Why You’ll Love This Quick Chicken Curry ❤️
- Ready in 30 minutes – Perfect for busy weeknights when you need something fast but full of flavour.
- Budget-friendly – All the ingredients are pantry staples and won’t break the bank.
- One-pan wonder – Less washing up means more time to relax!
- Customisable heat levels – Keep it mild for the kids or spice it up with extra chilli powder.
- Great for meal prep – It tastes even better the next day!
The Secret to a Flavourful Quick Chicken Curry 🌟
A good curry is all about the spices and layering of flavours. In this recipe, we start by browning the chicken to lock in the juices and then build flavour with garlic, ginger, and curry powder. The tomato paste adds depth, while the coconut milk balances everything with a creamy touch. Don’t forget the squeeze of fresh lime juice at the end—it brightens up the dish and enhances the flavours beautifully! 🍋
Best Ingredients to Use for This Curry
✅ Chicken Thighs – These stay juicy and tender compared to chicken breast, which can dry out.
✅ Curry Powder – Use a mild or hot curry powder, depending on your spice preference.
✅ Coconut Milk – Full-fat coconut milk gives the curry a rich, creamy texture.
✅ Tomato Paste – Adds depth and richness. If you love a slightly sweeter curry, add a teaspoon of honey! 🍯
✅ Fresh Coriander – The perfect garnish that adds freshness and colour.
Tips & Tricks for the Best Quick Chicken Curry 🏆
💡 Brown the Chicken in Batches – Overcrowding the pan can make the chicken steam instead of brown, so cook in batches for that golden colour.
💡 Toast the Spices – Stir the curry powder with the garlic and ginger for about a minute before adding liquids. This enhances the flavours!
💡 Adjust the Spice Level – Love it spicy? Add extra chilli powder or fresh chopped chilli. Prefer it mild? Reduce or skip the chilli altogether.
💡 Let it Simmer – Even though this is a quick curry, letting it simmer for at least 10 minutes helps the flavours blend beautifully.
💡 Make it a One-Pot Meal – Add some diced potatoes or carrots to make it heartier!
Serving & Pairing Suggestions 🍽️
This Quick Chicken Curry is best served with steamed jasmine rice or fluffy basmati rice to soak up the rich sauce. If you want to go low-carb, try serving it with:
🥦 Cauliflower rice for a healthier alternative.
🥖 Warm naan bread to scoop up the curry.
🥗 A fresh cucumber and yoghurt salad to balance the heat.
Pair it with a refreshing mango lassi or a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc for the perfect meal. 🍷
Storage & Meal Prep Options 🥡
This curry is perfect for leftovers because the flavours develop even more overnight!
🧊 In the Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water if needed.
❄ In the Freezer: Freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.
🔥 Meal Prep Tip: Make a double batch and freeze half for an easy dinner later!
More Easy & Budget-Friendly Dinners to Try! 🍽️
🍛 Slow Cooker Butter Chicken – A creamy, slow-cooked curry that melts in your mouth.
🍜 One-Pot Thai Green Curry – A vibrant, coconut-based curry with a hint of spice.
🌯 Spiced Chicken Wraps – Quick, easy, and full of bold flavours!
🥘 Beef & Lentil Curry – A hearty, protein-packed curry for cooler nights.
This Quick Chicken Curry is proof that you don’t need hours in the kitchen to make a delicious, home-cooked meal. It’s easy, budget-friendly, and packed with flavour! If you make it, I’d love to see your creation—tag me on Instagram @steph_cooks_stuff! 📸✨
Now, time to grab your ingredients and get cooking! 🔥🍛
Quick Chicken Curry
- Total Time: 35
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
Day 7 of easy dinners around $20: Spice Up Dinner with This Quick Chicken Curry! 🍛✨
Let’s talk about a curry that’s quick, easy, and bursting with flavour! This one-pan wonder will have your kitchen smelling incredible and your family coming back for seconds. With tender chicken, creamy coconut milk, and a hint of spice, it’s the perfect midweek dinner that’s ready in no time. Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients
500g Diced Chicken Thigh
2 Tsp Salt
1 Tsp Pepper
1 Sliced Capsicum
1 Sliced Onion
300g Green Beans (cut in half)
2 Tbsp Curry Powder
1 Tbsp Chicken Stock Powder
1 Tsp Chilli Powder (optional)
1 Tbsp Crushed Ginger
1 Tbsp Crushed Garlic
2 tbsp tomato paste
400ml Coconut Milk
1/2 Can Water
Juice of 1 Lime
Fresh Coriander Leaves
Instructions
1. Dice your chicken, then sprinkle over the salt, pepper, and flour.
2. Heat a pan with a splash of oil and brown the chicken in two batches.
3. Add the garlic, ginger, curry powder, tomato paste and chilli. Stir for about a minute until fragrant.
4. Toss in the capsicum, onions, and green beans. Pour in the coconut milk and water.
5. Cook on medium heat for 10 minutes, letting all the flavours come together.
6. Squeeze over lime juice, garnish with coriander leaves, and it’s ready to serve!
Serve with steamed rice for a delicious, wholesome meal. Pro tip: It’s even better the next day, so save some for lunch!
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Recipes
- Method: One-pan cooking
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but chicken breast cooks faster and can become dry. If using breast, reduce the cooking time slightly to keep it tender.
This curry is already dairy-free thanks to the coconut milk, making it a great option for lactose-intolerant eaters!
You can throw in carrots, sweet potatoes, or spinach for extra nutrition and texture.