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Quick and Easy Indian Chicken Curry in 15 minutes

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Quick and Easy Indian Chicken Curry in 15 Minutes 

If you're looking for the best chicken curry that's also quick and easy to make, then this is it. This Indian chicken curry takes only 15 minutes to cook. It uses easy to find Indian spices and the chicken pieces are cooked in sour cream and tomato-based gravy. As a result, it is rich, creamy and delicious. So simple, easy and quick you will surely be making it often.

Chicken Curry, Indian, Quick and Easy in just 15 minutes
Indian Curry, Chicken Curry, 15 minutes, Quick Curry, Easy Indian Curry, Best Indian Curry Recipes

Being Indian, I love to eat Indian food often. It takes me back to that feeling of home food. My Aadi is the same, my Indian boy. So, if I don't cook Indian food for a few days, he will ask "mom when you going to make chicken curry again" or "mom can you make chicken biryani again?" Hence, no matter how busy I am, I love making good chicken curry.

Today I bring you another curry recipe and this one is probably the easiest of them all. When I lived away from home and worked for Singapore Airlines, I'd often come back to base tired after a long flight. And after an eight-day trip, there is nothing to cook at home and no energy to go shopping. I'd be so hungry. So, I would make this curry often. Because it is quick, and with basic Indian spices that I always have at home. And it was just the Indian comfort food I needed to feel home again after a long flight. 

Most of all, we love this easy chicken curry! It's probably the one that my kids can never get enough of. And if you ask my kids what they want for lunch, they'll usually say - chicken curry with chapati.

Chicken Curry, Indian, Quick and Easy in just 15 minutes
Indian Curry, Chicken Curry, 15 minutes, Quick Curry, Easy Indian Curry, Best Indian Curry Recipes

What is curry?

Growing up I ate Indian food almost every day, and often chicken curry. That sounds like eating the same thing often.  Nope! Do you know that there are many curries? I say countless because the numbers 100's or 1000's seem like a few.

If you look at an Indian menu in any restaurant, you will see a vast variety of Indian dishes. And the best part? The same dish is made differently in different parts of India.

So, if you go to India and ask for curry, they will ask you what curry? That's because curry is not one recipe. Rather, it's an umbrella of different methods. All unique. And almost all coming from different origins in India.

For example, if you eat a curry made in the North of India it probably has yogurt or tomato-based sauce, like the famous butter chicken. While a curry from the south of India will probably have a coconut-based sauce, like the famous Kerala Chicken curry. And both are delicious. 

Curry in the north is served with chapati or naan because northern India grows wheat. While curry in the south is served with steamed rice or dosa, made from rice and lentils because rice and coconut are there in abundance. 

And speaking of curry, India is not the only one that makes curry. There are also Sri-Lankan curries, Afghan curries, and Bangla curries. And let's not forget the popular Pakistani curries. 

Consequently, I have already shared with you quite a few different curries here on this blog.

Chicken curry cooked in the instant pot.Instant Pot Chicken Curry1
This Quick chicken curry uses just six main ingredients and can be made in 20 minutes; simple, easy and quick. It is a perfect meal on it's own over white rice or over Indian Chapati.Quick Chicken Curry Just 6 ingredients (10)
This Baked Indian Chicken is a simple, easy and delicious recipe that you will make in just ten minutes hands on time. The oven does the rest of the cooking for you and you get this deliciously succulent soft tender chicken with a creamy gravy to accompany your rice or chapati.Indian Baked Chicken (25)
This slow cooker Indian chicken curry recipe will surprise you because it's so simple, easy and effortless. Ten minutes of hands on work and three hours unsupervised slow cooking will give you this beautiful deep red curry you can enjoy over a bowl of rice or just simple crusty bread. Slow Cooker Chicken Curry (18)

About this chicken curry recipe

This quick and easy Indian chicken curry is a real treat. This simple, easy and effortless recipe uses simple Indian spices like cumin, coriander, and garam masala. Also, it has an added zing from tomato paste and sour cream. And it gets its gorgeous color from sweet hot paprika

As I said above, this is my fuss-free chicken curry. It takes only 15 minutes to cook and tastes heavenly. And the best part is that you do not need to do any chopping of vegetables. Just blitz in a food processor and your curry paste is ready. Then, saute with chopped chicken pieces and cook for 15 minutes. Honestly, an Indian chicken curry with this taste and flavor does not get any easier than this.

