There are days when cooking feels like a luxury and time is the most limited ingredient in your kitchen. That’s exactly when a dish like this Quick Chicken Curry saves the day. It’s bold, flavorful, warming, and comes together in about half an hour — with pantry staples and minimal prep. This is the kind of meal you reach for when you want real food, fast.
This recipe is inspired by Indian-style curries but simplified for weeknight cooking. You don’t need any fancy spice blends or specialty ingredients — just common spices you probably already have, like cumin, coriander, turmeric, and paprika. You still get all the warm, fragrant, deeply comforting flavors of curry without having to simmer anything for hours.
This dish is perfect for those new to curry or those who want something lighter but still rich in taste. No cream, no yogurt, no butter — just a tomato-based curry sauce made velvety with a bit of coconut milk. It’s light enough for everyday but satisfying enough to make it feel like a treat.
What really makes this dish a weeknight hero is how quickly everything cooks. Chicken breast cooks fast, the sauce thickens in minutes, and it all comes together in one skillet. You can serve it over rice, quinoa, or with naan — whatever you have on hand.
It also scales easily. You can double the batch to feed a family or to pack lunches for the next few days. It reheats beautifully, with the flavors deepening overnight.
Beyond the ease and speed, this recipe is endlessly flexible. Want it spicier? Add more cayenne. Want it heartier? Stir in chickpeas or spinach. Want to go vegetarian? Sub the chicken for tofu or roasted vegetables.
Another bonus: it’s a great way to introduce kids and curry beginners to new flavors without overwhelming heat or complex textures. The sauce is smooth, the chicken is tender, and it smells amazing while cooking — that alone draws people to the table.
You also don’t need to be an expert cook to pull this off. If you can stir spices and simmer a sauce, you’re golden.
This curry isn’t trying to be restaurant-level complex. It’s simple, honest, home-style cooking that gets the job done, and does it deliciously.
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced into bite-size pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger (or 1 teaspoon ground ginger)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 (14 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup canned coconut milk (full-fat or light)
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3–5 minutes.
- Stir in garlic and ginger, cooking until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add cumin, coriander, turmeric, paprika, cayenne (if using), and salt. Stir to coat the onions in the spices.
- Add the chicken pieces and cook until lightly browned, about 5–7 minutes.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes, stir well, and bring to a simmer.
- Cover and simmer on low for 10 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Stir in the coconut milk and simmer uncovered for another 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Taste and adjust salt or spices as needed.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot over rice or with naan.
Tips:
- Use boneless chicken thighs for extra tenderness.
- Add baby spinach or canned chickpeas for extra bulk and nutrition.
- For extra heat, stir in a dash of hot sauce or an extra pinch of cayenne.
- Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Why You Will Love This Recipe:
- It’s quick and easy to make.
- Rich flavor without heavy ingredients.
- Customizable heat and add-ins.
- Uses pantry-friendly ingredients.
- Perfect for meal prep.
- Delicious over any grain or bread.
This Quick Chicken Curry is your go-to recipe when you need dinner fast without sacrificing flavor. Ready in 30 minutes, it’s full of warm spices, tender chicken, and a creamy tomato-coconut sauce that’s perfect for a cozy, satisfying meal.
