Tomato-Based Indian Chicken Curry with Aromatic Spices

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

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 ready in about 50 minutes pairs boneless chicken thighs, vegetable oil, medium (150g), finely chopped 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 35 min Serves 4 Indian cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Tomato-Based Indian Chicken Curry with Aromatic Spices 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 Tomato-Based Indian Chicken Curry with Aromatic Spices?

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 boneless chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Tomato-Based Indian Chicken Curry with Aromatic Spices?

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 Tomato-Based Indian Chicken Curry with Aromatic Spices 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 Tomato-Based Indian Chicken Curry with Aromatic Spices?

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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