Tomato-Based Indian Chicken Curry with Aromatic Spices

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-06-24 · Updated 2026-06-24

Tender chicken pieces simmered in a rich tomato and onion sauce infused with traditional Indian spices for a flavorful, comforting curry. This Indian-inspired curry recipe, ready in about 50 minutes, pairs boneless chicken thighs, vegetable oil, onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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.

Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless chicken thighs
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 medium (150g), finely chopped onion
• 4, minced garlic cloves
• 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
• 1 tsp ground turmeric
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1/2 tsp red chili powder
• 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 cup (250 ml) tomato puree
• 1 cup (250 ml) water
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1/4 cup (optional for creaminess) plain yogurt

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Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add 1 medium finely chopped onion and sauté for 6-7 minutes until golden and soft.
2. Step 2: Stir in 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Step 3: Add 1 tsp ground turmeric, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground coriander, 1/2 tsp red chili powder, and 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon; stir for 30 seconds to toast spices.
4. Step 4: Add 1 lb boneless chicken thighs cut into 1-inch pieces, stirring to coat with the spice mixture, and cook for 5 minutes until lightly browned.
5. Step 5: Pour in 1 cup tomato puree and 1 cup water, add 1 tsp salt, and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 20 minutes until chicken is cooked through and sauce thickens.
6. Step 6: Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup plain yogurt if using, and garnish with 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro before serving.