Chicken Curry Recipe

Savor the Magic of Our Flavorful Chicken Curry Recipe

Spicing up weeknight dinners becomes effortless with this authentic chicken curry that promises bold, vibrant flavors.

Aromatic herbs and rich spices dance together in a harmonious blend.

Traditions from south asian kitchens inspire every delicious bite.

Home cooks love how quickly this meal comes together without complicated techniques.

Fresh ingredients make all the difference in creating something truly spectacular.

Comfort and excitement merge in a single, soul-warming dish that feels like a culinary adventure.

Come savor every delectable spoonful and transform your dinner routine.

Flavor Variations Of Delia Smith Chicken Curry

  • Vegetarian Curry: Replace chicken with firm tofu or mixed vegetables like cauliflower, chickpeas, and bell peppers for a plant-based version.
  • Spicy Thai Curry: Increase red curry paste and add fresh chili peppers for an extra heat kick.
  • Low-Carb Option: Swap rice with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles to reduce carbohydrate intake.
  • Dairy-Free Adaptation: Ensure all ingredients are dairy-free and use coconut milk as the base liquid for creamy texture.

Serving Ideas For Delia Smith Chicken Curry

  • Pair with Crisp Riesling: Select a slightly sweet German Riesling that balances the spicy curry's heat, cutting through rich coconut flavors while complementing the dish's complex spices.
  • Balance with Fresh Cucumber Salad: Create a cool side dish with thinly sliced cucumbers, fresh herbs, and a light vinaigrette to provide a refreshing contrast to the warm, intense curry flavors.
  • Match with Jasmine Rice Pilaf: Enhance the meal with a fragrant jasmine rice pilaf that includes toasted almonds and green onions, adding texture and subtle nutty undertones that elevate the chicken curry experience.

How To Store Delia Smith Chicken Curry Safely

  • Store leftover chicken curry in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, ensuring it's completely cooled before sealing.
  • Transfer curry to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Properly stored, it maintains quality for 2-3 months. Leave some space at the top for expansion.
  • Place curry in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel. Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly.
  • Warm curry in a pan over medium-low heat. Add a splash of water or coconut milk to prevent drying out. Stir occasionally until heated thoroughly and reaches 165°F internal temperature.

FAQs For Delia Smith Chicken Curry

  • What type of curry powder works best?

Mild or medium curry powder is recommended for balanced flavor. Avoid extra-hot varieties unless you prefer intense spiciness.

  • Can I substitute chicken with another protein?

Yes, you can use beef, shrimp, or tofu as alternatives. Adjust cooking times based on the protein’s thickness and cooking requirements.

  • Is this curry recipe spicy?

The recipe has a moderate spice level from curry powder and red curry paste. You can reduce the amount of paste or add more if you prefer more heat.

  • Do I need any special cooking equipment?

A large pan or skillet is essential. A wooden spoon for stirring and a knife for cutting chicken are helpful. No specialized equipment is required.

Why Delia Smith Chicken Curry Is A Flavorful Staple

Why Delia Smith Chicken Curry Is A Flavorful Staple
  • Craft with Minimal Effort: This chicken curry requires basic cooking skills and simple ingredients, making it perfect for beginners or busy home cooks looking for a delicious meal.
  • Flavor-Packed Comfort: The combination of curry powder, red curry paste, coconut milk, and aromatic seasonings creates a rich, complex taste that satisfies cravings for warm, hearty dishes.
  • Quick Family Feast: With straightforward steps and common ingredients, this recipe transforms ordinary chicken into a restaurant-quality meal that appeals to both adults and kids, ensuring everyone at the table enjoys a tasty dinner.
  • Adaptable Culinary Canvas: Easily customize the curry by adjusting spice levels, adding vegetables, or swapping protein types to suit personal preferences and dietary needs.

What Goes Into Delia Smith Chicken Curry

Main Protein:
  • Chicken: A lean protein that serves as the primary ingredient in this flavorful curry dish.
Aromatics and Spices:
  • Garlic, Onion: Provide a fragrant and savory base for the curry.
  • Curry Powder, Red Curry Paste: Deliver complex, warm spices and authentic curry flavor.
Liquid and Seasoning Components:
  • Coconut Milk: Creates a rich, creamy texture and adds depth to the curry sauce.
  • Brown Sugar: Balances the spices with a touch of sweetness.
  • Fish Sauce: Enhances umami and adds a salty, complex flavor.
  • Lime Juice: Brightens the dish with a tangy, fresh note.
  • Salt: Helps to intensify and balance the overall taste.
  • Water or Stock: Adjusts the sauce consistency as needed.
Garnish:
  • Cilantro: Adds a fresh, herbal finish to the dish.
Serving Suggestion:
  • Rice: Provides a perfect base for serving the curry.

Instructions For Making Delia Smith Chicken Curry

Instructions For Making Delia Smith Chicken Curry

Step 1: Sizzle Aromatics in Simmering Oil

Heat a large pan over medium flame. Pour in oil and let it warm up. Toss minced garlic and chopped onions into the pan. Stir and cook until the onions turn translucent and soft, releasing their sweet fragrance.

