Creamy Chicken Curry

Featured in Delicious Main Dish Recipes for Every Occasion.

This simplified chicken curry is ready in 30 minutes, combining curry powder, caramelized onions, and golden raisins for a mix of sweet and spiced flavors. Sour cream or yogurt creates a creamy sauce without hours of simmering. Perfect for busy days, it pairs great with rice or naan, and optional cilantro and almonds add a bright and crunchy touch.
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Updated on Wed, 30 Apr 2025 14:53:13 GMT
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Watching onions bubble away in a sizzling pan marks the beginning of something special - a curry that shows tasty food doesn't need hours to make. Over time, I've learned that building flavors smartly is key to a quick, delicious curry. This dish turns everyday items into a cozy meal that seems like it took all afternoon, when it really didn't.

I made this for friends who dropped by unexpectedly last week, and they couldn't believe how quickly I whipped it up while still delivering such amazing flavor. That's why this has become my go-to kitchen friend.

Key Components and Shopping Advice

  • Chicken: Go for thin breast pieces to cook quickly, or pick thighs for extra flavor
  • Curry Powder: Quality matters here. Give it a sniff - no strong aroma means it's time to buy fresh
  • Onions: Cut them thin and even so they cook at the same rate
  • Sour Cream: The full-fat kind works best, but you can swap in yogurt too
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Quick Curry Cooking Guide

Step 1:
Slice your chicken into even chunks about half an inch thick. Rub them with salt and a spoonful of curry powder until they're fully coated.
Step 2:
Get your pan hot, pour in some oil, and wait for it to glisten. Toss in your sliced onions and cook them until they're soft and see-through, around 5 minutes.
Step 3:
Sprinkle the rest of your curry powder over the onions and stir for half a minute until you can smell the spices. If you're using raisins, add them now so they get plump and juicy.
Step 4:
Move the onions to the side and lay your chicken pieces flat in the pan. Let them cook 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown.
Step 5:
Take out the chicken and mix sour cream or yogurt into the onions. Stir over medium-low heat, adding some water if it looks too thick.
Step 6:
Put the chicken back in, making sure it gets covered in sauce. Let everything bubble gently, tasting and adding more seasoning if needed.
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Elegant Presentation

Dish up your curry thoughtfully. Add any fancy touches right before you serve it. Fresh cilantro should look perky and green, and crunchy almonds should stay crisp. Pair with hot rice or soft naan bread.

Traditional Roots and Modern Twists

Old-school curries often cook for ages, but this version keeps those amazing flavors while fitting into busy lives. It shows how cooking can change with the times without losing what makes curry so good in the first place - that perfect mix of spices and that wonderful sauce.

Easy Flavor Switches

  • Throw in fast-cooking veggies like fresh spinach or frozen peas
  • Use shrimp instead of chicken for an even quicker dinner
  • Mix in some mango chutney for a sweet-sour kick
  • Try out different spice mixes like garam masala

Prep-Ahead Tricks

  • Cut your onions early and pop them in the fridge
  • Combine your spices so they're good to go
  • Prep and season chicken up to eight hours before cooking
  • Get nuts toasted for topping

Smart Food Planning

  • Buy curry powder in small amounts more often to keep it fresh
  • Keep some naan bread in your freezer for easy sides
  • Always have coconut milk or yogurt on hand
  • Make sure there's fresh cilantro in your fridge
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Leftover Smarts

Pop any extras in a sealed container and warm them up slowly, adding a splash of water or cream if the sauce gets too thick. The chicken stays juicy and the sauce stays smooth if you don't rush the reheating.

Setting Up Your Kitchen Right

Get everything ready before you start cooking. Measure out all your stuff, pick your pan, and have serving dishes nearby. This prep-first approach makes a quick dish feel relaxed and fun instead of rushed and stressful.

Wrapping Up

What's great about this curry is how it delivers big satisfaction without complicated steps. It shows that good cooking isn't always about time spent but about knowing your ingredients and methods. Whether you're feeding yourself after work or making dinner for family, this dish brings both nourishment and joy.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
Yes, just don't boil it to avoid curdling. Add cream for extra richness.
→ What's the best curry powder?
Yellow curry powder or garam masala. Use more or less based on your taste.
→ Are raisins necessary?
Nope! They add sweetness but it's still tasty without them.
→ What's the right chicken thickness?
Keep it at about 1/2 an inch. Slice or pound it thinner if needed.
→ What pairs well with this?
Rice works great, but naan or having it on its own is just as good.

Creamy Chicken Curry

Creamy, tender chicken cooked with curry powder and sour cream, ready in just 30 minutes. A simple, flavorful dish for any night!

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
20 Minutes
Total Time
30 Minutes

Category: Main Dish Recipes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Indian

Yield: 4 Servings

Dietary: Low-Carb, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

→ Main Ingredients

01 1 medium onion, sliced thin (around 2 cups)
02 1/3 cup golden raisins, optional
03 3 teaspoons curry powder or garam masala, split up
04 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into 1/2-inch thick pieces)
05 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil or coconut oil

→ Sauce & Seasonings

06 Fresh ground black pepper
07 Kosher salt
08 1 cup sour cream (or a mix of regular cream and yogurt)

→ Garnish

09 Chopped fresh cilantro
10 Toasted slivered almonds, optional

Instructions

Step 01

Slice chicken into small pieces, then sprinkle on salt and 1 teaspoon curry powder, massaging it into the meat.

Step 02

Cook onions in the oil till soft and clear. Toss in raisins (if using) and the remaining curry powder.

Step 03

Slide onions to one side and brown chicken for about 2-3 minutes per side. Move cooked chicken to a plate.

Step 04

Combine sour cream or yogurt blend in the same pan and warm it gently. If it's too thick, add some water. Avoid high heat if using yogurt.

Step 05

Put the chicken back in the pan. Coat it with the sauce, then sprinkle over cilantro and almonds if you'd like.

Notes

  1. Make sure chicken is around 1/2-inch thick slices.
  2. You can swap sour cream with yogurt if you prefer.
  3. When using yogurt, keep the sauce from boiling, or it may curdle.

Tools You'll Need

  • Big skillet
  • Meat tenderizer (if chicken needs to be flattened)

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Has dairy
  • Includes tree nuts (if almonds are used)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: ~
  • Total Fat: ~
  • Total Carbohydrate: ~
  • Protein: ~