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    Home » Recipes » Indian Main Course

    Easy Home-style Indian Chicken Curry

    Published: Jun 10, 2022 · Modified: Jul 20, 2023 by Shilpa Kerur · This post may contain affiliate links. 8 Comments

    Jump to Recipe Jump to Video
    5 from 56 votes

    If you're craving a delicious and flavorful Indian chicken curry, this recipe is perfect for you. Made in an Instant Pot, this chicken curry is perfect for busy weeknights or when you're in the mood for a comforting dish that pairs well with steamed rice or roti.

    Indian chicken curry served with basmati rice.
    Jump to:
    • Why you will love this recipe?
    • Ingredients
    • Instant Pot instructions
    • Expert Tips to make home-style chicken curry
    • Serving Suggestions
    • Recipe FAQs
    • More chicken curries
    • Recipe card
    • Comments

    Why you will love this recipe?

    • This recipe is perfect for those who are looking for a simple and authentic home-style chicken curry that doesn't require a lot of prep work.
    • The recipe uses only a few basic Indian spices and pantry staples, which makes it easy to put together with what you have on hand.
    • Unlike many other chicken curry recipes, this one does not include coconut milk or heavy cream, which can be a great option for those who prefer a lighter curry.

    Ingredients

    indian chicken curry ingredients with labels.

    Chicken: Use bone-in, skinless chicken.

    Spices: I am using only powdered spices here - ground turmeric, red chili powder, ground coriander, ground cumin, and garam masala.

    See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.

    Instant Pot instructions

    marinate and make masala base.

    Step 1: Mix together chicken, yogurt, ½ teaspoon of turmeric, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Cover and set aside while you saute the onions (image 1).

    Step 2: Heat 3 tablespoons of oil in the Instant Pot, and add onion, ginger, and garlic. Saute for 5 minutes until the onion begins to turn golden brown (images 2 and 3).

    Step 3: Add tomatoes and powdered spices. Mix well and saute for 2 minutes, until the tomatoes and spices are cooked (image 4).

    saute and pressure cook.

    Step 4: Add the marinated chicken thighs and mix well. Saute the chicken for 5 minutes, stirring in between (images 5 and 6).

    Step 5: Add 1 cup of water and deglaze the pot. Secure the IP lid and set it to Pressure Cook mode for 5 minutes (image 7). Do a natural release of pressure for 5 minutes, then do a quick release. Add garam masala and mix well (image 8).

    Expert Tips to make home-style chicken curry

    Authentic Indian chicken curry recipe does not use stock or broth for cooking. However, you can add chicken stock instead of water to this dish.

    Also, home-style curry is made using whole chicken that is cut into small-sized pieces. That includes chicken breast, chicken thigh, chicken legs, etc. You may choose a particular cut or a whole chicken. Skinless, bone-in chicken works best for this dish.

    I do not use whole spices in this dish. However, if you want to use whole spices, cinnamon, bay leaf, and cumin seeds, work well with this curry. You can replace the powdered spices with curry powder, although the taste of the final dish will vary.

    You can replace fresh tomatoes with tomato puree or tomato paste in this recipe. If you use tomato paste, add some water to make sure the spices do not burn.

    Check out my collection of other Indian chicken recipes.

    Serving Suggestions

    This chicken curry pairs with steamed basmati rice or roti. You can add a side dish and salad to make it a well-rounded meal. Check out this non-vegetarian thali collection for inspiration.

    Recipe FAQs

    How to store chicken curry?

    To store Indian chicken curry, allow it to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through before serving.

    Can this curry be frozen?

    Yes. This dish freezes very well. Cool and place in a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to three months. To reheat, place the curry in a saucepan and simmer on low heat.

    How to make chicken curry in a slow cooker?

    To make chicken curry in a slow cooker, use a frying pan and follow this recipe until you make the onion-tomato masala and fry the chicken in it. Transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours until chicken is tender.

    Chicken curry or murgi jhol placed in a brown bowl.

