Simple Indian Yogurt Chicken Curry with Fresh Aromatics

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A straightforward chicken curry featuring a vibrant blend of fresh onions, garlic, ginger, and green chili ground into a paste and simmered with yogurt. This indian-inspired curry ready in about 50 minutes pairs chicken breast, cut into chunks, plain yogurt, medium (150g) yellow onion, chopped for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 35 min Serves 4 Indian cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Place 1 medium chopped yellow onion, 5 peeled garlic cloves, 1 inch fresh peeled ginger, and 1 medium chopped green chili into a food processor. Pulse until coarsely ground into a thick paste.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat. Add the fresh paste and cook, stirring for 4 minutes until fragrant and the edges start to brown.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 tbsp ground cumin, 1 tbsp ground coriander, and 1 tsp turmeric powder. Cook the spices with the paste for 1 minute.
  4. Step 4: Add 600 g chicken breast chunks to the pan, stirring to coat with the spice mixture, and sauté for 5 minutes until the chicken begins to brown.
  5. Step 5: Lower heat to medium-low and whisk 3/4 cup plain yogurt until smooth. Slowly stir the yogurt into the chicken mixture.
  6. Step 6: Pour in 3/4 cup water and add 1 tsp salt. Cover and simmer gently for 20 minutes until the chicken is tender and the sauce thickens.
  7. Step 7: Remove from heat and sprinkle 3 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Simple Indian Yogurt Chicken Curry with Fresh Aromatics take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (15 min prep + 35 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Simple Indian Yogurt Chicken Curry with Fresh Aromatics?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep plain yogurt from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Simple Indian Yogurt Chicken Curry with Fresh Aromatics?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Simple Indian Yogurt Chicken Curry with Fresh Aromatics for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Simple Indian Yogurt Chicken Curry with Fresh Aromatics?

Indian curry like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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