Easy Homemade Chicken Curry Recipe: A Flavorful Family Favorite

Spicing up weeknight dinners becomes effortless with this delectable chicken curry that promises flavor in every single bite.

Aromas of ginger, turmeric, and fragrant herbs will dance through your kitchen, creating an inviting atmosphere.

Tender chicken pieces nestle in a rich, creamy sauce that balances warmth and complexity.

Indian culinary traditions shine through each carefully crafted ingredient, bringing authentic taste to your table.

Layered spices build depth, ensuring a memorable meal that feels both comforting and exciting.

Mastering this recipe means transforming simple ingredients into a spectacular dish you’ll want to make again and again.

Let’s unlock the secrets of a truly remarkable chicken curry that will impress everyone at the table.

James Martin Chicken Curry FAQ Guide

• What type of chicken works best for this curry?

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are ideal because they stay tender and absorb flavors well during simmering.

• Can I make this curry spicy?

Yes, add fresh chili peppers or increase the amount of red chili in the curry paste to boost heat level according to your preference.

• Is this an authentic Thai curry recipe?

While inspired by Thai flavors with ingredients like lime leaves and lemongrass, this is a simplified home-style curry adaptation that captures traditional taste profiles.

• How do I prevent the coconut milk from separating?

Simmer gently on low heat and stir occasionally to maintain a smooth, consistent sauce texture throughout cooking.

Why James Martin Chicken Curry Is Packed With Flavor

• Embrace Quick Cooking: Master this chicken curry with simple blending and simmering steps that anyone can follow, perfect for busy home cooks seeking delicious meals without complicated techniques.
• Savor Rich Flavor Profile: Packed with aromatic ingredients like lime leaves and lemongrass, this curry delivers complex, authentic tastes that transport your taste buds to Southeast Asian cuisine.
• Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe allows personalization by adjusting spice levels, protein choices, or adding extra vegetables to suit individual preferences and dietary needs.
• Comfort in a Bowl: Creamy coconut milk base creates a warming, satisfying dish ideal for family dinners, gatherings, or when craving a hearty, comforting meal that feels like a culinary hug.

Everything In James Martin Chicken Curry

• Onion, Garlic, Ginger: Classic aromatic ingredients that form the flavor foundation of the curry.
• Green Chili: Adds a fresh, spicy kick to the curry base.
• Turmeric Powder: Provides a warm, earthy color and subtle flavor to the dish.

• Coconut Milk: Creates a rich, creamy base that softens the curry's spiciness.
• Water: Helps adjust the consistency of the curry sauce.

• Chicken Thighs: Tender meat that absorbs the curry's complex flavors perfectly.
• Salt, Sugar: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the overall taste profile.

• Lime Leaves, Lemongrass: Provide a bright, citrusy and herbal note to the curry.
• Fresh Lime Leaves: Used as a final garnish to add a fragrant finishing touch.

Steps To Cook James Martin Chicken Curry

Step 1: Whip Up the Curry Base

• Shallots
• Garlic cloves
• Fresh ginger
• Dried chilies
• Turmeric powder
• Coriander seeds
• Cumin seeds

Blend until you create a vibrant, aromatic paste that looks rich and uniform.

Step 2: Awaken the Curry Flavors

• Coconut milk
• Water
• Kaffir lime leaves
• Lemongrass stalks

Let the mixture simmer and dance with flavors, allowing the herbs to infuse their magical essence into the liquid.

Step 3: Introduce the Chicken

Slide chicken thighs into the simmering curry sauce. Sprinkle in salt and a touch of sugar. Cover and let the chicken cook slowly, absorbing all the incredible spices. Cook until the chicken becomes tender and fully cooked through, about 20-25 minutes.

Step 4: Perfect and Serve

Taste the curry and adjust seasonings as needed. Garnish with fresh torn kaffir lime leaves. Transfer to a serving bowl and enjoy this warm, comforting dish alongside steamed rice or flatbread.

Simple Tips For James Martin Chicken Curry

• Select Tender Cuts: Choose boneless, skinless chicken thighs for maximum flavor and juiciness in your curry.
• Control Spice Levels: Adjust the number of chilies or use milder varieties to customize heat according to your preference.
• Balance Aromatics: Fresh lime leaves and lemongrass are key to creating an authentic, fragrant Thai-style curry base.
• Simmer Slowly: Cook chicken on low heat to ensure meat remains tender and absorbs the rich, complex curry flavors completely.
• Check Seasoning: Taste and fine-tune salt, sugar, and spices at the end to achieve a perfect harmony of sweet, salty, and savory notes.