Recently, I shared this picture on my Instagram story, and everybody kept asking about the color!! And yet, don't be fooled by the color. It's not spicy at all. My kids are 8 and 10 and if they can enjoy this so can you. Since I use sweet paprika, I get a rich red color, and yet without the heat. And who doesn't love that nice rich red color for our curry? So using sweet paprika helps give that vibrant color.

Chicken Curry, Indian, Quick and Easy in just 15 minutes
Indian Curry, Chicken Curry, 15 minutes, Quick Curry, Easy Indian Curry, Best Indian Curry Recipes

Ingredients and substitutes (save/Pin)

  • Chicken - I always use thighs. Because I think it's more juicy and tender than breast meat. And yet, you can also use chicken breast of course. 
  • Tomato paste - I like using a little bit of tomato paste for the color and thickness it adds. But, you can also omit it.
  • Sour cream- I like sour cream in this, but if you prefer you can use yogurt instead.
  • Spice mix – Almost everyone has these common spices like cumin, coriander, turmeric, and paprika. They are found in most Indian or Middle Eastern dishes. And yet, if you don’t have these, you can substitute the powders in the recipe with 2 tbsp of curry powder.
  • Curry powder - Curry powder is readily available in most supermarkets these days. So, if you don't have the spices below don't worry too much, just add two heaping tablespoons of curry powder. Make sure you buy the curry powder that is right for you, not-spicy, medium or hot. I make my own so you can find my homemade curry powder as well as garam masala. So, if you like making your spice mixes, you will love to try these. 
Spiced Indian Potatoes (4)Spiced Indian Potatoes (4)
An image optimized for social media share for this Homemade Indian Curry Powder Spice MixCurry Powder Spice MixIMG_0036
A Garam Masala Spice Mix is a blend of warm spices used in Indian cooking. Often you add it to dishes such as tandoori, tikkas and curries. This simple, easy and effortless recipe for homemade garam masala spice mix will turn your every day cooking to a gourmet master piece with just a pinch of this warm spiceHomemade Garam Masala Spice Mix
A simple yet popular dish on every Indian restaurant menu is the mushroom masala. This simple, easy and effortless recipe for mushroom masala is lightly spiced with Indian spices in a creamy melt in the mouth tomato-yogurt gravy. It makes a perfect side dish to serve with meat dishes or as a main dish for a vegetarian feast but the best part is; it takes only 20 minutes to prepare this dish.Indian Mushroom Masala (11)

Useful Tips and Tools

  • Use a heavy bottom pot when cooking with spices. This helps prevent the spices from burning. Spices need to be cooked well in a little water and the heavy bottom skillet also works best to maintain even heat. 
  • A sharp knife and chopping board for cutting the chicken. Always use a separate chopping board just for meat or poultry, and another for vegetables. 
  • Also, a wooden spoon works best to stir curries. And yet, avoid using your favorite wooden spoon as some spices may lend their natural dye to the wooden spoons. Wooden spoons are porous. 
  • And a food processor or hand blender is what you will need to blend everything. Avoid adding too much water when blending because onions have lots of natural juices that work almost enough. 
Chicken Curry, Indian, Quick and Easy in just 15 minutes
Indian Curry, Chicken Curry, 15 minutes, Quick Curry, Easy Indian Curry, Best Indian Curry Recipes

Quick and Easy Indian Chicken Curry in 15 minutes (save/Pin)

Prepare

  • Clean, wash and chop the chicken.
  • Season with salt pepper and lemon juice - and set aside.
  • Add all the paste ingredients to a food processor and blend until smooth.

Cook the curry

  • Heat oil in a saute pan large enough for the whole recipe.
  • Add the ground paste and cook on medium heat for about 3 minutes.
  • If necessary, add a few tablespoons of water to prevent the spices from burning.
  • You will know the spices are cooked when you get a nice spice aroma in the house.
  • Next, add the chopped tomatoes and tomato paste. Stir well.
  • Add the chicken pieces and coat well with the mixture.
  • Add one cup of water and stir.
  • Cook for about 8 to 10 minutes until the chicken is cooked.
  • Add sour cream and stir well.
  • Check and adjust seasoning.
  • Sprinkle with more chopped cilantro before you serve.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use curry powder instead of this spice mix?

Yes, you sure can. If you don't have the spices on hand, you can use about 2 tbsp of curry powder and 1 tsp of smoked paprika. The smoked sweet paprika will give a beautiful color to this quick chicken curry.
I have shared a quick chicken curry using just 6 ingredients that uses curry powder.

