This Indian Chicken Curry is a deeply flavorful, one-pot dish made with tender chicken simmered in spiced tomato-onion gravy — perfect with rice or naan for a cozy meal.
1½ lbs boneless chicken thighs, cut into chunks
2 tbsp oil or ghee
1 large onion, finely chopped
1 tbsp garlic, minced
1 tbsp ginger, grated
1½ cups crushed tomatoes
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp coriander
½ tsp turmeric
1 tsp chili powder (adjust to taste)
1 tsp salt
½ cup water
¼ cup plain yogurt or 2 tbsp cream (optional)
1 tsp garam masala
Chopped cilantro for garnish
Optional: bay leaf, whole cumin seeds
Sear chicken in 1 tbsp oil until lightly browned. Remove and set aside.
Add more oil, sauté onion until golden. Add garlic and ginger, cook 1–2 min.
Stir in spices and cook 30 seconds. Add tomatoes and simmer until thickened, 6–8 min.
Return chicken and add water. Simmer 15–20 minutes until chicken is tender.
Stir in yogurt or cream and garam masala. Simmer 3 more min.
Garnish with cilantro and serve with rice or naan.
Use thighs for the best flavor. Adjust chili to taste. Add cream or coconut milk for extra richness.