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Indian Chicken Curry (Murgh Kari)

A flavorful and easy Indian chicken curry made with aromatic spices, tomatoes, and yogurt. Perfect with rice or naan.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 6
Course: Dinner, Lunch, Main Course
Cuisine: Asian, Indian, South Asian
Calories: 427
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pounds skinless boneless chicken breast
  • 2 teaspoons salt for seasoning chicken
  • 3 tablespoons cooking oil
  • 1½ cups chopped onion
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 1½ teaspoons minced fresh ginger
  • 1 tablespoon curry powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • 1 15-ounce can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 cup plain yogurt
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup water
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro divided
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Method
 

  1. Season chicken with 2 teaspoons salt. Heat oil in a large skillet and brown chicken on all sides. Remove and set aside.
  2. In the same skillet, cook onion, garlic, and ginger over medium heat until soft and translucent.
  3. Stir in curry powder, cumin, turmeric, coriander, cayenne, and 1 tablespoon water. Cook for 1 minute.
  4. Add crushed tomatoes, yogurt, 1 tablespoon cilantro, and 1 teaspoon salt. Mix well.
  5. Return chicken to the skillet. Add ½ cup water and bring to a boil.
  6. Sprinkle garam masala and remaining cilantro over the curry.
  7. Cover and simmer for about 20 minutes, until chicken is fully cooked.
  8. Finish with fresh lemon juice and serve hot.

Notes

  • Boneless chicken thighs can be used instead of chicken breast for a juicier and more flavorful curry.
  • Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to control the spice level according to your taste.
  • For a dairy-free version, replace yogurt with coconut milk.
  • Cook the spices briefly in oil to release their aroma and deepen the flavor of the curry.
  • This curry tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.
  • If the gravy becomes too thick, add a small amount of water while reheating.