Can I use beef instead of chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely. This recipe will also work with 800 grams (approx 2 lbs) of beef.

Can I make this curry in a slow cooker?

You can. I have a slow cooker chicken curry that might be a better guide if you want to use your crockpot.

Can I make this in an instant pot? Can I make this in a pressure cooker?

Yes, I have shown you how to make an Instant Pot chicken curry or Pressure Cooker chicken curry.

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Chicken Curry, Indian, Quick and Easy in just 15 minutes
Indian Curry, Chicken Curry, 15 minutes, Quick Curry, Easy Indian Curry, Best Indian Curry Recipes
Chicken Curry, Indian, Quick and Easy in just 15 minutes

Easy Indian Chicken Curry in 15 Minutes

Author: Veena Azmanov
4.7 from 26 votes
Print Pin Rate
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Calories: 194kcal
Adjust Servings Here: 8 servings

Description

If you're looking for the best chicken curry that's also quick and easy to make, then this is it. This Indian chicken curry takes only 15 minutes to cook. It uses easy to find Indian spices and the chicken pieces are cooked in sour cream and tomato-based gravy. As a result, it is rich, creamy and delicious. So simple, easy and quick you will surely be making it often.
ADJUST SERVINGS HERE - 8 servings

Ingredients

  • 700 grams (1.50 lb) Boneless chicken
  • 1 Tomato chopped
  • 1 tbsp Tomato paste mostly for color
  • 1/2 cup (4.00 oz) Sour cream
  • 1 tbsp Lemon juice
  • 2 tbsp Canola oil
  • 1/2 tso Salt
  • 1/2 tsp Pepper

Grind to a Paste

  • 1 medium Onion 1/2 cup chopped
  • 4 cloves Garlic
  • 2 tbsp Ginger
  • 1/4 cup Cilantro leaves
  • 5 Curry leaves
  • 2 tsp Red chilly powder Cayenne (med or hot)
  • 1 tsp Sweet Paprika for color
  • 2 tbsp Coriander powder
  • 1 tsp Cumin powder
  • 1/2 tsp Turmeric powder
  • 1/2 tsp Garam masala

Instructions

Prepare

  • Clean, wash and chop the chicken.
  • Season with salt pepper and lemon juice - and set aside.
  • Add all the paste ingredients to a food processor and blend until smooth.

Cook the curry

  • Heat oil in a saute pan large enough for the whole recipe.
  • Add the ground paste and cook on medium for about 3 minutes.
  • If necessary add a few tablespoons of water to prevent the spices from burning.
  • You will know the spices are cooked when you get a nice aroma in the house.
  • Next, add the chopped tomatoes and tomato paste. Stir well.
  • Add the chicken pieces and coat well with the mixture.
  • Add one cup of water and stir.
  • Cook for about 8 to 10 minutes until the chicken is cooked.
  • Add sour cream and stir well.
  • Check and adjust seasoning.
  • Sprinkle with more chopped cilantro before you serve.

Equipment

Food Processor
Skillet
Cutting boards
Nutrition Information
Serving: 174gCalories: 194kcalCarbohydrates: 6.2gProtein: 23.9gFat: 7.9gSaturated Fat: 1.8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 6.1gMonounsaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gCholesterol: 78mgSodium: 81mgPotassium: 0mgFiber: 1.1gSugar: 2.1gVitamin A: 0IUVitamin C: 0mgCalcium: 0mgIron: 0mg

The nutrition information and metric conversion are calculated automatically. I cannot guarantee its accuracy. If this data is important to you please verify with your trusted nutrition calculator. Thank you

Did you make this recipe? I'd love to hear about itMention @veenaazmanov or #tag on Instagram #veenaazmanov

What do you serve with Indian Chicken Curry?

This curry goes well with any Indian bread, such as chapati or naan. Our family's favorite is garlic butter naan or vegetable pilaf. And when I'm looking for a low carb option, I eat cauliflower rice. Since the no-fuss cauliflower rice works great for me in place of steamed rice. My kids also love the turmeric cauliflower rice or my mustard dill cauliflower rice. 

