Best Chicken Curry Recipes- If your definition of comfort food is chicken curry and rice then you will know the importance it holds among millions and millions of people. Whether it is butter chicken, kadhai chicken, chicken tikka masala, home-made chicken korma or chicken gravy recipe, each dish is unique and caters to different taste buds. Succulent chunks of chicken simmering leisurely in a feisty gravy, sending off an inviting aroma that just cannot be ignored. A chicken curry is the ultimate crowd pleaser and an absolute must-have on an Indian dinner party menu.
India boasts of various flavours of chicken curries from different regions. The great Indian'kari', which stems from the word for sauce in Tamil, is known to have originated sometime during the ancient Indus civilization. Since then it has travelled beyond boundaries and created many fans across the globe. And Britain's love affair with 'curry' is no secret - chicken tikka masala is the most popular restaurant meal in England.
The curry adopts different flavours as you walk across regional boundaries. It is a bold base that adds depth and interest to the any dish. Robust, velvety, brilliantly buttery, creamy, tangy - every state boasts of a different version of chicken curry recipe. We love the versatility that Indian curries offer. In Northern and Eastern India, you'll be served a hearty curry bursting with garam masala and other spices along with crisp naans. As you move towards the west, warm notes of poppy-seeds, cardamom and khada masalas dominate the dish that sits atop a bed of steaming rice. From down South, comes a soothing coconut-y concoction with the addition of coconut milk.
The cooking medium of different chicken gravies also differ as per local tastes. For instance, ghee (clarified butter) or vegetable oil is used predominantly in North India and coconut oil lends it unique flavor to Southern curries. Mustard oil brightens up the curries from East and the West is known for the heavy use of sesame and groundnut oil.
This Chicken Curry will leave you asking for more. Image credits: iStock
The Basics of Making a Chicken Curry | Tips To Cook Chicken Curry
You'll have to agree, cooking a chicken curry recipe is a skill. The meat should be cooked delicately and can be bathed, steeped, stewed or simmered in the gravy. Once the oil starts separating, you know your base is ready. It's good to cook the chicken separately and then add it to the base allowing the rich and redolent flavours to seep through. A perfect chicken gravy recipe in its full glory is nothing short of a masterpiece.
We're about to rock your world with 19 of the best chicken curry recipes:
1. Spicy Malvani Chicken Curry
A fiery curry with a coconut base. The highlight of this chicken curry is the freshly-made malvani masala. A perfect recipe for all the spice lovers out there, Malvani chicken curry is a hot, delectable chicken recipe from the konkan region of Maharashtra. This is sure to leave your taste buds tingling for more!
2. Chicken Tikka Masala
Thick, curd based chicken curry with a melange of spices and chicken breasts tossed together. Pair with rice or chapati and have a whole meal for a dinner party. This is one of the most ordered restaurant meal across the globe. Need we say more?
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Creamy, spicy, luscious and garnished with coriander leaves, this chicken dish will leave you asking for more. Image credits: iStock
3. Butter Chicken
This one's a keeper. Marinated overnight, the chicken is roasted and cooked in tomato puree, cream and masalas. A perfect dinner party recipe, this North-Indian style chicken recipe is made throughout the country with equal zest. Here's a brilliant from one of the most popular restaurants in the Capital.
Butter Chicken was invented in the kitchens of Moti Mahal years ago, yet it continues to be the best chicken curry recipes you can ever have. Image credits: iStock
4. Nimbu aur Hari Mirch ka Murg
A squeeze of lime makes everything better. A tangy, spicy chicken dish to prepare for a dinner party or casually at home. It's a different yet super quick and easy chicken recipe. Prepare for a dinner party and pair with any Indian bread or cooked rice.
