If you love flavorful, comforting meals that make your kitchen smell amazing, curry chicken is always a winner. From creamy Indian curries to spicy Thai coconut versions, there’s a recipe for every craving. In this post, we’re rounding up 12 curry chicken recipes that are simple, delicious, and perfect for dinner any night of the week.
Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal-prepping for the week, or experimenting with international flavors, these curry chicken recipes will inspire you. Let’s dive in!
1. Classic Indian Chicken Curry
Nothing beats a traditional Indian curry. This version uses bone-in chicken, onions, tomatoes, garlic, ginger, and a mix of spices like turmeric, cumin, and coriander. Slow-cooked until the chicken is tender, it pairs beautifully with basmati rice or naan bread.
Pro Tip: Toast your spices in oil first to release their full flavor before adding liquids.
2. Thai Red Curry Chicken
If you love a little heat, Thai red curry chicken is a must. The curry paste, coconut milk, and fish sauce combine to make a creamy, slightly spicy sauce. Add bell peppers, bamboo shoots, and fresh basil for the perfect balance of flavor.
Serving Idea: Serve over jasmine rice or rice noodles for a cozy dinner.
3. Creamy Coconut Curry Chicken
This is a mild and creamy curry that’s perfect for kids or anyone who prefers a gentle spice level. Boneless chicken is simmered in coconut milk with curry powder, garlic, and onions until thick and rich.
Quick Hack: Use rotisserie chicken for an even faster dinner.
4. Slow Cooker Chicken Curry
Busy day? Let your slow cooker do the work. Add chicken, onions, garlic, curry paste, coconut milk, and veggies to the slow cooker in the morning. By dinnertime, you’ll have a rich, tender curry ready to enjoy.
Bonus: This recipe tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen.
5. Butter Chicken (Murgh Makhani)
One of the most famous Indian curries, butter chicken is rich, creamy, and slightly tangy thanks to yogurt-marinated chicken. The tomato-based sauce is blended with cream and butter for a silky finish.
Serving Tip: Pair with garlic naan or fluffy rice to soak up all that sauce.
6. Spicy Jamaican Curry Chicken
For a taste of the Caribbean, try Jamaican curry chicken. The spices are bold and fragrant, featuring allspice, scotch bonnet peppers, and curry powder. The chicken is stewed until fall-apart tender with potatoes and carrots.
Flavor Boost: Marinate the chicken in the curry spices for at least an hour before cooking.
7. Chicken Korma
Chicken korma is a mild, creamy curry with ground cashews or almonds blended into the sauce. It’s luxurious, nutty, and full of aromatic spices like cardamom and cinnamon.
Perfect Pairing: Serve with saffron rice for an extra-special meal.
8. Green Thai Curry Chicken
Thai green curry is bright, herbaceous, and a little spicier than its red counterpart. Made with green curry paste, coconut milk, lime leaves, and fresh basil, it’s perfect for anyone who loves fresh, zesty flavors.
Vegetable Add-Ins: Zucchini, eggplant, or baby corn work beautifully in this dish.
9. Instant Pot Chicken Curry
When you need curry in a hurry, the Instant Pot is your best friend. This version is ready in under 30 minutes but still has that slow-simmered taste. Just sauté your aromatics, add chicken and spices, lock the lid, and let the pressure cooker work its magic.
Time Saver: Use boneless thighs for maximum tenderness and flavor.
10. Japanese Chicken Curry
Japanese curry is milder and slightly sweet, making it perfect for the whole family. The curry roux creates a thick, stew-like sauce with carrots, potatoes, and onions.
Comfort Food Vibe: Serve with short-grain white rice for an authentic Japanese experience.
11. Yellow Curry Chicken with Vegetables
This curry gets its gorgeous golden color from turmeric. The mild spice profile makes it a crowd-pleaser. Add broccoli, peas, or spinach for a nutrient boost.
Meal Prep Idea: Make a big batch and store leftovers for quick weekday lunches.
12. Chicken Curry Soup
Turn your favorite curry into a cozy soup! This recipe uses shredded chicken, coconut milk, curry paste, and chicken broth to create a warm, comforting bowl.
Serving Suggestion: Top with fresh cilantro, lime juice, and a sprinkle of chili flakes for extra brightness.
Tips for Cooking the Best Curry Chicken
- Use Fresh Spices: Freshly ground spices make a huge difference in flavor.
- Don’t Skip the Aromatics: Garlic, ginger, and onions form the base of most great curries.
- Balance the Flavors: A squeeze of lime or a pinch of sugar can bring everything together.
- Let It Simmer: The longer the curry cooks, the deeper the flavors become.
- Customize the Heat: Adjust spice levels with chili peppers, hot sauce, or mild curry powder.
Final Thoughts on 12 Curry Chicken Recipes
With these 12 curry chicken recipes, you can explore flavors from India, Thailand, Jamaica, and beyond—all from the comfort of your kitchen. Whether you like it creamy, spicy, or mild, there’s a curry on this list for you.
Try one of these recipes this week, and you’ll quickly see why curry chicken is such a beloved dish worldwide. Don’t forget to serve with rice, naan, or your favorite flatbread to soak up every last drop of sauce.