A garlic butter naan is a variation on the classic Indian naan recipe that is often accompanied with an Indian meal.  This simple, easy and effortless recipe makes a deliciously soft and chewy garlic butter naan that just melts in the mouth.Nigella Garlic Butter Naan Recipe
This whole wheat sweet potato chapati or flatbread is so versatile you can have it for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. This simple, easy and effortless recipe makes the softest sweet potato flatbread ever. Combined with onions and herbs means you can have it on its own or as a bread with your main course.Sweet potato chapati, sweet potato paratha
Cauliflower rice is the recent trend in the low crab and gluten free diet. These three simple, easy and effortless methods to making your own will have you addicted to healthy and nutritious homemade cauliflower rice even if you are not on any particular diet. Making homemade takes no more than five minutes.Homemade Cauliflower Rice Steamed Cauliflower Rice (18)
This one pot vegetable rice is kids absolute favorite dish because it's lightly flavored with just the right amount of vegetables. This simple, easy and effortless recipe can be served as a main course on its own for a light meal or as an accompaniment to the main course. The best part is, it takes only 15 minutes to cook so quick one pot meal is a possibility.Quick One Pot Vegetable Rice Recipe

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Traditionally made in a tandoor oven this classic Indian tandoori chicken can be easily made in a conventional oven at home. This simple, easy and effortless recipe for oven baked tandoori chicken is marinated in yogurt and exotic Indian spices then baked until succulent, golden and delicious that just melts in the mouth.Oven Baked Tandoori Chicken Recipe, Best Tandoori Chicken Recipe
Lamb masala also called mutton masala is a classic Indian meat dish with a distinct flavor and aroma. The process is simple, easy and effortless with exotic Indian spices that make this dish a true success. Weather you eat it with Indian chapati naan or plain white rice this dish is to die for. 
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This Hyderabadi chicken biryani is an Indian classic. No one ever forgets eating a good biryani. Chicken biryani is essentially a rich yogurt based chicken curry buried under aromatic basmati rice flavored with warm garam masala spices, golden fried onions and a splash of saffron for that vibrant color.
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Author - Veena Azmanov

Veena Azmanov

Veena is the author of three blogs - Veena Azmanov, Cake Decorating Tutorials, and East Indian Recipes.
She writes about cooking, baking, desserts, and cake decorating. Being a professional cake decorator and food blogger for over ten years she has been featured in many online magazines and publications around the world. On her blogs, you will find delicious, easy and practical recipes often with instructional videos and tutorials for the home cook.

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  1. Rajan N

    Although the claim of "15 minutes chicken curry" was rather optimistic, the dish itself turned out to be amazingly tasty! I skipped the tomato paste ('just for colour'), because the tomatoes we get where I live (outskirts of Pune, India) aren't red enough, and tend to be a little tangy.
    I used black salt (kaala namak) instead of the usual white sea salt. I believe that gave the flavour an additional exotic twist.
    Hats off to you for this wonderful recipe!

    Reply

    • Veena Azmanov

      Hey Rajan. The 15 minutes refers to cooking. Depending on how quickly you work you may need a few more minutes for preparation.
      If you use chicken breast it cooks in 6 to 8 minutes - if you use chicken thighs or legs these usually take about 12 to 15 minutes. Overcooking chicken can give you very tough meat.
      Happy to hear you enjoyed this recipe. I love using fresh tomatoes too - I bet it was delicious.
      Thanks for coming back to write this feedback.

      Reply

  2. Hrelate

    Yummy taste it has! Last night, I made Chicken curry using the ingredients that you have mentioned here. And everyone liked it very much!

    Reply

    • Veena Azmanov

      Thank you, Hrelate

      Reply

  3. Dawn Kragelund

    Just made this in my own way but I'm confused about sweet hot paprika? I don't see paprika on ingredient list. I do see the soaked red peppers. I just skipped this all together. Just curious if I missed something. Thanks! House smells heavenly....... and everyones anxiously awaiting when I say dinners done 🙂

    Reply

    • Veena Azmanov

      Hey Dawn. Thanks - happy you are enjoying this recipe. The red chili powoder are also called paprika here. You can use cayenne or any red chili you like.

      Reply

      • Dawn Kragelund

        Thanks! It turned out fantastic! I cook hungarian food with paprika so I wanted to make sure I wasn't missing something. I do see a lot of cayenne in Indian and British Curries so that makes sense to me :). I could see using hot paprika for that heat and color. I tend to leave any heat out of my curries so my kids will eat it. I know I drive them crazy with the smells, lol. When's dinner ready?