5. Chicken Stew with Appam
A lovely curry made with distinct flavors, packed with spices and simmered in coconut milk. Chicken stew can easily be made at home on festive occasions. It is also a traditional Easter dish and is very popular in the Kerala region. It is said to be originally a British dish, which was later improvised by Malayalee chefs in Kerala by adding coconut milk and distinct spices.The curry is best served with appam, a southern-style rice pancake. (Recipe Video)
A popular chicken dish in Kerala where it is affectionately called as 'Ishtu'. Image credits: iStock
6. Murgh Rezala
A popular Bengali curry with Mughlai origins, Murgh Rezala curry is rich and robust. Made with boneless chicken, cashew nut paste, khoya and coconut, Murg Rezala is an absolute treat and just perfect to prepare for a dinner party.
Murg Rezala is one of the best Bengali Chicken curry recipe with a perfectly balanced dish. It is neither too sweet, sour or spicy. Image credits: iStock
7. Sali Marghi
Sali Marghi is an age-old Parsi preparation. Chicken cooked in a tangy tomato gravy and topped with crisp, fried potato strings. This can be a great side dish or even a delicious main dish at a dinner party when paired with rice.
8. Chicken Do Pyaaza
This recipe uses double the quantity of onions used in a regular curry, thus the name. A Punjabi favourite with freshly-made garam masala, ginger-garlic, kasoori methi, cream and a host of spices. The use of onion imparts a subtle sweetness which is balanced with a variety of spices. This chicken recipe is a delight for chicken lovers and also who loves spicy food.
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The spiciest chicken curry of them all! Don't blame us when you have fiery spices strolling down in tears but the taste buds aren't done yet. Image credits: iStock
9. Chicken Xacuti
Chicken Xacuti is a Goan delicacy. It is a very spicy curry with chicken chunks cooked in a medley of local flavours like coconut, cashews and white poppy-seeds. A distinct chicken curry recipe that will be best paired with rice for a dinner party.
10. Kolhapuri Chicken Curry
Kolhapuri cuisine is known to be spicy and full of flavour. This dish is no less, chicken curry cooked with a special Kolhapuri masala that uses bold flavours of peanut oil, bay leaf, black pepper and cloves. The unique flavour in this chicken curry comes from the fresh ground spices and grated coconut.
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11. Amritsari Chicken Masala
Saving the best for the last! An authentic Punjabi dish, Amritsari Chicken Masala is a delectable chicken recipe that is flavored with fresh cream, butter and fresh tomatoes. Hugely famous in Indian restaurants, you can easily cook this at home with our simple step by step recipe.
12. Al Hachi Chicken
13. Andhra Style Chicken Curry
Andhra cuisine is famous for being hot and fiery and this chicken curry is no less. Also known as Andhra Kodi Kura, this chicken recipe has a rich and thick curry full of spices, herbs and cashews.
14. Chicken Dabba Gosht
Chicken Dabba Gosht has it all - from macaroni to creamy juicy chicken to eggs bubbling in hot ghee, it is one of those rich and indulgent one-pot meals that send you slurping the moment you look at it.
15. Punjabi Lotus Stem Chicken Curry
16. Hyderabadi Green Chicken
This Hyderabadi green chicken is a popular recipe that is made during weddings and other special occasions. This recipe has a taste that we generally don't get to have in other chicken recipes. So, without a doubt, this one is a must try!
17. Irani Chicken Kadhai
In this recipe, the meat is cooked in a range of spices and gets an extra flavour from garlic and onion. This simple chicken meal goes well with a salad. You can also pair this with a buttery naan and enjoy!
18. Spicy Chicken Curry
This delicious spicy chicken curry is one of the easiest and quickest chicken recipes to make. It is full of flavours and goes well with roti or rice. This is going to be the highlight of a dinner party at home.
19. Kerala-Style Chicken Curry
Add a zest of luscious and creative flavours to your chicken curry. If you're struggling to decide what to cook for dinner, try this Kerala-style chicken curry recipe and we promise you won't be disappointed.
This is a delicious chicken curry which made with the goodness of potato and some whole spices. The combination of potatoes an chicken gives you a new flavour. You can pair this curry with roti or naan.
If you have been craving for a plate of chicken curry and rice, you know now how to dish out a plate at the comfort of your home and within a few minutes. It is simple and doesn't require much effort, and the flavours are sure to bowl you over. Most chicken recipes are quick and easy to prepare. Go on and try all of these to impress your friends and family.