Step 2: Brown Tender Chicken Pieces

Add chicken chunks to the pan. Cook the meat, turning occasionally, until the exterior develops a golden-brown color and the inside becomes slightly white. This process helps seal in the juicy flavors.

Step 3: Infuse Spicy Flavor Profiles

Sprinkle curry powder and red curry paste into the pan. Stir thoroughly to coat the chicken evenly. Let the spices toast for a few minutes, which will awaken their complex and robust flavors.

Step 4: Create Creamy Curry Sauce

Pour coconut milk into the pan, creating a luscious base. Allow the mixture to simmer gently, letting the chicken cook completely through. The sauce will thicken and develop a rich, velvety texture.

Step 5: Balance and Enhance Sauce Consistency

If the sauce seems too thick, splash in water or stock to achieve your desired consistency. Stir gently to incorporate.

Step 6: Elevate with Finishing Touches

Add:
  • Brown sugar
  • Fish sauce
  • Lime juice

Season with salt to taste. These ingredients will create a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory notes.

Step 7: Plate and Garnish with Flair

Spoon the aromatic curry over fluffy rice. Sprinkle fresh cilantro on top for a burst of color and bright flavor. Serve hot and enjoy your homemade curry feast.

Cooking Tips For Delia Smith Chicken Curry

  • Boost Flavor Depth: Toast curry powder and paste in oil before adding chicken to enhance their aromatic qualities and release deeper, richer spice notes.
  • Control Sauce Consistency: Adjust liquid by adding small amounts of stock or water gradually, ensuring the curry maintains a perfect, not-too-thick or thin texture.
  • Prevent Chicken Dryness: Cut chicken into uniform pieces for even cooking and avoid overcooking by monitoring internal temperature around 165°F.
  • Elevate Freshness: Add lime juice and cilantro just before serving to preserve bright, zesty flavors and create a vibrant, fresh finish to the dish.
  • Balance Spice Levels: Customize heat by reducing red curry paste for milder versions or adding extra for more intense, spicy experiences.
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Chicken Curry Recipe

Chicken Curry Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 32 reviews

  • Total Time: 79-84 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Simmering spices dance through this aromatic Chicken Curry, bringing Indian culinary magic to your kitchen. Succulent chicken pieces melt into a rich, creamy sauce that will transport diners straight to the heart of traditional flavor.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 1 lb (454 g) boneless, skinless chicken breast, chopped

Spices and Seasonings:

  • 2 tablespoons yellow curry powder
  • 1 tablespoon Thai red curry paste
  • 1 teaspoon fish sauce
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • Salt to taste

Base and Supporting Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
  • 15 ounces (443 ml) coconut milk (full-fat, canned)
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) water or chicken stock
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • 4 cups cooked white rice
  • Handful of cilantro, chopped

Instructions

  1. Warm a spacious skillet over medium-high heat, infusing aromatic oil and sautéing minced garlic with diced onions until translucent and fragrant, approximately 3-4 minutes.
  2. Introduce raw chicken chunks into the pan, allowing them to sear and develop golden edges, cooking for 7-8 minutes while stirring occasionally.
  3. Sprinkle curry powder and introduce red curry paste, thoroughly coating the chicken and releasing intense spice aromatics, cooking for 4-5 minutes.
  4. Stream coconut milk into the skillet, reducing heat to gentle simmer and allowing the liquid to envelope the chicken, cooking for 12-15 minutes until meat reaches complete doneness.
  5. Assess sauce consistency, carefully adding water or stock to achieve desired thickness, stirring smoothly to integrate.
  6. Enhance flavor profile by incorporating brown sugar, splashing fish sauce, and squeezing fresh lime juice, then seasoning with salt to balance taste.
  7. Transfer steaming curry over prepared rice, generously garnishing with fresh cilantro leaves for vibrant presentation and additional flavor dimension.

Notes

  • Choose bone-in chicken thighs for richer, more tender meat that stays juicy during long cooking times.
  • Control spice levels by adjusting curry paste quantity, using mild or hot varieties based on personal preference.
  • Toast curry powder briefly before adding to enhance depth and release aromatic oils, intensifying overall flavor profile.
  • Opt for full-fat coconut milk to create a creamier, more luxurious sauce that clings perfectly to chicken pieces.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 74-79 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: Indian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 485 kcal
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 450 mg
  • Fat: 33 g
  • Saturated Fat: 25 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg
Jackson Reid

Jackson Reid

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Single-serving recipe development
  • Global flavor fusion
  • Minimalist cooking techniques
  • Food photography and styling

Education

Holyoke Community College – HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute
Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focus: Farm-to-table cuisine, sustainable cooking practices, and hands-on kitchen training


Jackson’s love for cooking began one dish at a time. After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from Holyoke Community College’s HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute, he focused on what mattered most: creating recipes that are simple to follow and full of flavor.
At 10 Below Ice Cream, Jackson brings together global influences and a less-is-more approach. His recipes reflect his belief that good food doesn’t need to be complicated; it just needs to make sense, taste great, and feel right.
When he’s not testing ingredients or adjusting seasonings, you’ll find him hiking near Asheville, exploring local markets, or chasing the best light for food photos.

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