Easy Chicken Curry Recipe

Chicken curry is a favorite dish around the world, enjoyed for its rich flavors and comforting warmth. This versatile recipe can be customized with different spices to suit your taste preferences. Whether you're looking for an authentic Indian chicken curry or something lighter that suits your dietary needs, this easy chicken curry recipe has it all.

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 3-4 green chilies or red bell peppers (for some spice), optional
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon turmeric powder
• 2 teaspoons cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon fenugreek seeds
• 4-5 bay leaves
• 1 cinnamon stick (optional)
• 1 can of coconut milk or 1 cup of heavy cream
• Salt to taste
• Fresh cilantro for garnishing, optional
• Few curry leaves (optional) - great for flavoring

Cooking time: Approximately 30 minutes

Number of servings: 4-6 people

Instructions:

Begin by heating the oil in a large pan over medium heat. Once it's hot, add the chopped onion and sauté until they turn golden brown.

Add the garlic and green chilies or bell peppers (if using). Stir for about 1-2 minutes to infuse flavor into your dish.

Now, sprinkle turmeric powder on top of these ingredients. Allow it to cook without burning; this will help develop the desired color later in the process.

Mix cumin seeds, mustard seeds, and fenugreek seeds together until they start popping - this signals that they are ready for adding into your curry mix. Add them to the pan along with the bay leaves and cinnamon stick (if using). Stir well to ensure everything gets combined properly.

Step 4:

Once all ingredients have been incorporated, pour in a can of coconut milk or add one cup of heavy cream for that creamy texture. Mix thoroughly so every piece of chicken is covered evenly by the sauce.

Salt according to your preference and let simmer on low heat for about 20 minutes while stirring occasionally until the curry thickens slightly but remains pourable.

Step 5:

Add the chicken pieces into the mixture once it has cooked down. Allow them to cook through thoroughly, ensuring they are fully coated in the flavorful sauce. This step typically takes around 10-12 minutes depending on how thick or liquidy you want your final product.

Step 6:

The moment your chicken curry reaches this point, remove it from heat and garnish with fresh cilantro if desired. Serve hot over steamed rice or with naan bread for a complete meal experience!

Tips & Variations

• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of green chilies to control how spicy your chicken curry will be.
• Dairy Options: For those who prefer non-dairy options, coconut milk works wonderfully; however, if you're using heavy cream, ensure it's unsweetened and pasteurized.
• Serving Suggestions: Serve alongside plain rice or naan bread. You could also serve with some Indian flatbread like roti or chapati for a more authentic touch.

This easy chicken curry recipe is not only quick to prepare but also packed full of rich flavors that are sure to satisfy even the most discerning palates. It's perfect for busy weeknight dinners when you need something delicious yet simple, making it ideal for families or groups of friends who love good food.

To enhance this dish further, consider experimenting with additional spices like cardamom pods, cloves, or even a few drops of tamarind paste if you're feeling adventurous. These additions can take your basic chicken curry to new heights of flavor complexity!