Chicken curry with rice is a beloved dish that unites food lovers from every corner of the world. This recipe brings together aromatic spices, tender chicken, and fluffy rice, offering a balance of flavors and textures. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen newbie, this easy chicken curry recipe will transport your taste buds to the streets of India, Southeast Asia, or the Caribbean. Not only is it packed with flavor, but it’s also an excellent way to spice up your meal rotation! Follow along as we create an irresistible chicken curry with rice, perfect for a cozy dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
For the Chicken Curry:
- 1/2 kg(500g)(1 lb) boneless, skinless chicken meat
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tbsp curry powder
- 1 tsp ground turmeric
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup coconut milk (or plain yogurt for a lighter option)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
For the Rice:
- 2 cups basmati rice (or jasmine rice)
- 4 cups water or chicken broth
- 1 tbsp butter or oil
- Salt to taste
Instructions (Chicken Curry with Rice )
Step 1: Prepare the Rice
- Washing the rice: Wash the rice with cold water until it becomes clear. This helps remove excess starch for fluffier rice.
- Cook the rice: In a medium pot, bring water or chicken broth to a boil. Add rice, butter, and salt. Reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until all liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let the rice rest for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- Season the chicken: Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and a pinch of turmeric for extra color.
- Brown the chicken: In a large pan, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are browned on all sides.
- Remove and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics
- Sauté the onions: In the same pan, add the remaining oil. Cook the chopped onions until they turn golden and soft, about 5 minutes.
- Add garlic and ginger: Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Step 4: Build the Curry Base
- Spice it up: Add the curry powder, cumin, coriander, turmeric, and cayenne pepper (if using) to the pan. Stir the spices for 1-2 minutes to release their flavors.
- Add tomatoes: Pour in the diced tomatoes, stirring well to combine with the spices. Let this simmer for 5 minutes to thicken.
Step 5: Simmer the Curry
- Add the coconut milk: Slowly stir in the coconut milk, bringing the curry to a gentle simmer.
- Return the chicken: Add the browned chicken back to the pan. Cover and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
- Fluff the rice: Fluff the rice with a fork and plate it.
- Serve the curry: Spoon the chicken curry over the rice.
- Garnish: Top with freshly chopped cilantro for added freshness and color.
Helpful Tips & Variations:
- Vegetarian Option: Swap the chicken with chickpeas or paneer for a delicious vegetarian version.
- Spice Level: Adjust the heat by adding more or less cayenne pepper. You can also use fresh green chilies for extra spice.
- Creamy Alternative: If you prefer a creamier curry, use heavy cream instead of coconut milk.
- Leftovers: This curry tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together!
Conclusion:
Chicken curry with rice is a globally adored dish that brings comfort, warmth, and bold flavors to your table. Whether you’re experimenting with spices or sticking to a classic recipe, this curry never fails to impress. It’s versatile, customizable, and perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Try this recipe today, and don’t forget to share your culinary adventures with us! If you loved this recipe, explore our other international favorites like Butter Chicken or Thai Green Curry for more inspiration. We’re excited to see how you make this dish your own!
We hope you enjoy this flavorful chicken curry with rice! Don’t forget to share your version of this recipe with us in the comments below or tag us on social media. If you have any questions or need tips, feel free to leave a comment. Happy cooking!