 20 minutes to prepare and 30 minutes to cook.

How many calories are in Authentic Indian Chicken Curry?

Authentic Indian Chicken Curry has approximately 226.2 calories per serving, with about 38 g protein, 3 g carbohydrates and 19 g fat.

What ingredients do I need for Authentic Indian Chicken Curry?

The key ingredients for Authentic Indian Chicken Curry are Chicken Tenders, Olive Oil, Cinnamon Sticks, Cumin Seeds, Cloves, Yellow Onion. See the full list with measurements above.