    More chicken curries

    • butter chicken.
      Best Instant Pot Butter Chicken Recipe
    • chicken vindaloo.
      Chicken Vindaloo Recipe (Instant Pot)
    • methi chicken in instant pot.
      Methi Chicken in Instant Pot (Methi Murg)
    • balti chicken served with naan.
      Balti Chicken in Instant Pot

    If you tried this Indian Chicken Curry Recipe or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below.

    Recipe card

    easy and delicious chicken curry.

    Indian Chicken Curry in Instant Pot

    If you're craving a delicious and flavorful Indian chicken curry, this recipe is perfect for you. Made in an Instant Pot, this chicken curry is perfect for busy weeknights or when you're in the mood for a comforting dish that pairs well with steamed rice or roti.
    5 from 56 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Author: Shilpa Kerur
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: Indian
    Servings: 6
    Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 25 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 35 minutes minutes

    Equipment

    • Instant Pot

    Ingredients

    • 2 lbs chicken bone-in, skinless (approximately 1 kg)
    • 3 tablespoon oil
    • 1 large onion finely chopped
    • 2 inch ginger finely chopped
    • 4 cloves garlic finely chopped
    • 1 large tomato chopped
    • ½ cup yogurt
    • Salt to taste
    • 1 cup water

    Spices

    • 1½ teaspoon turmeric powder divided
    • 1 teaspoon chili powder/cayenne or as per taste
    • 2 teaspoon ground coriander
    • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
    • 1 teaspoon garam masala (use store-bought or homemade garam masala)
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions

    Prep

    • Mix together chicken, yogurt, ½ teaspoon of turmeric, and ½ teaspoon of salt to it. Cover and set it aside.
    • Chop the onion, ginger, garlic, and tomatoes.

    Making the curry

    • Set the Instant Pot to saute mode and add oil.
    • Add onion, ginger, and garlic. Saute for 5 minutes, until the onion begins to brown.
    • Add tomatoes and powdered spices - chili powder or cayenne, ground cumin, ground coriander, salt, and 1 teaspoon turmeric powder.
    • Mix well and saute for 2 minutes, until the tomatoes and spices are cooked.
    • Add the chicken and mix well. Saute the chicken for 5 minutes, stirring in between.
    • Add 1 cup of water and deglaze the pot.
    • Secure the IP lid and set it to Pressure Cook mode for 5 minutes.
    • Do a natural release of pressure for 5 minutes, then do a quick release.
    • Open the lid once the pin drops. Add garam masala and mix well.
    • Serve hot with rice or roti.

    Video

    Notes

    Authentic Indian chicken curry recipe does not use stock or broth for cooking. However, you can add chicken stock instead of water to this dish.
    Also, home-style curry is made using whole chicken that is cut into small-sized pieces. That includes chicken breast, chicken thigh, chicken legs, etc. You may choose a particular cut or a whole chicken. Skinless, bone-in chicken works best for this dish.
    Calories: 292kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 16g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 11g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 57mg | Sodium: 73mg | Potassium: 389mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 579IU | Vitamin C: 12mg | Calcium: 67mg | Iron: 1mg
    Tried this Recipe? Share it Today!Mention @easyindiancookbook or tag #easyindiancookbook!

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Natalie says

      June 15, 2022 at 8:48 am

      5 stars
      I love Indian cuisine, and this chicken curry is amazing, thank you!

    2. Mallory says

      June 15, 2022 at 11:16 am

      5 stars
      I absolutely love how easy this curry is to put together! Definitely saving this recipe!!

    3. Lisa says

      June 15, 2022 at 1:42 pm

      5 stars
      Simple and absolutely delicious! I've been delving more and more into Indian cuisine, and this was a great recipe for a relative beginner. Thank you.

    4. Cindy Mom the Lunch Lady says

      June 15, 2022 at 5:26 pm

      5 stars
      This chicken curry seems so simple to make. A perfect weeknight meal!

    5. Crystal says

      June 15, 2022 at 8:55 pm

      5 stars
      This currry looks delicious and so easy to make! Thanks for the recipe!

    6. Sue says

      June 16, 2022 at 7:14 am

      5 stars
      So simple and delicious!

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    Namaste and welcome to Easy Indian Cookbook! I'm Shilpa, join me on this culinary journey, and let's create delicious, homemade meals that celebrate the vibrant and diverse flavors of India! Read More…

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