A flavorful dinner doesn’t have to be complicated. Try this Simple Curry Chicken Recipe for your next weeknight meal. This Indian-inspired Chicken Curry is ready in less than 30 minutes and is a gluten-free and dairy-free recipe. Best of all, the leftovers taste even better the next day! 

plate with simple chicken curry and rice.

Curry has such a wonderful flavor and it’s so easy to make at home! Skip the expensive restaurant versions and make this budget-friendly dish that the whole family will enjoy.

This easy Chicken Curry recipe doesn’t use a lot of exotic spice jars that will clutter your pantry, making it accessible and perfect even if it’s your first time making curry.

So, the next time you are craving Indian food, try this delicious recipe using tender chicken, creamy coconut milk and curry spice.

Making Easy Chicken Curry

  • Curry powder is the only seasoning you might not have on hand. No need to buy a bunch of jars you may only use once.
  • Curry traditionally uses coconut milk, making this dairy-free.
  • Dinner will come together in under 30 minutes! Let your Instant Pot make rice while you cook the curry.

Ingredients

Ingredients to make simple chicken curry in small bowls on a white surface.

Chicken breast is a lean protein that soaks up all the wonderful curry flavors. You can use boneless skinless chicken breasts or chicken thighs. If you don’t eat meat, you could easily substitute the chicken with chopped tofu.

Crushed tomatoes add color and flavor without spicy heat.

Coconut milk brings creaminess to the dish without any dairy or heavy cream.

Yellow curry powder is a key ingredient for Indian curries that gives us that great curry flavor in a single jar. Look for a mild curry powder which usually includes a mixture of ingredients.

You’ll also need some cooking oil to sauté the veggies. You can use any neutral-flavored oil including olive oil or avocado oil.

Please see the recipe card at the end of this post for the exact ingredients and measurements.

Recipe Steps

Process collage on how to make chicken curry in a saucepan.

Step One

Sauté onion and garlic in a large skillet to create a flavor base.

Please see the recipe card at the end of this post for the exact ingredients and measurements.

Step Two

Add the chicken pieces, curry powder, and tomatoes and stir well.

Bring to a simmer over medium heat.

Step Three

Cover the pan and let simmer until the chicken is cooked through. Be careful not to let it dry out.

Step Four

Stir in the coconut milk and heat through before serving with rice.

I hope you agree that this easy chicken recipe is a new favorite. I’ve included it in my list of healthy back to school recipes since it’s so great for a busy school night.

A wooden spoon in a saucepan of simple chicken curry.

Recipe Tips & Substitutions

  • Any good chicken curry is best served with steamed basmati rice or sauteed cauliflower rice. It is also great served with Indian-style naan bread. 
  • Store any leftovers in a tightly covered container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat before serving.
  • If your curry powder contains salt, then leave out any additional salt until you taste the finished dish. Most curry powders do not contain salt, though.
A white dinner plate loaded with white rice and chicken curry.

Easy Chicken Curry FAQs

Is this recipe allergy friendly?

As written this is gluten-free and dairy free. Serving over rice or potatoes keeps this gluten-free and fits into many diets.

Is curry spicy?

As always, spiciness is personal preference. Curry isn’t necessarily spicy hot like you’d think of Mexican food. It is often just a different flavor profile that you may not be used to. The coconut milk helps temper it some and you can also serve with plain Greek yogurt or coconut yogurt on the side.

Can I use light coconut milk?

Yes, but the sauce won’t be as rich or flavorful.

How do I make this dish spicier?

If you want to increase the spice level, feel free to add up to 1/2 teaspoon each of cayenne pepper and red curry paste.

A fork lifting up a bite of chicken curry with white rice.

More Healthy Chicken Recipes You Might Like

I hope you make this recipe! If you do, please leave a comment and a starred review below.

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A white dinner plate loaded with white rice and chicken curry.

Simple Curry Chicken Recipe Using Coconut Milk

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4.8 from 4 reviews

A flavorful dinner doesn’t have to be complicated. Try this Simple Curry Chicken Recipe for your next weeknight meal. This dairy-free Indian-inspired Chicken Curry is ready in less than 30 minutes and uses coconut milk instead of cream.

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 2 tablespoons cooking oil (I used avocado oil)
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1.25 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 3 pieces), cut into 1-inch chunks
  • 2 tablespoons curry powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1 15ounce can crushed tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup full-fat canned coconut milk (you can use heavy cream if you are not on a dairy-free diet)
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped cilantro (optional, for topping)

Instructions

  1. In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the oil over medium heat for a few minutes.
  2. Add the onion and garlic and sauté for a few minutes, stirring occasionally.
  3. Add the chicken, curry powder, and chopped tomatoes. Stir and bring to a simmer. 
  4. Reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet or saucepan. Let the chicken cook for about 12-15 minutes, or until it is cooked through. If the mixture starts to look dry, then you can add up to ¼ cup of water to the skillet.
  5. Remove the lid, stir in the coconut milk, and then turn off the heat.
  6. Serve hot, with the cilantro sprinkled on top.

Notes

  1. This dish is best served with steamed rice or sauteed cauliflower rice. It is also great served with Indian-style naan bread. 
  2. Store any leftovers in a tightly covered container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat before serving.
  3. If your curry powder contains salt, then leave out any additional salt until you taste the finished dish. Most curry powders do not contain salt, though.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size:
  • Calories: 328
  • Sugar: 4.1 g
  • Sodium: 75.7 mg
  • Fat: 17.4 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 9.7 g
  • Fiber: 3.4 g
  • Protein: 34.2 g
  • Cholesterol: 103.4 mg

About the Author: Carrie Forrest has a master’s degree in public health with a specialty in nutrition. She is a top wellness and food blogger with nearly 10 million annual visitors to her site. Carrie has an incredible story of recovery from chronic illness and is passionate about helping other women transform their health. Send Carrie a message through her contact form.

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