Why Everyone’s Talking About Curry Chicken Bake
It’s no surprise that this recipe is number four in our top ten of 2023—it’s crazy popular! Whether you love it or hate it, there’s no denying the unique appeal of Curry Chicken Bake. With a flavour-packed tikka masala base, the dish combines rich, bold curry with tender chicken thighs, perfectly cooked basmati rice, and a creamy sauce that’ll have you licking the plate. 🍽️ Plus, there’s something about the simplicity of throwing everything into a baking dish and letting the oven do the hard work that makes this recipe a winner in my book.
Now, I know curry dishes can sometimes be intimidating if you’re not used to cooking with lots of spices, but that’s where this bake comes in. The secret to its ease? Pre-made curry paste! It does all the heavy lifting in terms of flavour, meaning you don’t have to be a spice expert to pull this off. 😎
Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Curry Chicken Bake 📝
If you want to take your Curry Chicken Bake to the next level, here are a few tricks I’ve picked up after making this dish more times than I can count:
- Use chicken thighs over breasts. Thighs stay tender and juicy throughout the cooking process. They hold up better to the long bake time and infuse the dish with so much flavour. If you’ve only got breasts on hand, that’s fine, just keep in mind they might dry out slightly quicker.
- Basmati rice is your best bet. It cooks perfectly in the curry sauce, becoming fluffy and full of flavour. If you’re in a pinch, jasmine rice can work too, but basmati’s texture is ideal for soaking up all that saucy goodness.
- Evaporated milk gives it that creamy, indulgent texture without being overly rich like coconut milk. But if you’re a coconut lover, go ahead and swap it out for coconut milk—just expect a slightly sweeter and richer finish.
- Don’t skip the wet baking paper step! This little trick traps the steam and ensures your rice cooks perfectly, so no one ends up with hard, undercooked grains.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions 🍽️
When it comes to serving your Curry Chicken Bake, it’s a complete meal all on its own with the chicken, rice, and sauce all in one dish. But if you’re feeling extra fancy, a few additions can make it even better:
- A fresh side salad with cucumber, tomatoes, and a tangy yoghurt dressing is a great contrast to the richness of the curry.
- Serve with naan bread for extra dunking action—nothing beats wiping up that last bit of sauce with a warm, soft naan. 🫓
- Roasted veggies, like spiced cauliflower or green beans, make a great side if you want to add more greens to your plate.
And of course, if you’re feeling extra indulgent, top your curry chicken bake with a dollop of Greek yoghurt or mango chutney to balance out the spices. 🍋
Ingredients and Substitutions 🥄
- Tikka Masala Curry Paste: This is your flavour base, but feel free to experiment with other types of curry paste. For a milder version, try butter chicken paste.
- Evaporated Milk: This is a lighter alternative to cream or coconut milk, but coconut milk can add a luscious, tropical twist.
- Chicken Thighs: Boneless and skinless thighs are perfect, but if you prefer chicken breasts, they work too. Just watch the cooking time!
Give It a Go and Share! 💛
I can’t wait for you to try this Curry Chicken Bake! It’s one of those dishes that’ll make your kitchen smell incredible, your belly happy, and your family asking for seconds (or thirds!). When you give it a go, be sure to snap a pic and tag me on Instagram @steph_cooks_stuff – I love seeing your takes on my recipes! 📸
Similar Recipes to Try:
If this Curry Chicken Bake has you craving more delicious, one-pan meals with bold flavours, you’re in for a treat! Here are a few similar recipes that are just as easy and comforting:
Curry Chicken Bake
- Total Time: 70
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
Number 4 in our top ten recipes of 2023! This one was very controversial as it usually is when a recipe goes viral! Love it or hate it, it was crazy popular
Hey, foodie friends! 🍲 Who’s ready to spice things up? I’ve got the ultimate comfort food with an exotic twist for you – Curry Chicken Bake. Super easy, amazingly tasty, and it only takes a few pantry staples. 😋
Ingredients
- 1 jar tikka masala curry paste
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 can water (use tomato can for measure)
- 1 can evaporated milk
- 4 chicken thighs, diced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 cups basmati rice
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 180C.
- In a baking dish, pour in your curry paste, tomatoes, water, and evaporated milk. Mix until combined.
- Add your diced chicken thighs, sliced onion, and basmati rice to the baking dish. Stir until everything is nicely coated.
- Cover your dish with wet baking paper and then foil and bake for 40 minutes.
- After 40 minutes, remove the foil and return the dish to the oven for another 20 minutes. Your Curry Chicken Bake is ready when the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked.
Notes
There you have it – a divine Curry Chicken Bake that will warm your soul and wake up your taste buds.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 60
- Category: Recipes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Australian
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! While tikka masala gives a great balance of spices and richness, you can swap it out for other curry pastes like korma or madras if you prefer. Just keep in mind that the flavour will vary depending on the paste you choose.
Yes! Curry Chicken Bake stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you’re making it ahead, just reheat in the oven or microwave. You may want to add a splash of water or stock when reheating to loosen up the sauce.
Definitely. Let the dish cool completely before portioning it out into freezer-safe containers. It will keep for up to 3 months. When reheating, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake or microwave until heated through.