        Reply

        • Veena Azmanov

          Thank you Dawn. So happy you enjoyed my Indian curry. It really is very easy, isn't it? As I said in the post paprika is great to add that color to the curry. While cayenne makes it spicy which my kids can't handle either. Thanks for coming back to write this feedback. Have a wonderful day

          Reply

  4. Jaimi

    I loved the recipe and would make it again. I just had one question, you said the onion should be chopped, but never said when to add them when cooking. Do I make a paste with it with all the spices or add it after cooking the spices.

    Reply

    • Veena Azmanov

      Hey Jaimi, So happy you enjoyed this recipe and will be making it again. Yes, the onions are included in the paste ingredients and then it says - add all the paste ingredients to the food processor. So they get ground in the chilies, ginger garlic etc. I hope that makes it clear. Thanks for coming back to write this feedback.

      Reply

  5. Jessica Pinney

    This looks delicious!

    Reply

    • Veena Azmanov

      Thanks Jessica

      Reply

  6. Christine

    Oh, yum! Been craving a recipe like this. Love how easy it looks!

    Reply

    • Veena Azmanov

      Thanks Christine

      Reply

  7. Michelle Alston

    I love Indian curry and can't believe something that looks this good took only 15 minutes to make! Brilliant! Will definitely be trying this 🙂

    Reply

    • Veena Azmanov

      You will be surprised Michelle. It's really a simple and easy recipe. Indian curry can really take only 15 mins.

      Reply

  8. Abby @ WinsteadWandering

    I had no idea chicken curry could be made so quickly! This is a perfect weeknight meal.

    Reply

    • Veena Azmanov

      Absolutely Abby. It's really simple and easy

      Reply

  9. Ashley @ Big Flavors from a Tiny Kitchen

    I love Indian food - it's incredible that you can get all that flavor in just 15 minutes!

    Reply

    • Veena Azmanov

      Absolutely Ashley and it's so easy to make too.

      Reply

  10. Erin

    I love curry especially during the Winter. Delicious!

    Reply

    • Veena Azmanov

      Thanks Erin.

      Reply

  11. Monica | Nourish & Fete

    Lovely! I've been wanting to try more Indian cooking at home, and a super fast dish like this would be a great entree!

    Reply

    • Veena Azmanov

      Absolutely Monica. Love something like this on busy weekday cooking You must try it.

      Reply

  12. Kate

    Yum! I just love Indian food! I dont' eat meat, but I would make this sauce and put something vegetarian in it for sure! Looks delicious!

    Reply

    • Veena Azmanov

      Oh this would be perfect with any vegetables too Kate.

      Reply

  13. prasanna hede

    Your pictures made me drool! Amazing recipe and lovely clicks.Love all the flavors in here.

    Reply

    • Veena Azmanov

      Thank you Prasanna.

      Reply

  14. aditi

    Absolutely delighted to see this lovely collection of indian delicacies. This chicken curry recipe looks simple but so inviting and rich that am going to surely try this out.

    Reply

    • Veena Azmanov

      Thank you Aditi. Please do.. and let me know what you think. Thanks

      Reply

  15. Cheryl

    I love chicken curry, but it takes too long to make. It's so great that you have a quick and easy version that I could try on a week night. Looks great too 🙂

    Reply

    • Veena Azmanov

      This one is really easy Cheryl. It's quick and easy. If you prepare rice simultaneously it a perfect lunch.

      Reply

  16. Patti

    I love curry, and I love that his recipe is so simple and is ready in such a short time. I can't wait to try this one.

    Reply

    • Veena Azmanov

      Than you so much Patti! I do hope you try it.

      Reply

  17. Patti

    I love curry, and I love that this recipe only takes 15 minutes to prepare. I agree with you about using thighs. They ARE so much more flavorful; plus, they usually cost less than breasts.

    Reply

    • Veena Azmanov

      Absolutely Patti. Really simple and easy to make recipe. You will love it. So true thigh do cost less than breast. I'm not really a big fan of breast in curries

      Reply

  18. Dominique | Perchance to Cook

    I absolutely love Indian curry, but I've never made it on my own before. This recipe looks wonderful and simple enough for me to try for my first time. Bookmarking this!

    Reply

    • Veena Azmanov

      Oh you must try Dominique - It's really easy to make at home especially with all these spices so easily available. This ones real simple. Let me know if you have any questions.

      Reply

  19. Kirthana

    Just tried this recipe today and I have to say its so simple and it came out pretty delicious too.. Looking forward to trying more of your recipes 🙂 Good job !

    Reply

    • Veena Azmanov

      Thank you so much Kirthania!! So happy to hear you loved it. Thanks so much for the feed back.

      Reply