Ways To Change Up James Martin Chicken Curry

• Vegetarian Tofu Curry: Replace chicken thighs with firm tofu cubes, pressing out excess moisture before adding to the simmering curry sauce for a protein-packed plant-based alternative.
• Seafood Variation: Swap chicken with fresh shrimp or white fish fillets, reducing cooking time to 10-15 minutes to prevent overcooking delicate proteins.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Version: Use cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice, keeping the rich curry sauce while reducing carbohydrate content for keto and low-carb dieters.
• Instant Pot Quick Curry: Transfer all ingredients to pressure cooker, cook on high pressure for 8 minutes, allowing natural release for tender chicken and intensified flavors.

Perfect Pairings For James Martin Chicken Curry

• Complement Curry with Jasmine Rice: Soft, fragrant jasmine rice provides the perfect neutral base to soak up the rich, spicy curry sauce, balancing the intense flavors and adding a delightful texture contrast.
• Pair with Crisp White Wine: A chilled Riesling or Gewürztraminer cuts through the curry's heat, its slight sweetness and acidity harmonizing with the complex spice profile of the dish.
• Match with Fresh Cucumber Salad: A cool, tangy cucumber salad with fresh herbs like mint and cilantro offers a refreshing counterpoint to the warm, spicy curry, cleansing the palate between bites.

Storing James Martin Chicken Curry Properly

• Store leftover curry in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer curry to freezer-safe containers, leaving slight space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label with date and contents.
• Place curry in microwave-safe dish, cover with damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Pour curry into saucepan, add splash of water or coconut milk to prevent drying. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Stir gently to maintain chicken's tender texture.

Chicken Curry Recipe

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4.6 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 30-35 mins
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Spicy chicken curry brings warmth and comfort from Indian culinary traditions, blending aromatic spices with tender meat. Creamy sauce and complex flavors invite you to savor each delicious bite of this soul-satisfying meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 1 kilogram (1 kg) chicken thighs, cut into chunks

Spices and Aromatics:

• 140 grams (140 g) shallots
• 60 grams (60 g) garlic
• 22 grams (22 g) lemongrass
• 6 grams (6 g) galangal
• 15 grams (15 g) green chilli padi
• 7 grams (7 g) belachan
• 2.5 grams (2.5 g) white peppercorns
• 2.5 grams (2.5 g) kaffir lime leaves
• 2 bruised lemongrass stalks
• 7.5 grams (7.5 g) salt
• 10 grams (10 g) sugar

Liquids and Base Ingredients:

• 500 milliliters (500 ml) coconut milk
• 250 milliliters (250 ml) water
• 250 milliliters (250 ml) curry base
• 25 grams (25 g) cooked rice
• Kaffir lime leaves, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Transform the curry base ingredients into a smooth, aromatic paste using a blender or food processor.
2. Pour the paste into a simmering pot with creamy coconut milk and water, infusing it with fragrant lime leaves and lemongrass to develop a rich, complex flavor profile.
3. Gently lower the chicken thighs into the simmering liquid, seasoning with salt and a touch of sugar to balance the taste, and allow the meat to cook thoroughly for 20-25 minutes until tender and fully cooked.
4. Taste and fine-tune the seasoning, ensuring a perfect harmony of flavors, then delicately garnish with fresh, vibrant lime leaves before serving piping hot, accompanied by steamed rice or your preferred side dish.

Notes

• Achieve a smoother curry base by toasting whole spices before blending, which enhances the depth of flavor and releases aromatic oils.
• For a lighter version, swap chicken thighs with skinless chicken breast and reduce cooking time to prevent drying out the meat.
• Balance the curry’s richness by adding a splash of fresh lime juice just before serving, cutting through the creamy coconut milk and brightening the overall taste.
• Consider making this dish gluten-free by using certified gluten-free coconut milk and checking that all spice blends are pure without wheat-based additives.

• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 20-25 mins
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Indian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 481
• Sugar: 3.4g
• Sodium: 469mg
• Fat: 33g
• Saturated Fat: 27g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fiber: 1.7g
• Protein: 36g
• Cholesterol: 110mg